I have an urge to get a European 380 with double/single action. I have never had a chance to fire either of these two guns. How do they compare for casual shooting and occasional concealed carry? I realize there are cheaper clones from other European countries, but let's keep this simple with only these two brands for now. Thanks.
Compare Walther PPK 380 and Mauser HSC 380
- Thread starter cjwils
- Start date
Both guns were designed as .32s, and are at their best in that caliber.
The Walther is a stronger design. It will stand up to the .380. It's not a lot of fun to shoot in .380, but it will last. The PPK/S is a slightly better choice, in my opinion, as the grip is slightly longer, allowing a better purchase. The PP has the same grip length as the PPK/S, and a longer slide.
The Mauser is more delicate. I would stick to .32 in that one, there are reports that the .380 will wear much faster.
I know you would like to stick to those two for now, but what would the internet be if people followed rules ?
In my opinion, when it comes to a choice between Walther or Mauser (or SIG/Sauer) Beretta makes the best .380s
The Walther is a stronger design. It will stand up to the .380. It's not a lot of fun to shoot in .380, but it will last. The PPK/S is a slightly better choice, in my opinion, as the grip is slightly longer, allowing a better purchase. The PP has the same grip length as the PPK/S, and a longer slide.
The Mauser is more delicate. I would stick to .32 in that one, there are reports that the .380 will wear much faster.
I know you would like to stick to those two for now, but what would the internet be if people followed rules ?
In my opinion, when it comes to a choice between Walther or Mauser (or SIG/Sauer) Beretta makes the best .380s
Here is my Beretta 84. I got it for... I don't remember... less than $300 I think. It is military surplus and has a lot of holster wear. I don't think it was shot a whole bunch. It works perfectly. The magazines are easy to get, IIRC. I think someone would have to have very small hands for the grip to be too thick for them. CDI Sales usually has a bunch of surplus ones for sale. You can look at pictures of the actual gun you are buying. The more worn-looking ones are, of course, cheaper. (Currently they are running from $245 to $325.)
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The plastic grip panels for the 85 are thicker than those for the 84. I don't recall much difference at the widest points, but the 85 has more of an oval foot print, and the 85 is more squared, so the 85 feels thinner. It has been some years since I compared them, but that is my recollection.
As far as CCW goes my preference swings back to the Walthers.
Beretta 84 vs Walther PPK/S
Had a few but the one that sticks in my mind is an original Remington M51 ! The delayed blowback action is noticeably softer recoil. Very slim for great concealed carry .Sights are a bit small if you need them.
The HSc was the one I used the most .I did do some trigger mods on it.
The oldest was a CZ24 with rotating barrel. If you come across an oldie remember parts may not be available .
The HSc was the one I used the most .I did do some trigger mods on it.
The oldest was a CZ24 with rotating barrel. If you come across an oldie remember parts may not be available .
Dfariswheel
New member
Between the Walther and the Mauser, I'd recommend the Walther.
First, "most" people think the Walther grip fits and feels better then the Mauser.
Due to the far longer production life, you'll have no trouble finding Walther spare parts and especially magazines.
Quality magazines for the Mauser are pretty much unavailable, especially factory name brand.
Not many after market grips were ever made for the Mauser, but there are plenty of grips for the Walther.
There are few if any holsters made today for the Mauser but plenty for the Walther.
The Walther has more features then the Mauser like the loaded chamber indicator and the hammer dropping safety system.
The Mauser has an odd slide stop system in which the slide locks open when an empty magazine or NO magazine is in it and the slide is opened.
To close the slide you have to insert a loaded or unloaded magazine.
The Walther is much more intuitive in this regard.
If it makes any difference, the Walther can be had in stainless and in the PPK or PPK/s versions.
The Walther is famed for superior accuracy due to the fixed barrel.
Due to the quality and features the Walther is the .380 version of the 1911 pistol. No one else ever quite managed to pack so much into so small a package at that level of quality.
First, "most" people think the Walther grip fits and feels better then the Mauser.
Due to the far longer production life, you'll have no trouble finding Walther spare parts and especially magazines.
Quality magazines for the Mauser are pretty much unavailable, especially factory name brand.
Not many after market grips were ever made for the Mauser, but there are plenty of grips for the Walther.
There are few if any holsters made today for the Mauser but plenty for the Walther.
The Walther has more features then the Mauser like the loaded chamber indicator and the hammer dropping safety system.
The Mauser has an odd slide stop system in which the slide locks open when an empty magazine or NO magazine is in it and the slide is opened.
To close the slide you have to insert a loaded or unloaded magazine.
The Walther is much more intuitive in this regard.
If it makes any difference, the Walther can be had in stainless and in the PPK or PPK/s versions.
The Walther is famed for superior accuracy due to the fixed barrel.
Due to the quality and features the Walther is the .380 version of the 1911 pistol. No one else ever quite managed to pack so much into so small a package at that level of quality.
I agree with Dfariswheel that the odd slide lockback system of the Mausers* (and a few copies) tends to lead to confusion. That is no problem with a gun that will be a collection piece or a range gun, but could be bad when the situation is more serious. For that reason alone, I would rule out the HSc for a carry gun.
It is also true that both guns were designed around the .32 ACP (7.65mm Browning) and don't always function well with .380 ACP, which was effectively mandated by the GCA '68, since the .32 versions could not achieve the "points" needed for import.
Jim
*The system was carried over from the Mauser Model 1910/1914/1934 pistols; it was designed for a very fast reload, but that advantage is, IMHO, outweighed by its disadvantages.
JK
It is also true that both guns were designed around the .32 ACP (7.65mm Browning) and don't always function well with .380 ACP, which was effectively mandated by the GCA '68, since the .32 versions could not achieve the "points" needed for import.
Jim
*The system was carried over from the Mauser Model 1910/1914/1934 pistols; it was designed for a very fast reload, but that advantage is, IMHO, outweighed by its disadvantages.
JK