Walther PPS or Glock subcompact?

[Purplehood]

Isn't there a recall of PPS mentioned in the current edition of American Rifleman? Don't have it at work to verify.

[LarryH]

"all Walther PPK and PPK/S pistols manufactured from March 21, 2002, until Feb 3, 2009"

page 26

[casingpoint]

I don't have any personal experience with the Smith 3913, but if the NYPD has stuck with it as the carry weapon for it's detectives all these years, I reckon there are no major shortcomings with the pistol. That, and the fact NYPD runs only 124 grain Gold Dot ammo in them is what got my attention. The gun is probably around 10-12 lbs. DA trigger pull and 4 lbs. SA, unless they are modified for 100% DA action. I like the steel everything, I like the weight and I like that strong DA trigger pull on the first shot as a safety mechanism when locked and loaded, but uncocked. Since I train with a Smith 317 .22 caliber J frame with a 16 lb. trigger pull, I don't have a problem with heavy DA triggers. One of these days, I'm going to find one on gunbroker at the right price and have some more explaining to do to the little lady.

[A-R]

Did S&W make a similar-sized 9mm to the 3913 that had a regular hammer (not bobbed/hidden) that would allow the gun to be manually cocked into SA mode or even carried cocked & locked like a 1911? One of my "don't need it, but want it" guns is a S&W 4506 (the "Vic Mackey pistol" for those of you who are fans of "The Shield") and I've handled these at guns shows etc and they can be operated in this manner.

[philbo]

Owned the PPS in both 9 and 40... Both pistols were reliable and functioned as they should out of the box. The 40 had a lot more snap as expected and was recently traded as I prefer the 9mm, but I would have been happy handed either for a CCW.

My experience with the PPS is summarized here: http://www.txdpsa.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3897" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[A-R]

Re-animating this old post from April because I just fired a Walther PPS for the first time. It is a SWEET shootin little gun. I think I've made my decision, this is the gun I'm likely going to purchase when I get the funds.

Shot the gun at Lone Star Gun Range near Lockhart. Talked at length with John, one of the guys who works there. He warned me the trigger was a bit rough and heavy - not as nice as a Glock. He was right, the trigger on their particular range gun was stiffer than my Glock 23. But that didn't prohibit me from being nearly as accurate with the little PPS 9mm on first mag as I am with my Glock 23 (only shot the PPS at 7 yards).

I have felt some MUCH smoother triggers on PPS for sale at local shops. Seems the smoothness and crispness of the trigger varies a lot with PPS still, with those who love the gun commenting on smooth Glock-like trigger, and those who dislike and/or trade-in the PPS, saying the trigger is heavy and gritty. I'll just need to be sure to dry fire the actual gun I'll be buying to ensure I get a good one. Also proper detailed cleaning & lubing of the trigger mechanisms would probably help.

A month ago, I was ready to buy the Glock 27 if I found a deal on a good used one. But now I'm aiming at the PPS. A bit more money, but likely worth it for the particular job I want this gun to perform (tucked IWB carry). Anyone have any new rumors, personal experience, range reports to share about the PPS?

[mr.72]

The K-series Kahrs are larger than the PM series, correct? And thus larger in many ways than the J-frame revolvers. The steel-frame Kahr I considered after ditching my PM40 was the MK-series, which is basically identical barrel & slide to the PM series, but with a steel frame. In .40 these guns are 5+1 but in 9mm they do get 6+1. Just didn't seem a worthwhile difference over the J-frame to me - especially considering my Airweight 638 was $435 and a new MK9 or MK40 would set me back at least $600.

The PPS will set you back the same amount as a MK9 or K9.

The grip is longer on the K series than the MK/PM. The barrel is .6" longer. The slide is the same. The 9mm Kahrs are a teensy bit thinner than the .40s. Usually "The Gun Shop" over in Buttercup Creek has PF9s, CW9s, Glocks, and maybe even a PPS in stock so you can compare sizes. A K9 is the same size as a CW9 and a MK9 is the same size as a PM9.

Like I said before, I think your Kahr was a lemon. BTW, I think mine was too, but I carry it every day anyway. There are plenty of people with the same horror stories with a PPS as those you have reported with your Kahr.

For what you will pay for a PPS you could get both a Kahr CW9 and a Kel-Tec PF9 for backup :)

While you are at it, you might as well also consider the new Taurus Slim. Now there's about 5 sub-1" thickness 9mm semi-autos out there. It's a growing market.

That Smith 3913 is a whole different experience vs. a Kahr or Glock.

[HankB]

I had a dear friend tell me once that he hated to see the new Walthers come to the line for qualification in his CHL course. He knew immediately that he would be loaning someone a Glock 19 so they could complete the 50 round course.

When I was shooting more IDPA a number of people showed up with Walther P99s. They gradually switched to other pistols because of reliability issues. (Walther also has a reputation for dropping support for "legacy" pistols after they introduce new models.)

I suggest you consider a Kahr.

Thanks AEA. But I've "been there, done that" and will not do so again. I don't intend to demean a brand of firearms that many people believe in and use daily, but my experience with Kahr (a PM40) was horrible and I doubt I'll ever own one of their products again.

I hear you!! I had a Kahr P9 for a while . . . horrid little gun, with a multitude of problems. (Funny how people on this and other forums report problems, but NONE of the gun rags mention issues. Power of the advertising dollar?) Replaced the Kahr with a Glock 26, which isn't as neat a package, but it works. I carry it quite a bit.

My "always" gun is an S&W 340Sc.

[A-R]

The PPS will set you back the same amount as a MK9 or K9.
...
For what you will pay for a PPS you could get both a Kahr CW9 and a Kel-Tec PF9 for backup :)

Actually, GT Distributors here in Austin has Walther PPS for about $575 (Walther is one of the brands they are allowed to sell to civilians). They don't carry Kahr, but McBride's web site lists Kahr K and MK series at $679 for standard sights and $780 with night sites. CW9 is $400 and Kel Tec is $279. Of course, I think Kahr still provides two mags with a new gun, right? So that puts the price closer since a second mag for the Walther will set me back $50.

While you are at it, you might as well also consider the new Taurus Slim. Now there's about 5 sub-1" thickness 9mm semi-autos out there. It's a growing market.

That Smith 3913 is a whole different experience vs. a Kahr or Glock.

I like everything about the Taurus Slim, except for the trigger. Played with one at Academy, and trigger has too much take-up slack before the break for my tastes. I've heard great things about the single-action pull of the trigger on subsequent shots from people who've actually shot them, but that long take up on the first shot turns me off. Everything else about that gun is really nice though.

I do like seeing more sub-1" thickness pistols hitting the market. Keeps me hoping that we'll all be surprised one day by the announcement of Baby Glock "slim" in 9mm. Gotta keep hope alive.

Been looking around for a S&W 3913. Very hard to find, and the ones I've found seem to be asking a higher price than I'm willing to pay for a well-used gun (probably former LEO gun) - $450 - $550 range. Also, now that I've held a few (at gun shows when I find them) the slide seems almost as thick as my Glock.

[Mike from Texas]

It's no secret that I am a Glock fan. The PPS guns that I have handled have a HORRIBLE trigger feel. MAYBE it will clean up with several hundred rounds through it but I can't see it ever smoothing out as well as a Glock trigger does. There is also something to be said for having different weapons on the same basic platform. If you already carry the G23, then a G27 would be a no brainer for me. The holster you currently have will work. If not, then get a Comp-Tac MTAC with a Glock slide body. Also get the Velcro clips that go behind your belt. I have this setup and carry my Glock 29 to work every day and have only been suspected once, and it was by another CHL in my office. I have to dress business casual as well, meaning tucked in shirt. I have a G26 and it carries different than my G19. You shouldn't have any problems.

Another option would be to look at a pocket carry 9mm like the Kahr PM9.

ETA: I am seeing the Kahr PM9 at the local gun shows for around $500.

[A-R]

Well, today I made my decision. Bought the PPS. Good first range trip, report here ... http://www.texasshooting.com/TexasCHL_F ... 23&t=27509" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;