Walther PK380

[muggsy]

I just purchased a Walther PK380 for my sister. She's a new shooter who is rather recoil sensitive and doesn't have the hand strength to cycle a 9MM. Her husband is left handed, so the fact that the gun has an ambi mag release and safety is a plus. They opted for the lazer sight due to cross dominance. The gun won't be carried, but will be used to protect home and hearth. I'd welcome any comments both pro and con from those of you familiar with this gun.

[Bawanna]

I have no experience with the gun but I would suggest they don't rely on the laser strictly due to cross dominance. They can easily shift the gun at arms length to use the dominant eye.

The laser isn't a negative but I would not rely solely on that as a sighting option.

[MW surveyor]

Should have got a revolver!

[muggsy]

Should have got a revolver!

I had her shoot a lady Smith. She couldn't handle the recoil of a .38. I considered a .22 revolver, but couldn't find one with a decent trigger. If she could have handled a 9MM, I would have gotten her a CW9. She may be able to graduate to one as she gains experience.

[Bad Cheese]

I just bought one in January, I like it alot. Easy for a gal to operate, my wife can even shoot it. There was a recall over the safety block, where some of the guns would fire on safety, but any vender with that serial number in stock should have had it sent back for a fix. Lock the slide back. flip the gun over and a letter "Z" should be stamped on the end, on the underside of the slide. This will tell you that it has been fixed.
Here is a quote from their site.
There is a specific serial # range (PK 101201 to PK 112155) included in the recall and if your gun does not fall within this range then no action is required. The PK380 RECALL guns will be processed through our Fort Smith facility.

Mine has the stamp, I have 300 rounds so far through it without a hickup. It fits my hand perfectly, I love the trigger better than my CM9. I like it that my wife can load and rack it easily, and she can shoot it without complaining. LOL
A little big for carry, that is my CM9's job. The PK 380 is for my wife to learn on, and for my fun shooting.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l133/1eyecrooked/z_zpse25ea700.jpg (http://s95.photobucket.com/user/1eyecrooked/media/z_zpse25ea700.jpg.html)
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l133/1eyecrooked/17ddb2ff-6365-4af4-b3db-562496b92592_zpsa3eddbca.jpg (http://s95.photobucket.com/user/1eyecrooked/media/17ddb2ff-6365-4af4-b3db-562496b92592_zpsa3eddbca.jpg.html)

[Bad Cheese]

In addition, It came with the laser, for me, it sure helps for target shooting, but you still have to hold steady and squeeze the trigger correctly. I really like it a little more than the Kahr, but they have different jobs.

[muggsy]

Thanks much, Bad Cheese. That's the kind of info that I was looking for. You ain't so bad, Cheese.

[PNine64]

My wife got one back in December. She really likes it for all the reasons mentioned. It does need to go back in but we haven't gotten to that quite yet.

[muggsy]

Don't delay. From what I understand the guns can discharge without warning when taking them off safe. The first thing that I'll do when I receive the gun is check to see if the serial number falls within the guns recalled.

[MW surveyor]

Too bad about her not being able to handle the recoil of a 38 spl out of a Lady Smith. :(

When I was looking to up grade from the KelTec P3AT, I seriously looked at the PK380 (have a P22)..............Then I found out about Kahrs!:amflag:

[muggsy]

Too bad about her not being able to handle the recoil of a 38 spl out of a Lady Smith. :(

When I was looking to up grade from the KelTec P3AT, I seriously looked at the PK380 (have a P22)..............Then I found out about Kahrs!:amflag:

I think that she'll grow into a .38 it once she gets used to the .380 auto, though the .380 is probably the only gun she'll ever need.

[JFootin]

I was reading the latest American Rifleman yesterday, and saw an ad for the new Hornady Critical Defense Lite (http://www.hornady.com/store/38-Special-90-gr-FTX-Critical-Defense-lite/) 38 Special ammo, which has a pink tipped 90 grain FTX bullet and 20% less recoil than standard ammo.

[TexasTom]

My wife and daughter both shoot the PK380 and love it. I would say that each has about 1,000 rounds without a single problem.

I'm amazed at how little recoil it has as well.

[muggsy]

I was reading the latest American Rifleman yesterday, and saw an ad for the new Hornady Critical Defense Lite (http://www.hornady.com/store/38-Special-90-gr-FTX-Critical-Defense-lite/) 38 Special ammo, which has a pink tipped 90 grain FTX bullet and 20% less recoil than standard ammo.

Must be for shooting the BGs who are light in the loafers. :)

[muggsy]

My wife and daughter both shoot the PK380 and love it. I would say that each has about 1,000 rounds without a single problem.

I'm amazed at how little recoil it has as well.

That's good to hear, Tom. I appreciate the info.