Ok so I've narrowed it down to a walther pps .40.

[xultar]

Any experiences anyone can tell me about?

My fall back is a glock g27. If anyone has experiences with this one as well I'd love to hear about it.

[Pavulon]

1. Glock is simplicity defined in handguns.

other than revolvers they are the most reliable bang for your buck. If you plan to shoot it more than 4 times a year buy a glock 26, ammo is cheaper to practice with in 9mm and you can still use lots of great defense rounds for carry.

Out of tens of thousands of rounds through 9mm glocks I can count malfunctions on one hand.

[xultar]

2. Thanks! I'll keep it in mind.

[spin]

3. My son in law has one and likes it ...

He did find it slightly heavy to carry and also wanted a lighter smaller pistol for pocket carry. He checked out a Ruger .380 LCP and really liked it. Despite my arguments that it is a mouse gun, he wanted one. So I bought one for him as his Christmas present.

[TheWraith]

4. Meh. I don't remember your requirements, but I still think highly of the Colt 1911 derivatives.

They make some nice compact ones these days.

That said, if it's between those two, get the Walther. I'm not wild about the Glocks, since they're DAO and no manual safety. For an inexperienced shooter, and for a carry piece, too easy to create an accidental discharge situation.

[Euromutt]

12. The Walther PPS doesn't have a manual safety either

Like the Glock, it's striker-fired with a couple of internal safeties (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10002&catalogId=13152&categoryId=44304&top=Y). It does have neat feature that removing the backstrap (which is is interchangeable) disables the weapon, which gives you certain options if you use it as a carry piece (and what else would you use a PPS for?) but have to leave it in the car: remove the backstrap and take that with you, and even if someone does break into your car and steal the pistol, it won't do him any good.

Downside to the PPS is that it's relatively expensive, and extra magazines cost practically $60. And almost nobody makes a dedicated holster for it, either.

[Skink]

5. There cool for open carry.

[lysosome]

6. Try a sig. You might like one better.

[Euromutt]

7. I've fired the PPS in 9mm

It's remarkably easy to shoot for a pistol that small and lightweight. In the abstract, I really like the PPS. However...

Because the PPS isn't anywhere near as popular as the Glock sub-compacts, there's much less of a market for accessories for it. Finding a holster for a PPS is a pain in the bollocks; if you want night sights or laser grips for it, you're going to have very few options, if any, whereas you have a wide range of options with a G26/27.

I've fired a G27 that is the carry piece of one of my range buddies, and I was well impressed with that, too. Very easy to shoot, at least when you're looking to score "combat accurate" hits.

[Scuba]

8. Para-Ordnance provides more firepower...

...14 rounds of .45 caliber ammo in a smaller frame.

[OffWithTheirHeads]

9. My first hand gun was a Walther P99. I love it!

The only time it ever jammed is when I tried to feed it cheap, Russian ammo.
My current favorite is my Les Bear, custom 1911, but, I guess if you are willing to spend two grand on a hand gun, you expect it to be good.

[aikoaiko]

10. Have you had a chance to shoot both at a local gun range?

Since you live in ATL there are several in the yellowbook whom you could call and see if they rent both or either. Where I live you can rent each gun for $10 and buy a 50 round box of ammo $10-12. Add a little bit more for a target and tax and you can answer your question on your own terms for a mere $40.

These two guns are so similar that I think it would come down to fit-to-hand preference. IMO, the only real difference is the G27 being a smidge wider and for some people that really matters depending on hand size. The benefit of the G27's width is that you get a couple of more rounds.

Walther PPS .40
Specifications
•Manufacturer: Walther®
•Model: PPS Pistol
•Manufacturer Number: WAP10002
•Caliber: 40 Smith & Wesson
•Action: Double Action Only
•Capacity: 6 rounds
•Barrel Length: 3.2 inches
•Length: 6.3 inches
•Height: 4.4 inches
•Width: 1.04 inches
•Sight Radius: 5.4 inches
•Weight: 20.8 ounces
•Trigger Pull: 6.1 pounds
•Frame Material: Black Polymer


Glock 27
CALIBER .40
SYSTEM Safe Action
MAG. CAPACITY Standard: 9 OPTIONAL 11/13/15/17
WEIGHT 560 g / 19.75 oz. LOADED (~) 765 g / 26.98 oz.
LENGTH 160 mm / 6.29 in.
HEIGHT 106 mm / 4.17 in.
WIDTH 30 mm / 1.18 in.
BARREL HEIGHT 32 mm / 1.26 in.
TRIGGER PULL 2.5 kg / 5.5 lbs.
TRIGGER TRAVEL 12.5 mm / 0.5 in.
LINE OF SIGHT 144 mm / 5.67 in.
BARREL LENGTH 88 mm / 3.46 in.
BARREL RIFLING right hand, hexagonal
LENGTH OF TWIST 250 mm / 9.84 in.

[S_B_Jackson]

11. I'd second this recommendation....

and every pistol involves a balancing act between weight/size/caliber/ergonomics. What works for one person doesn't work for others. The best thing to do is to shoot as many as possible and then make your choice.

Shooting is one of those activities which brings home he practical applications of Newton's laws of physics. A smaller and lighter pistol - especially when combined with a higher pressure/powered round like the .40 - doesn't always mean "easier" to shoot/control. I have an F.E.G. PA-63 in 9mm Makarov, which is essentially a rip-off of the Walther design. I is, indeed, very small (easily conceals in the front pocket of a pair of jeans), and very light...it is also absolutely brutal to shoot. Because the gun weighs almost nothing and like the PPS it is a direct blowback action pistol, it means that the entire force of the recoil is absorbed by the web of my hand, wrist, and elbow. It's not comfortable....and after 3 or 4 magazines, I've usually had enough.

Still, it is easily concealable and it is reasonably accurate and effective - but as I said, it's not a joy to shoot.

Best of luck with whatever you ultimately decide upon.

[xultar]

22. I don't want it to be a joy. Not my first, I want to get it for my protection. After that

I'm thinking about sport and what to get as a sport weapon.

[TheWraith]

26. It doesn't hurt for you to enjoy shooting it.

That means you're more likely to get to the range to practice, and regular practice is essential to shooting well.

[S_B_Jackson]

37. Understood

I've found,however that many people don't take into consideration that small and easily concealed isn't the only consideration. As Wraith points out, if you find you don't find it comfortable to shoot, you may not take the practice with it that you should.

I'd never utilize that FEG as a CCW pistol, for the exact reason that I don't shoot it regularly, and it's now a safe queen because it's so uncomfortable. The role I'd envisioned for it has been taken by a Sig P245 - just as easy to conceal, but heavier and much more comfortable to shoot.

[xultar]

23. Wow they are very similar. I will learn to shoot in CA but purchase in ATL

It will work to make better use of my time plus I will have someone to shoot with in CA

[spin]

13. Are you a regular shooter at a pistol range?

If not try to find one and become friends with the members. (Many may be conservatives or freepers, so this may be difficult at first.)

Listen and learn. Ask questions. If you see someone on the range with a handgun that interests you, ask if you can try it.

You may be surprised at the help you will get. While many of these shooters may not like Obama or Democrats, they are very helpful to anyone who is interested in shooting as a sport. If they do find you are a Democrat, expect some good - natured razing.

Shooters that I have known either like Glocks or hate them. I personally fall into the "hate" category as I believe they are a "fugly" pistol. I prefer 1911 style pistols and look on Glocks as "Blocks". They are square and ugly!

However, as far as reliable and accurate weapons, Glocks are both. They may not be beautiful but they are functional. They are easy to disassemble and clean and reassemble. I find their trigger pull abhorrent compared to the trigger pull on my S&W revolvers or my 1911 Colt .45 autos, but when I did shoot a Glock on the range I had no problems with accuracy. I've shot 9mm, .40 cal and .45 acp Glocks and all impressed me but I still thought they were ugly.

I guess it's kind of like choosing a woman. You can marry a beautiful woman and find that she is high maintenance, tends to be a bad house keeper and is prone to having headaches at inopportune times, or you can marry a plain woman who works hard, is an excellent cook and is good in bed.

Guess which choice I made.

[TheWraith]

14. To add to this: Go over to TheLiberalGunClub.com.

If I recall correctly, you live near Atlanta, right? You should be able to find someone nearby who you could go to the range with, who would be a non-conservative. On the subject of gun owners, there's a lot of them that aren't conservatives/freepers, but a lot of that type likes to congregate around ranges and gun shops. It can be damned annoying at times, but there's ways around it.

I, like Spin, am in the category of thinking of Glocks as ugly. However, that's not why I recommend people stay away from them. It's because of the lack of a manual safety. I know some people don't think you should use it, since you might forget that it's on when you need the gun. However, proper practice and muscle memory can eliminate that problem. And a manual safety can, as the name implies, make the gun "safe" when you aren't firing it. Case in point, some women find a pocket of their purse the best place to keep their gun. With one that doesn't feature a safety, that's incredibly dangerous.

[oneshooter]

15. I just don't like the way a Glock "feels" in my hand. The hang is wrong for me. n/t

[Pavulon]

16. impossible..it MUST work, its perfect...

know lots of folks who it will never work for. Their natural point is all off with glock and things like sig, xd, or many others work for them..

[oneshooter]

18. I currently carry either a SIG 220 or a Colt Series 70. Both in .45cal. n/t

[TheWraith]

17. Or you could ask around for DUers near you to take you to the range. That works too. nt

[xultar]

21. I may get a revolver eventually, but I know I want a semi-auto as my first.

I'm gonna research glock more I think it may end up as my first instead of the walther.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

24. Two things I dislike about Glock ...

1. there's no manual safety. All the safeties are "passive", which means there might as well be no safety. This means you need to spend some good practice time training yourself to draw and aim the gun without putting your finger on the trigger.

2. One of the first steps in cleaning the gun is to PULL THE TRIGGER. Not a problem as long as you first made sure that there's no round in the chamber. And then double check. And still, when you pull the trigger, aim at something you don't mind putting a hole in.

I have a Glock, but prefer carrying a Smith & Wesson. I can't remember the model (642 maybe?), but it's a little 5-shot .38 Special revolver.

:hi:

[spin]

25. The S&W model 642 is double action only ...

it's definitely a great choice for a carry weapon. It's extremely light and is designed to be carried in a pocket as it has no external hammer to snag on clothing. You will find that you will carry this weapon when you would leave larger guns behind.

It may not be the best choice for a beginners carry weapon. The light weight means it has a SHARP recoil when fired. Because of the short barrel, it's difficult to be accurate at long range. It's not fun to practice with.

[jeepnstein]

19. How is holster availability?

The key to safely carrying a handgun is a proper fitting holster that is appropriate for your daily needs. I can go to about any gun store in the world and find something for the Glock 27. The Glock is a great weapon. I prefer the .45acp model but if you have to have a .40 then the Glock is still a great gun. Springfield Armory also makes a compact, can't remember the model, that is similar to the Glock with the addition of a grip safety. I have a friend who carries one daily at work.

Walther is a good company but a bit of an odd duck in the shooting community. I'd be doubly sure about getting proper holsters before committing to them.

[X_Digger]

20. Springfield XD-40 / XD-40 subcompact.

Plenty of holster options, IWB, OWB, fanny pack, etc. In warmer weather, it's my primary carry.

In cooler weather, I prefer my XMD-45 (like a glock and a 1911 had a one night stand and it's their love child.)

[jazzhound]

27. XDM .45 review:

http://www.gunblog.com/review-springfield-xdm-45/

(like a glock and a 1911 had a one night stand and it's their love child.)

:)

[Caliman73]

28. I had a Glock 27

There was a problem with them a while back. Part of the chamber was unprotected meaning that part of the cartridge was exposed. There were problems with weaker brass. Because the .40S&W is a higher pressure round there were failures when the brass was weaker at the unprotected part of the chamber. I think that Glock fixed the problem though. For me, the 27 was a bit too small. It felt awkward in my hand with the heavy slide and the polymer frame, even with the extended grip I felt that a third of my hand was off the grip. I took a female friend to the range with the Glock and she had a bunch of jams due to limp wrist. I just never felt comfortable with the 27. I have shot the 21 and the 36 and have no complaints about those.

[Pavulon]

29. The sig 239 works or kahr has some nice stuff

The 26 is a nice fit. All the subcompacts feel odd to me but they really are carry guns. Sig gets costly.

[jazzhound]

30. ".......or Kahr has some nice stuff."

I'm really coming to love my Kahr P series 9 mm. The long (though very smooth) trigger pull has taken some getting used to, but what I've discovered is that it's brought my game up with my other semi-autos by virtue of the concentration I've had to apply to the TP.

[Caliman73]

31. I live in CA so I can't carry.

That said, I have a CC holster for the day when CA becomes a shall issue state. I am a middle of the road type guy. I have the Bersa UC9 and the Mini Firestorm .45 which feel good and feel good in the holster. They have been exceedingly reliable for me at the range. The only draw back is that magazines are crazy expensive.

[ileus]

32. I almost bought the PPS 40...nice ccw indeed.

I don't think you can go wrong. I went to the shop to but he PPS in the 40, when the M&P caught my eye so I picked up a 9c instead.

I'm looking at either a G30 or 36 as my next CC pistol.

[DeadEyeDyck]

33. I like the 27 but I am a Sig guy myself

My sister carries a Kel-Tek PF-9. Conceals deep.

[Katya Mullethov]

34. My sister carries a 12Ga coach gun

As I recall, the original complaint was roving bands of drunken right wing droogs out playing hogs of the road ,attempting to smash up her high end car real horrorshow and with some luck hoping to run her off said road for a bit of the old in and out .

In light of the fact that they have all gone "out of their minds" I would have to go with a brace of Serbu Shorties and a black beret . At once they're both effective and tastefully retro .

[spin]

35. Nothing beats a 12 gauge coach gun, but they are hard to conceal ...

and in Florida we can't open carry legally.

I still own a coach gun for home defense.



The black beret doesn't do it for me. I go with a doo-rag.

[Katya Mullethov]

36. On further consideration

And after rereading the original complaint , an upgrade to a 3/4 ton suburban with a good man in a ring mount would be the minimum requirement .