The P88 is a NICE pistol. It's a full size and the grip falls between the BHP and Beretta 92fs. It feels similar, but "fatter" than the the BHP but is nowhere near the size of the 92fs. It grips well, and if you have a big hand, you'll like it. It points naturally and has excellent balance.
I'm a lefty. The P88 is fully ambidextrous. The slide release also acts as a decocker. Ironically, even though the mag release works both ways, I still use my trigger finger to release the mag, like I've been doing for 30 years.
The P88 is very accurate. It's reputed to be the most accurate production pistol ever. I would dispute that, however. In my hands anyway, my P88 is slightly less accurate than my 1911's, but more so than my all my pistols. I enjoy shooting it. As much as I do, I hate to clean it! It has an external trigger connector bar ala 92fs. That, along with the dual controls, make it a pain in the a$$ to clean. One of life's little crosses I guess.
There is also a P88 Compact. IT IS NOT THE SAME! Unlike compact versions of other pistols, the P88 Compact's controls are completely different from the P88's, making it, for all intents and purposes, a totally new and different pistol. I've seen and held a Compact, but never fired one, so I won't comment on it one way or the other.
The P88 is an extremely high quality pistol. The workmanship and attention to detail is amazing. It is also relatively rare. This exclusivity comes at a cost. Expect to pay $1000+ for a P88 or $750+ for a Compact. Spare mags, (if you can find 'em), are $100+. What you get for $1K is German craftmanship at it finest. You will also, probably, be the only person at your range with one. Speaking fo myself, I enjoy that.
If you can swing it, you won't be disappointed.
That's an incredibly good deal. The one I looked at was used, had 1 mag, and was $750. I also saw a full-sized at another show, also used, for around $1,200. I didn't handle the full-sized as I wanted a smaller gun for carry.
