New Manual of Operation

G

GJeffB

New member
[Posted here and elsewhere]
I guess I'm looking for experience as opposed to guesses, but I'll take both.

I've been running a 1911 platform since ... late-'70s. Series 70 Colt, Gold Cup, Commanders, now S&W 1911PD (I know, external extractor, FL guide rod, etc).

I'm jonesing for a Walther PPS for no particular reason than lighter, flatter, older (me, not the gun). I haven't yet tried the "paddle magazine release." FWIW, I put in range and training time with any new EDC.

For those that have made the transition, (1.) did the mag release create a huge problem, or was it just a new muscle memory like anything else? and (2.) have you experienced any confusion in swapping between the PPS and the 1911 platforms?

Thanks

-jb
 
IMG_6457-900x650.jpg


Like TunnelRat said, the new Walther PPS "M2" version has a button mag release
 
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Yep, I saw that. I'm pretty stuck on Mod 1 though. I'm looking for anybody that absolutely loved or hated the transition.

Thanks, though ;)

-jb
 
I am a HUGE fan of the paddles on my PPQs. I don't see any issues with toggling back and forth between paddles and buttons. Realistically if I am in a situation in which I am out of 12 rounds of ammo, and need to speed reload, I am in the wrong place and should have bailed 10 rounds ago.

The paddles are just the way that particular gun works, along with what the preferred site picture is and what the recoil pulse is like. Paddles are a very elegent solution, I don't know why they have caused such angst.
 
The PPS paddles work great. They are in my opinion more intuitive than the standard pushbutton release. The trigger however will take a lot of getting used or it did for me at least. If you don't mind the thickness look at a HK USP compact. I have large hands and I find the thicker grip and familiar trigger works best for me.
 
I've had the PPS for a number of years now, and it my primary concealed carry pistol. The paddles have been a non-issue for me, and I actually prefer them to the American buttons. I do not have any trouble switching back and forth among pistol styles. The flatness of the PPS makes it incredibly easy and comfortable to carry concealed. The PPS pretty much put an end to the concealed carry decision-making war that had waged internally in me for years.
 
I liked the paddle release on the PPS more than that of an HK P2000sk or Compact, but didn't care for the gun. It didn't fit my hand well, and I had other guns that were just as easy to conceal. I have since moved on and picked up an HK Compact for HD. I'm thinking of installing an extended magazine release on it (stock is a bit small), but I like them the same (if not more) than a traditional release.
 
Thanks all. The Mod 2 is out of the picture for a variety of reasons.
Here and elsewhere it seems to be about 70-30 in favor of the paddle release and the ability to adjust to the change.

I appreciate the input, and I"ll consider additional replies.

-jb
 
Whatever manual of arms you train with regularly, and with intensity, will be the manual of arms you are comfortable with. There is no reason why a particular mechanical setup of a given firearm is any better suited to a person than another, except through training. (Barring physical limitations such as the long trigger reach of an M9, etc.) Certain designs may give a user something for 'free', in that it feels natural, but training time eclipses that feeling and replaces one habit with another.

At least that is my feeling on the subject, and has seen me through becoming more than proficient with 1911s, Glocks, DA/SA Sigs, SA revolvers, DAO revolvers etc.

Get it because it suits your needs, then train with it until are at a skill level you are comfortable with.

That said, I appreciate the paddle release, and find it faster to use than a thumb, requiring less adjustment of the grip, change of sight picture, etc.
 
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Realistically if I am in a situation in which I am out of 12 rounds of ammo, and need to speed reload, I am in the wrong place and should have bailed 10 rounds ago.


Competition?
Click to expand...

Yeah, good point, ...I don't compete so that wasn't at the top of my consideration. BUT, if you are competing with paddles, you will be changing mags enough during practise that it seems to me the paddles would not be an issue. Yeah, first few times your thumb is looking for a button.

A few years back, I slipped from a horse riding bareback, I had a button-release 9mm on a web belt. Found out later I landed in a way that caused the mag release button to depress enough that my mag fell out. Never did find the mag, and it was durned expensive too.

So I, have a great appreciation for paddles-owing to my horse skills, paddles save me a lot of mag replacement expense... Sigh
 
I like the paddle release more than the button style and wish all of my guns had them. I use both styles and switch back and forth all the time without any issues.

I slightly prefer the HK paddles to the Walthers and a combination of the two would by ideal for me. The HK has shorter, wider and more rigid ones. The Walthers at longer and thinner.
 
OK folks, thanks for the replies.Went shopping today for either a Shield or the PPS. LGS - has a Shield, but .40 cal. They'll have a 9mm in a few days. Absolutely magnificent trigger, priced about 10% above on-line prices, but a good place to shop. They don't sell Walthers.

Next stop is the only other dealer, a regional box store/farm & ranch type place. They have the PPS and let me handle it. 1. I found out I really don't like the paddle. Just too skinny; 2.The trigger was awful. Felt like it was filled with sand, stacks badly, just almost unusable; 3. $599 which appears to be 20-25% overpriced.

I'll be going back for a 9mm Shield when it comes in.

-jb
 
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