My son is turning 21 next month and really wants a Walther. PPK has been his choice although he is waffling a bit on which Walther now.

He's in his Junior year of college (accounting) but works 2 days a week at a tractor/lawnmower/farm equipment/ duck boat dealership as a gopher/go for.

I am a bit ignorant of Walther even though my dad carried a .380 for years as a pocket pistol. My suggestions to my son? I've always been get a Sig 1st kind of dad. After that on my list is Glock, Springfield Armory, Baretta, and HK. I feel all these are bet your life on brands.

Need some corporate wisdom from the THF here. Help a dad out pls.

I owned a Walther PPK during my "James Bond" phase of life. It is good little gun, but not practical. The 9mm is better than the .380 and the PPK is limited in capacity. I would look at the Sig P365 and M&P Shield Plus.

Yeah, his big brother carries a Sig 365 micro and Mrs RayBob carries a Hellcat as do I.

The Walther PPK is a well made pistol that has stood the test of time. They have been around since the 1930’s. Double single blow back action. Safety with de-cocker and a visible chambered round indicator makes it a very safe pistol to carry. They also have the reputation of being good shooting pistols. The pistol will belong to your son. Buy him the one he likes. The PPK-S (stainless) is sweet. It will hold up to everyday carry and still look good for a very long time. For most of us, a 380 is adequate as a carry pistol, unless you are a very small guy that feels the need to crush everything. The average joe does not need maximum firepower or to prepare for a firefight. The 380 will work fine to get somebody off you if heaven forbid, the need arises. Being on the small side, from my experience, it is something that is not a PIA to carry. PPK is a sweet little pistol.

Good stuff

The only issue I had with the PPK was if your grip is a bit high on the frame the sharp bottom side of the slide will chew up the web of your hand. Otherwise an all steel pistol that has been around a long time.

I have had PP and PPK and like them both. 2 ladies now have those pistols as they felt they needed something and shot them very well. I agree with Smokey Bear they are a good choice, I think if a young person wanted to carry one for life that could be a good one that would last for that.

Yes there are others that would be better in a fire fight but it would dang sure beat nothing. Find one he can shoot along with others if he has not just to verify before buying.

PPK are solid... the one I have in 380 is my go-to carry. I alternate between that and a large frame 9mm depending on what I'm doing and where I'm carrying... as some have pointed out before, it doesn't matter the caliber if you don't shoot it well...

That slide bite stings, and drew blood more than once when I had it. You can hold it in a gun shop but until you shoot it, you just won't truly know.

Good to know

I had the same issue with the similarly sized Sig 232.

You can stay with Walther but I would PDP

https://waltherarms.com/pdp-full-size-4/

I’ve owned 3 PPK’s

Solid…and if that’s what he wants and I was his dad id have no hesitations

I personally think there’s better options out there but it doesn’t matter what I want

Yeah, that's what I'm coming to grips with.

My first compact was a PPK. The “Bond Effect” got me.
It was sturdy but heavy, clunky, and the tolerances on mine were wonky it seemed. Tight in some areas and loose in others. I sold it pretty quickly. This was back in the 80s.

My guess is your son will grow tired of it, but no harm in letting him see for himself.

got a James Bond gun in .32 and a newer model in .380. Sent you a PM