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1/27/2016 6:59:48 PM EDT
This is where I am at with pocket guns. Need something light and easy to carry that can always be on me. Criteria: Metal frame, small enough for most any pockets.



PPK ~$650














Pros:




-Full stainless steel




-Reloads via magazine




-DA/SA for easier follow up shots




-Greater capacity




-Dimensionally a little smaller (negligible?)





Cons:




-5-6 oz heavier

-More expensive




-Unsure when the new ones will become available




-First production run guns can have unknown problems

-.380 is arguably less effective than 38 sp.






442 Pro ~$400





Pros:

-Better established track record




-Great known reliability




-5-6 oz lighter




-No thumb safety to worry about

-Better caliber






Cons:




-Quick reloads are doubtful




-Possibly less longevity due to alloy frame
-Low capacity




-Cylinder bulge can be hard to hide in pocket










What do you think? Am I missing anything that could sway me one way or the other? Any other guns I should be looking at that fit these criteria?





 

 
1/27/2016 7:22:07 PM EDT
[#1]
I had a PPK 30 years ago that wouldn't feed HPs so I would go with the 442.
I like my LCP and my P380.
1/27/2016 7:31:25 PM EDT
[#2]
Just get a LCP and some XTP's.
1/27/2016 7:32:45 PM EDT
[#3]
442
The PPK is a heavy dinosaur.
1/27/2016 7:34:23 PM EDT
[#4]

Quote History
Quoted:


442

The PPK is a heavy dinosaur.
View Quote
Yeah. The PPK is nice but I will admit it is a little heavy.

 
1/27/2016 7:34:49 PM EDT
[#5]

Quote History
Quoted:


Just get a LCP and some XTP's.
View Quote
I have chosen to stick to a metal frame for this purchase.

 
1/27/2016 7:40:28 PM EDT
[#6]
442.
1/27/2016 8:01:12 PM EDT
[#7]
You ever shot an alloy frame subcompact revolver? They are stout (brutal) on the recoil(the air weight .357 made me a flinch master after 1 shot). with .38 it was still pretty un fun.
1/27/2016 8:03:02 PM EDT
[#8]
1.  a good leather belt.
2. a simply rugged pancake holster
3. 442 pro

pretty much one of my exact carries but i have the 340pd
1/27/2016 8:12:29 PM EDT
[#9]

Quote History
Quoted:


You ever shot an alloy frame subcompact revolver? They are stout (brutal) on the recoil(the air weight .357 made me a flinch master after 1 shot). with .38 it was still pretty un fun.
View Quote
Yeah I used to own a 442 but I sold it off for a larger semi auto. Not the most fun to shoot but I do a lot more carrying than shooting these days. They do have some kick.

 
1/27/2016 8:15:36 PM EDT
[#10]
I carried several Walthers over the years, a Interarms PPK/s, a Manhurin PP and a SS Walther PPK.  The PPK/PP series are prone to light primer strikes plus the DA trigger pull is very heavy and difficult for novice shooters.   The PPK/PPKs/PP have significant recoil since they are a blow back action.  

I bought a Glock 42 after they were released and to me it is the best 380 for it's size on the market.  The Glock is comparable in size to the PPK but is lighter, has less recoil and the Safe Action trigger makes the Glock 42 easier to shoot.  If your serious about carrying a compact 380 you really should shoot the Glock 42.  I put Trijicon HD tritium sights on my Glock 42 and even the sights are easier to change on the Glock.  To me the Walther PPK/PP is a firearms classic which emerged in the late 1930's, a great gun but for daily use I think there are better options today.  

If your serious about a metal frame DA/SA 380 look at the Sig 232 380 but I feel it is inferior to the Glock 42 (my 42 has been completely reliable).
1/27/2016 8:21:54 PM EDT
[#11]

Quote History
Quoted:


You ever shot an alloy frame subcompact revolver? They are stout (brutal) on the recoil(the air weight .357 made me a flinch master after 1 shot). with .38 it was still pretty un fun.
View Quote
Pansy...

 



Love my 342





1/27/2016 8:28:13 PM EDT
[#12]

Quote History
Quoted:


I carried several Walthers over the years, a Interarms PPK/s, a Manhurin PP and a SS Walther PPK.  The PPK/PP series are prone to light primer strikes plus the DA trigger pull is very heavy and difficult for novice shooters.   The PPK/PPKs/PP have significant recoil since they are a blow back action.  



I bought a Glock 42 after they were released and to me it is the best 380 for it's size on the market.  The Glock is comparable in size to the PPK but is lighter, has less recoil and the Safe Action trigger makes the Glock 42 easier to shoot.  If your serious about carrying a compact 380 you really should shoot the Glock 42.  I put Trijicon HD tritium sights on my Glock 42 and even the sights are easier to change on the Glock.  To me the Walther PPK/PP is a firearms classic which emerged in the late 1930's, a great gun but for daily use I think there are better options today.  



If your serious about a metal frame DA/SA 380 look at the Sig 232 380 but I feel it is inferior to the Glock 42 (my 42 has been completely reliable).
View Quote
I like the looks of the 232 a lot and seeing that it is a sig I am sure it is great but is it not discontinued?

 
1/27/2016 8:56:57 PM EDT
[#13]





Been carrying a 442 Moonclip for nearly two years now.  I shoot a lot of revolver so it made sense to carry one too.  Recently picked up an Remington RM380.  It's a nice gun, run several hundred round though it so far with no issue.  More accurate than I would have expected.
1/27/2016 9:41:30 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote History
Quoted:
Pansy...  

Love my 342


http://i.imgur.com/Wemt9SB.jpg
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
You ever shot an alloy frame subcompact revolver? They are stout (brutal) on the recoil(the air weight .357 made me a flinch master after 1 shot). with .38 it was still pretty un fun.
Pansy...  

Love my 342


http://i.imgur.com/Wemt9SB.jpg


cant see the photo; but you locate a bear load of .357 and shoot it then call me a pansy (IF after 2 days your typing hand still works... )
1/27/2016 9:58:05 PM EDT
[#15]
442. I normally carry a 642 but recently started pocket carrying a Glock 26.
1/27/2016 10:00:34 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote History
Quoted:
442
The PPK is a heavy dinosaur.
View Quote


+1
1/27/2016 10:04:37 PM EDT
[#17]
I certainly would like to see a side-by-side comparison photo of the PPK, a J Frame, and the Glock .380.  

I'm having trouble visualizing the relative size of the Glock.
1/27/2016 10:23:47 PM EDT
[#18]

Quote History
Quoted:


I certainly would like to see a side-by-side comparison photo of the PPK, a J Frame, and the Glock .380.  



I'm having trouble visualizing the relative size of the Glock.
View Quote
I would like to see that too. I think the glock and the ppk would be pretty close in size.

 
1/27/2016 10:40:50 PM EDT
[#19]
342 for ankle carry....!

If recoil is a problem I'd prescribe more push-ups
1/27/2016 11:27:11 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote History
Quoted:
I like the looks of the 232 a lot and seeing that it is a sig I am sure it is great but is it not discontinued?  
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
I carried several Walthers over the years, a Interarms PPK/s, a Manhurin PP and a SS Walther PPK.  The PPK/PP series are prone to light primer strikes plus the DA trigger pull is very heavy and difficult for novice shooters.   The PPK/PPKs/PP have significant recoil since they are a blow back action.  

I bought a Glock 42 after they were released and to me it is the best 380 for it's size on the market.  The Glock is comparable in size to the PPK but is lighter, has less recoil and the Safe Action trigger makes the Glock 42 easier to shoot.  If your serious about carrying a compact 380 you really should shoot the Glock 42.  I put Trijicon HD tritium sights on my Glock 42 and even the sights are easier to change on the Glock.  To me the Walther PPK/PP is a firearms classic which emerged in the late 1930's, a great gun but for daily use I think there are better options today.  

If your serious about a metal frame DA/SA 380 look at the Sig 232 380 but I feel it is inferior to the Glock 42 (my 42 has been completely reliable).
I like the looks of the 232 a lot and seeing that it is a sig I am sure it is great but is it not discontinued?  




I just checked looks like Sig did discontinue the P232, I checked GB and they still listed a few P232 and several P230's.  Several LEO friends carried the Sig P230 as a backup or off duty and the ones I shot were really good.  The P230/232 are are bigger than a PPK and closer to the size of the Walther PP.
1/27/2016 11:32:36 PM EDT
[#21]

Quote History
Quoted:
I just checked looks like Sig did discontinue the P232, I checked GB and they still listed a few P232 and several P230's.  Several LEO friends carried the Sig P230 as a backup or off duty and the ones I shot were really good.  The P230/232 are are bigger than a PPK and closer to the size of the Walther PP.

View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:



Quoted:


Quoted:

I carried several Walthers over the years, a Interarms PPK/s, a Manhurin PP and a SS Walther PPK.  The PPK/PP series are prone to light primer strikes plus the DA trigger pull is very heavy and difficult for novice shooters.   The PPK/PPKs/PP have significant recoil since they are a blow back action.  



I bought a Glock 42 after they were released and to me it is the best 380 for it's size on the market.  The Glock is comparable in size to the PPK but is lighter, has less recoil and the Safe Action trigger makes the Glock 42 easier to shoot.  If your serious about carrying a compact 380 you really should shoot the Glock 42.  I put Trijicon HD tritium sights on my Glock 42 and even the sights are easier to change on the Glock.  To me the Walther PPK/PP is a firearms classic which emerged in the late 1930's, a great gun but for daily use I think there are better options today.  



If your serious about a metal frame DA/SA 380 look at the Sig 232 380 but I feel it is inferior to the Glock 42 (my 42 has been completely reliable).
I like the looks of the 232 a lot and seeing that it is a sig I am sure it is great but is it not discontinued?  

I just checked looks like Sig did discontinue the P232, I checked GB and they still listed a few P232 and several P230's.  Several LEO friends carried the Sig P230 as a backup or off duty and the ones I shot were really good.  The P230/232 are are bigger than a PPK and closer to the size of the Walther PP.

It's too bad. Look like nice guns

 
1/27/2016 11:37:17 PM EDT
[#22]
No takers on the PPK eh? Wonder how long Walther will keep that in production. They're going to need to drum up some interest to make any money off it.
1/27/2016 11:52:08 PM EDT
[#23]
I went to google and entered comparison photo of Walther PPK and Glock 42.  A couple of good photos came up, I'd post them here but my internet connection isn't letting me up load the pictures to photobucket.
1/28/2016 12:03:03 AM EDT
[#24]

Quote History
Quoted:


I went to google and entered comparison photo of Walther PPK and Glock 42.  A couple of good photos came up, I'd post them here but my internet connection isn't letting me up load the pictures to photobucket.
View Quote
Yeah. PPK appears just a hair bigger. Obviously heavier though.

 
1/28/2016 2:48:49 AM EDT
[#25]
I had to vote other.



I do not trust modern PPK's reliability wise.  If you get one, get one made by Manurhin.  The ones made by S&W were really bad.  I had to send mine back in to be destroyed and replaced.  




I think the Ruger LCR is superior to the J-frame.  I prefer it because it is lighter, has a better trigger, is a little bit softer recoiling, the sights line up (J-frames can have misaligned sights if the barrel is misaligned), and I like Ruger's cylinder release better.  
1/28/2016 8:54:31 AM EDT
[#26]
442 or S&W SHIELD
1/28/2016 9:16:50 AM EDT
[#27]
Of your choices the 442.

Also look at the Sig 238 for metal frame but if you can handle one you need shoot a Glock 42.
1/28/2016 5:45:34 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote History
Quoted:
The PPK/PP series are prone to light primer strikes plus the DA trigger pull is very heavy and difficult for novice shooters.   The PPK/PPKs/PP have significant recoil since they are a blow back action.  

View Quote


This right here.  The direct blow back action makes a 380 feel like a 40 in a small gun.  The DA is indeed very heavy which amplifies the recoil even more.

The PPK is a sexy gun and looks awesome. It's just too much form and not enough function IMO.

The other problem I have with PPKs is once in a while I'd get some hammer bite on the web between my thumb and finger. It was quite painful. This tends to happen more when shooting from DA as the extra trigger pull force pushed the gun back into the web of your hand more.  I have larger hands but, I wouldn't describe them as meaty.

442 all the way.  I have a 442 and it pocket carries like a dream.



1/29/2016 6:03:58 AM EDT
[#29]
I didn't click your poll as it doesn't have either as a selection.

I've both a J-frame 642 and a PPK/S. I'm comfortable with either though I use and carry the PPK/S right handed (I'm left) because of the decocker. I'm used to using either hand and I do when I use some of my twins like Vaqueros and such. I've not a large build so printing can be an issue. Normally what dictates which to carry depends on how I am dressed. Loose heavy clothes, large pockets or loose pant legs for ankle carry then the 642. When I can use a Galco executive shoulder holster for the PPK/S.

I keep Hornady's XTP's in the 642 but have an extra 10 S&B FMJ's for reloads. If possible to reload, after those first five, I'd prefer penetration.

The PPK/S uses S&B's .380 FMJ. It's a S&W with the extended beaver tail so I don't get the bite with it as in the older design. Also the feed ramps have been highly polished. I thought that most of their feeding issues I've read about was based on the ramps so they've been polished smooth.

I like S&B's obviously for FMJ. I think the Euro brands are a bit hotter then most.

Neither has ever FTF or in the case of the PPK/S FTE. I'm confident with placement for both. I normally get all blacks, rapid at the ten yard.

1/29/2016 4:03:48 PM EDT
[#30]
I voted for the 442 only because you pushed me to buy one in my thread.

Still waiting for the jerks to ship it, I want my J Frame back!
1/29/2016 4:06:55 PM EDT
[#31]

Quote History
Quoted:


I voted for the 442 only because you pushed me to buy one in my thread.



Still waiting for the jerks to ship it, I want my J Frame back!
View Quote
It's your thread that inspired me to buy another one. Really missed the old one I had. I hope you like yours. Where'd you order yours? I'll probably get the 442 pro any day now.

 
1/29/2016 4:07:06 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote History
Quoted:
442
The PPK is a heavy dinosaur.
View Quote


Very heavy for pocket carry. And mine wasn't very reliable. I had an FEG PPK clone that was more reliable.
1/29/2016 4:09:36 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote History
Quoted:
It's your thread that inspired me to buy another one. Really missed the old one I had. I hope you like yours. Where'd you order yours? I'll probably get the 442 pro any day now.  
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
I voted for the 442 only because you pushed me to buy one in my thread.

Still waiting for the jerks to ship it, I want my J Frame back!
It's your thread that inspired me to buy another one. Really missed the old one I had. I hope you like yours. Where'd you order yours? I'll probably get the 442 pro any day now.  


Buds. Ordered it Tuesday so it hasn't been forever but c'mon, takes seconds to take my money but days to send it out.
1/29/2016 4:14:44 PM EDT
[#34]

Quote History
Quoted:
Buds. Ordered it Tuesday so it hasn't been forever but c'mon, takes seconds to take my money but days to send it out.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:



Quoted:


Quoted:

I voted for the 442 only because you pushed me to buy one in my thread.



Still waiting for the jerks to ship it, I want my J Frame back!
It's your thread that inspired me to buy another one. Really missed the old one I had. I hope you like yours. Where'd you order yours? I'll probably get the 442 pro any day now.  




Buds. Ordered it Tuesday so it hasn't been forever but c'mon, takes seconds to take my money but days to send it out.
That's where I am going to get mine too if I decide to jump on it. I called my local guy and he couldn't get one for me but he offered me a standard 642 for $480. No thanks.

 
1/29/2016 4:19:26 PM EDT
[#35]
Sig 938, PPS, any J frame or a LCR.
PPK nope. If you must you have a large 380 you would be better served by a cz-82 83 or beretta in 380
1/29/2016 4:22:09 PM EDT
[#36]
You could really tune someone up with a all steel J frame.
1/29/2016 4:22:16 PM EDT
[#37]

Quote History
Quoted:


Sig 938, PPS, any J frame or a LCR.

PPK nope. If you must you have a large 380 you would be better served by a cz-82 83 or beretta in 380
View Quote
Thanks. Like the beretta but it looks a little large for the pocket. Significantly larger/longer than the 442 from what i have seen. Have you seen one in person?

 
1/29/2016 4:47:35 PM EDT
[#38]

Quote History
Quoted:


You could really tune someone up with a all steel J frame.
View Quote
Wish they still made the all steel ones wirhout the lock

 
1/29/2016 5:07:19 PM EDT
[#39]
The PPK is only the right answer if it's 1938 and you have a pallet load of .380 sitting around.
1/29/2016 6:05:15 PM EDT
[#40]
Ruger SP101. It weighs in about the same as a PPK and is much more powerful. The weight helps control recoil with 357 and heavy 38 loads.
1/29/2016 10:02:33 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote History
Quoted:
You could really tune someone up with a all steel J frame.
View Quote


Without ammo.

Cheers!
-JC
1/30/2016 10:26:41 AM EDT
[#42]
If you are thinking about a PPK I recommend that you only consider one in 7.65 Browning/ 32 ACP.  I never seen a 380 PPK that was 100% reliable.  I have a European made PPK in 7,65 (32 ACP) that has never had any problems.  The 32 ACP PPK  feels like you are shooting a 22lr when you fire it, and you can easily double tap a target.  I know the 32 ACP is not ideal, but it was used by European Police and was the back up gun(BUG) for the SAS/SBS.  European Police agencies were taught to double tap head shot when deadly force was necessary. Having said that, I have a FEG 380 that is almost the same size as the PPK that is totally reliable.  It has an aluminum frame and can be found used for about $250.00 and is 100% head and shoulders a better built weapon than any USA produced PPK ( Interarms Ranger or S&W produced).  I now pocket cary a Ruger LCP in 380.

Regards
1/30/2016 12:42:42 PM EDT
[#43]
I prefer automatics for most everything but the J-frame will always have a role for me. I love my 442. I would pick a Shield or Kahr CM9 over the PPK.
2/7/2016 11:53:41 AM EDT
[#44]
I like my ppk/s and shoot it well. It chews my hand up badly though. I carry my j frame much more. I carry a p3at most of all.