Walther PPK
 

Hey Everyone,

My friend and I are turning 21 in about two months. He asked if I'd be interested in buying matching pistols with him. These won't be our first pistols, and we have no real need other than an excuse to buy a pistol. He has his heart set on a Walther PPK in .380ACP. This will be for target as well as concealed carry use. Does anyone have any experience with this pistol? Also, what price should we expect to be paying? Thanks
-Jake
http://www.waltherpistols.com/catego..._Handguns.aspx

I'm not familiar enough with the PPK itself one way or the other to make a recommendation.

I do carry a .380 on occasion, and lately I can tell you it's NOT because ammunition is so plentiful and cheap. It's quite the opposite. I'm guessing that you mean "plinking" rather than "target" use? (most .380s aren't known for their accuracy). If that's the case, I'd suggest you go with a 9mm or a .40. Not as concealable, but far better ammunition availability.

IMHO, Walther makes a expensive, overly heavy out of dated firearm in a ppk. It was in its time a fine example of a firearm. But its time is way past.
Like the German Luger, the Walther has a mystic quality about it. James Bond carried one.But, much more can be had cheaper and as good a quality, especially in a 380.
Ruger, Kel Tec, make a modern, lite weight 380. Easy to conceal, reliable firearm, as well as many others. It is not the best "target gun". In this day age, the shells are rather expensive and it likes much as a hunting gun.
You say, you have other guns. A Walther would make a nice, but expensive, addition to a shoot little, but admire piece. Of course, as always IMHO only.
As interesting reading, Jeff Cooper had published a soft cover magazine covering cartridges and hand guns than remains today a definitive work. If you can find one. Most questions one can think of regarding handguns are covered. And fascinating reading.

Check out the Walther PPS before you make your decision. A little more bang for the buck. Available in 9mm and 40 S&W this is a well balanced, dependable handgun for conceal-carry. I carry a Kimber CDP on most occasions, but have recently stated to carry the PPS because of the smaller package and less bulk.