To me that is the most interesting thing. It is smaller and lighter than most but still has aall that extra capacity. It is ever so slightly thicker than the original LCP 1 which doesn’t seem to effect the concealability but does improve shootability noticeably though not miraculously. That 1/10 inch thicker grip helps smooth things out. Seems like a good trade off to me.
Don’t think they make a manual safety option in .380 though. There is one on their .22lr version so maybe they will add that option in the future for those who want it?
Thanks for all the feedback. But what I hear you all saying is that I should probably get all three and a couple of others…
Well, I don’t wear the same pants every day, so that would almost give me one pocket pistol for every day of the week…
Ideally you can find a range that rents some of these options so you could actually try and compare them. At the very least try to get your hands on them at a store to see which one fits your hand best. Though most comfortable fit doesn’t always translate to easiest to shoot.
Unlike the PPK, the P232 has a frame mounted decocker that springs back to position rather requiring the user to push it into a firing or safe position.
Pay attention to ammo if you choose a 380. Most jacketed semi-ammo requires velocities greater than 1,000 fps to properly expand a hollow point. Most 380 ammo is sub 1,000. For that reason, I load Lehigh Defense solid copper bullets that rely on bullet shape rather than hollow point expansion for terminal performance.
Federal Hydrashok Deep is a more traditional .380 JHP design with some subtle twists to make it reliably expand at slow velocities from short barreled pocket pistols like these while still penetrating deep enough to hit what it needs to. It is the only JHP bullet I have seen that reliably expands and meets the FBI standards through bare gel and heavy cloth covered gel.
The very sharp edges at the opening might potentially cause some feed issues with some pistols though I haven’t read of any. I have had zero issues with my LCP max. The problem is finding it in stock. It sells out about as fast as they make it.
Hornady XTP JHP bullets are another option. They don’t always reliably expand but they always seem to meet minimum penetration standards without over penetrating.
Most .380 FMJ ammo over penetrates in standard tests. I’m not sure how the Lehigh bullets perform in controlled standard testing. If it doesn’t significantly over penetrate it could be decent option in .380.
The Walther is superior in all aspects. I have the bodyguard with the built in green laser. It’s a long hard trigger pull & the muzzle flip is sharp. The Walther is just sweet
