Other pistols that feel like a PPK?

B

Bob W

Joined
Dec 31, 2000
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I had the chance to handle (not shoot) a few pistols last week at some friends' houses.

Among them were a couple of modern lightweight synthetic pistols, a Glock and a similar Springfield. These were not only aesthetically unappealing ( :eek: ), but the grips were very bulky and unergonomic. Perhaps designed for people with much larger hands...

Another was a Walther P22. Bulky-looking and squared-off like a modern Glock, except way, way too small for my hands. I think only four fingers fitted on the grip.

Then there was the 1911. This thing felt like a very substantial firearm, and I liked the way it looked. But the handles are very large and I suspect my hand doesn't circumference enough of the grip to have good control.

My dream was a Walther PPK. The thing fit like a glove, wasn't plastic-y, and I heard it 'talk' to me.

So IF pistol shopping, what else should I look at? What might have a similar feel to the Walther?
 
I would say the Makarov PM, or one of the other PPK clones, such as the Bersa thunder 380. or if you're feeling adventurous the Daewoo DH380.
 
If you can find a Astra; Constable or A80; both were very Waltherish.....
 
Thanks. Some of those look very interesting, especially the Makarov. I wonder how common they are at gun shops...
 
I used to have a PPK and remember liking the grip. I also like the grip on the steel Kahrs. At least try one.
 
Go with you first choice, the PPK, its quality and style are worth the money IMHO.

I have fond memories of one of these in .22lr that was a joy to shoot. :thumbup:
 
Makarovs are really just a clone of the Walthers and offer really good value for the money. Try to get one in a .380 rather than the 9mm Makarov--they're available and the same magazine works for both calibers.
 
No matter how good it felt, I'd never willingly rely soley on a .380 for personal defense.

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Go with you first choice, the PPK, its quality and style are worth the money IMHO.
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Yeah I probably will, it really did 'talk' to me. But I hate to buy anything without really shopping around first. You probably know how it is for us Gadgets and Gear guys...

Second, I'd also prefer something in a larger caliber, like a .44 or .45; I'm accustomed to 30.06 and .12 gauge. ;)
 
Frequently, the PPK will bite the hand that holds it. Rent or borrow one first to see if it'll chew up your hand.

One thing about the 1911 is you can modify it to fit YOUR hand. By putting on thin grips, a flat or arched mainspring housing and a short, medium or long trigger.

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The slim grips on my 1911 even fit my wife's hands. Single-stack magazine + slim grips mean the total circumference of the grip, just below the trigger guard, is only 5.5 inches. Try it out.

I have to admit, there's something alluring about the Walther, despite its flaws...
 
I have quite a few real pistols, but I have one of those co-2 guns that are a perfect clone of the original and it's a Walther PPK... and man, that thing fits my hand perfect. The next pistol I get will be a PPK.
 
holygoat said:
The slim grips on my 1911 even fit my wife's hands. Single-stack magazine + slim grips mean the total circumference of the grip, just below the trigger guard, is only 5.5 inches. Try it out.
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I'll look into that. The 1911 that I held had some rather thick wooden grips. Looked nice...

I have to admit, there's something alluring about the Walther, despite its flaws...
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Care to elaborate?
I was under the impression that the Walther PPK had a very good reputation, and has been produced for many years. When I get the chance to shoot one, I'd like to know what to be looking for specifically.

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I love the Ruger Mark II also, used to shoot one when I was younger. The thumb stud on the clip was a PITA, but that thing could shoot straight! Not interested in a .22 though.
 
Get a PPK/S which has the longer frame from the PP, buy some Pachmyr wraparound grips and cut away the wraparound part so that you just have the scales. Works like a charm. For those that are interested, this is also an excellent fix for the squarish wooden grips or cheap plastic grips found on most Hi Powers. You are essentially putting thin, rounded 1911 style grips on the thing like it should have had to begin with and at a fairly cheap price.
 
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