Comparision of SIG P232 vs. Walther PPK
- Thread starter sks
- Start date
) in the typical SIG location.It will also come down to whether you want a quality pistol or a piece of crap. Unless you can find a German-made model, avoid the PPK like the plague.
I had an American-made PPK/S -- for about a month -- that had so many serious malfunctions that I couldn't even get 100 rounds through. When a dealer offered me $335 for it (I paid $399 for it new), I jumped on it. The American-made PPKs, which may be all you can find new, are like Porsches: They look great in the showroom, but you'd better know a good mechanic.
In contrast, I've heard very few bad things about the Sig.
You also might check out the Bersa Thunder .380. It's a PPK clone that is supposed to be very good, and it costs less than half what the PPK does. In fact, I just bought one myself last weekend -- $178 NIB -- and I plan to take it to the range tomorrow.
I had an American-made PPK/S -- for about a month -- that had so many serious malfunctions that I couldn't even get 100 rounds through. When a dealer offered me $335 for it (I paid $399 for it new), I jumped on it. The American-made PPKs, which may be all you can find new, are like Porsches: They look great in the showroom, but you'd better know a good mechanic.
In contrast, I've heard very few bad things about the Sig.
You also might check out the Bersa Thunder .380. It's a PPK clone that is supposed to be very good, and it costs less than half what the PPK does. In fact, I just bought one myself last weekend -- $178 NIB -- and I plan to take it to the range tomorrow.
(disclaimer: the following does not apply to PPK's from der Vaterland)
The P232 is basically a PPK that works; unless you just have to have a manual safety and are willing to spend some righteous bucks with a gunsmith to get a brand new gun to run reliably with JHP's, go with the SIG.
The P232 is basically a PPK that works; unless you just have to have a manual safety and are willing to spend some righteous bucks with a gunsmith to get a brand new gun to run reliably with JHP's, go with the SIG.
chemical_grenadier
New member
The P232 is a bit bigger than the PPK/S.
While this small bit of size may not seem like much, for me, and many others, who have larger hands, it's a godsend.
When I fire the Walther PPK/S, no matter how I try to hold it, the darn slide rips up the webbing between my thumb and forefinger. No such problem with the Sig P230 / P232.
Also, Walther PPK/S pistols can be a mixed bag in terms of how well they function with hollowpoint ammo. Some PPK/S pistols work flawlessly, some need fluff and buff, and some simply won't work.
The Sig P230/232 pistols I have used all fed hollowpoints just fine. My P230 seems to shoot best with Remington 102 grain Golden Sabers.
While this small bit of size may not seem like much, for me, and many others, who have larger hands, it's a godsend.
When I fire the Walther PPK/S, no matter how I try to hold it, the darn slide rips up the webbing between my thumb and forefinger. No such problem with the Sig P230 / P232.
Also, Walther PPK/S pistols can be a mixed bag in terms of how well they function with hollowpoint ammo. Some PPK/S pistols work flawlessly, some need fluff and buff, and some simply won't work.
The Sig P230/232 pistols I have used all fed hollowpoints just fine. My P230 seems to shoot best with Remington 102 grain Golden Sabers.
I did the research a few years ago, and came home with a PPK. Still have it.
Keep in mind there are 2 PPKs: the PPK and the PPK/S. The PPK has 6+1 rounds, while the PPK/S has a slightly longer grip and 7+1 rounds. I have relatively small hands, and thought the PPK would conceal better, so I chose it.
I found the PPK smaller and easier to conceal than the Sig. I also liked the safety, and the Bond mystique.
While there are newer guns (ie, Kahr, Kel-Tec) of similar size with higher powered cartridges, I still love my PPK. It's particularly great for ankle carry in my Desantis holster.
I find my American PPK to be accurate and reliable. Yes, I've heard bad things about them, but fortunately my experience has been very good.
Keep in mind there are 2 PPKs: the PPK and the PPK/S. The PPK has 6+1 rounds, while the PPK/S has a slightly longer grip and 7+1 rounds. I have relatively small hands, and thought the PPK would conceal better, so I chose it.
I found the PPK smaller and easier to conceal than the Sig. I also liked the safety, and the Bond mystique.
While there are newer guns (ie, Kahr, Kel-Tec) of similar size with higher powered cartridges, I still love my PPK. It's particularly great for ankle carry in my Desantis holster.
I find my American PPK to be accurate and reliable. Yes, I've heard bad things about them, but fortunately my experience has been very good.
I have an American stainless PPK and a blue German PPK. The German gun is obviously made better, but I have not had any problems with my stainless PPK, though a ramp polish was done since I heard so many bad things about them when I bought it. That said, the SIG P232 is probably the best .380 auto made anywhere, ever. The downside to the SIG is that it is BIG! Physically it is not much smaller than a Colt Defender in .45 ACP or a Colt Pocket Nine in 9mm. Since size is an issue in a concealable carry gun I have ever retired the PPK for a Kahr MK9, both about the same size though the Kahr is heavier. Just wait until the MP9 comes out in a few months.
I've owned both. The Sig was the older p230 and the ppk was an Interarms stainless. I had no reliability probelms with either and the workmanship was very nice on both. The ppk was easier to conceal but you have to watch out for the slide coming back when you shoot it. If youre not holding it just right it can tear up the back of the web of your hand pretty good.
I thought the grips of the 230 were needlessly big (they are comfortable though), which made it chunky and harder to conceal, nevertheless I'd go with the P232 if I had to choose -- you just cant go wrong buying a Sig. I could never find after-market grips that would slim down the butt. If you can find some, you slap them on an alloy p232 and you have an ideal carry gun.
I thought the grips of the 230 were needlessly big (they are comfortable though), which made it chunky and harder to conceal, nevertheless I'd go with the P232 if I had to choose -- you just cant go wrong buying a Sig. I could never find after-market grips that would slim down the butt. If you can find some, you slap them on an alloy p232 and you have an ideal carry gun.
dennis carter
New member
I have a P232, 32 acp and have closely examined the PPK and PPK/S. In my view, the P230 is the better buy.
1. It is a little cheaper than the Walthers.
2. It has a better feel to it.
3. It is probably easier to conceal.
But, I do not like the P232. It is the only gun I own that I can intentionally jam. A slightly weak-wristed grip will jam it every time. (Weak-wristed testing is something I do with each pistol I buy to assess reliability.)
I don't know your intended purpose. If it is for concealability and/or backup, go with a Seecamp. Those are excellent, reliable guns.
If it is multiple use, I believe the best buy is the CZ 83.
Dennis D. Carter
1. It is a little cheaper than the Walthers.
2. It has a better feel to it.
3. It is probably easier to conceal.
But, I do not like the P232. It is the only gun I own that I can intentionally jam. A slightly weak-wristed grip will jam it every time. (Weak-wristed testing is something I do with each pistol I buy to assess reliability.)
I don't know your intended purpose. If it is for concealability and/or backup, go with a Seecamp. Those are excellent, reliable guns.
If it is multiple use, I believe the best buy is the CZ 83.
Dennis D. Carter
dennis carter
New member
I don't really know what the differences are. My P232 has a decocker and safety on the left side. It also has a lanyard slot on the bottom of the grips.
Dennis D. Carter
Dennis D. Carter
Although not one of your two original choices, do consider the CZ83. Comparable in size to the SIG, but higher capacity (10rd mags standard, with 13rd mags available if you look around). Simply a very robust and exceptionally well made combat pistol. Reliability and accuracy are two words frequently attached to this pistol. Amidextrous mag release and safety (can also be carried cocked and locked, 1911 style), and a generous grip tang that prevents slide/hammer bite. Best of all, you can get one NIB for about $300 (much less than the SIG or Walther). Or get one used from AIM Surplus. $179 with one hi-cap mag. And don't let the fact that it's used bother you. All the previous owner did was break it in and smooth out the action for you.
Here's a pic of mine.
Take care. Marko
Here's a pic of mine.
Take care. Marko
Attachments
sks: The CZ83 can be had in .32acp, .380acp, and 9x18Makarov. My Model 83 (.380) puts a smile on my face every time I shoot it.
But if you want to move up to 9mm para, you've opened up an entirely new can of worms. Off the top of my head I can think of three that'll set you back less than the cost of the SIG 232 or Walther PPK (and I'm sure you'll get quite a few more recommendations): the CZ75B, HS2000, and Ruger 95 series. All three are distinctly different from one another, but all three are quite reliable.
Take care. Marko
But if you want to move up to 9mm para, you've opened up an entirely new can of worms. Off the top of my head I can think of three that'll set you back less than the cost of the SIG 232 or Walther PPK (and I'm sure you'll get quite a few more recommendations): the CZ75B, HS2000, and Ruger 95 series. All three are distinctly different from one another, but all three are quite reliable.
Take care. Marko
dennis carter
New member
I agree with HS2000.
I have a CZ 83 32 acp. They are excellent. They are about the same size as a P232 or PPK, come with 2 10 round mags, have an ambi safety and mag release, are accurate and reliable. One feature I really like is that they can be carried "cocked and locked" like a 45. And, the price is right.
In general, I think the CZ line is highly underrated. They are very fine weapons.
Dennis D. Carter
I have a CZ 83 32 acp. They are excellent. They are about the same size as a P232 or PPK, come with 2 10 round mags, have an ambi safety and mag release, are accurate and reliable. One feature I really like is that they can be carried "cocked and locked" like a 45. And, the price is right.
In general, I think the CZ line is highly underrated. They are very fine weapons.
Dennis D. Carter
The PPK is a fine little 380, accurate and reliable (and heavy by today's standards). But it does scrape up the webbing of my (fat) hand pretty good as mentioned above if you fire more than a magazine or two from it. That kills the pleasure of shooting the PPK for me. I hear the 32 caliber PPK doesn't have the same problem due to lesser recoil than the 380, but then a 32 in a PPK-sized platform is really overkill. Too little cartridge for so much pistol.
THANK YOU
Dennis Carter, I owe you a beer.
I have a P232 that has been near flawless- for me.
My wife, however, has had some problems with it, mostly jamming on ball (!) ammo. It jams up for her, I take a turn with it and it works fine. I'll obviously need to test this, but as soon as you mentioned limp wristing, well...that audible smack you all heard was my hand hitting my forehead in "duh" fashion. Jeeze, what a no-brainer.
It jammed for me only a few times in the very beginning, during what any reasonable soul would call the break-in period. Since then it has never jammed (for me) on any type of ammo, ball or aggressive-profile hollowpoints. It has, however, jammed about once every 100 rounds or so...for her.
Limp wristing. How simple.
Uhm, back to the topic...the P232 is a good gun. Its ergonomics are SUPERB, accuracy is good and follow-up shots are rapid and accurate.
Mike
Dennis Carter, I owe you a beer.
I have a P232 that has been near flawless- for me.
My wife, however, has had some problems with it, mostly jamming on ball (!) ammo. It jams up for her, I take a turn with it and it works fine. I'll obviously need to test this, but as soon as you mentioned limp wristing, well...that audible smack you all heard was my hand hitting my forehead in "duh" fashion. Jeeze, what a no-brainer.
It jammed for me only a few times in the very beginning, during what any reasonable soul would call the break-in period. Since then it has never jammed (for me) on any type of ammo, ball or aggressive-profile hollowpoints. It has, however, jammed about once every 100 rounds or so...for her.
Limp wristing. How simple.
Uhm, back to the topic...the P232 is a good gun. Its ergonomics are SUPERB, accuracy is good and follow-up shots are rapid and accurate.
Mike
brandon_h3
Moderator
I agree with Curley
I would vote for the Bersa Thunder .380 or Firestorm .380, same gun. Very accurate, reliable and just a good little gun in general.
I would vote for the Bersa Thunder .380 or Firestorm .380, same gun. Very accurate, reliable and just a good little gun in general.