I’ve been out in the field, rigorously testing two remarkable firearms to see which stands out: the Glock 42 Vs Walther PPK.
These two have been the topic of many debates, and today, we’re going to dive deep into what makes each tick and, ultimately, determine which one takes the crown.
| Feature | Glock 42 | Walther PPK |
| Caliber | .380 Auto | .380 ACP |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds | 7+1 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 3.25 inches | 3.3 inches |
| Overall Length | 5.94 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Weight (empty) | 390 g | 23.7 oz. |
| Trigger Pull | 24 N (5.5 pounds) | 12.25 lb/4.75 lb (DA/SA) |
| Sight Radius | 4.92 inches | 4.2 inches |
Overview of Glock 42
The Glock 42 is a powerhouse packed in a compact design. This little gem has been making waves for its sleek build and remarkable performance.
Specs
- Caliber: .380 Auto
- Magazine Capacity: Standard 6 rounds
- Barrel Length: 3.25 inches
- Weight (with empty magazine): 13.76 ounces (390 g)
- Trigger Pull: 5.4 pounds (24 N)
- Overall Length: 5.94 inches
- Slide Length: 5.75 inches
- Overall Width: 0.98 inch
- Slide Width: 0.83 inch
Overview of Walther PPK
The Walther PPK, a name synonymous with elegance and history, is a classic that has stood the test of time. Known for its distinct design, this gun has been a top choice for many.
Specs
- Type: DA/SA semiauto
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Capacity: 7+1
- Barrel Length: 3.3 inches
- Overall Length: 6.1 inches
- Height: 4.3 inches
- Width: 1.1 inches
- Weight: 23.7 ounces
- Construction: Brushed stainless steel slide and frame
- Trigger: 12.25 lb pull (double action), 4.75 lb pull (single action)
Features Comparison: Glock 42 Vs Walther PPK
1. Size and Concealability
Glock 42
The Glock 42’s compactness is pretty impressive. It measures just 5.94 inches in overall length, with a slim overall width of 0.98 inch, and a height of 4.13 inches with the magazine.
This makes it super easy to conceal, especially for everyday carry. In the field, it almost disappeared in my holster, and its lightweight build (just 390 grams empty) made it feel almost like it wasn’t there.
Walther PPK
The Walther PPK, while a bit heavier and larger than the Glock 42, still holds its own in terms of concealability. It’s a tad longer and heavier, which you can feel when carrying it around for a while.
The PPK’s dimensions make it more noticeable when concealed, especially if you’re wearing lighter clothing.
Winner
The Glock 42 wins in this round, especially regarding everyday carry. Compared to the Walther PPK, its compact size and lighter weight make it a more comfortable and less conspicuous choice for concealed carry.
2. Trigger Pull
Glock 42
The Glock 42 features a consistent trigger pull of about 5.5 pounds. In my tests, this consistency helped a lot with accuracy and predictability. Each shot felt the same, which is great, especially in high-stress scenarios where muscle memory plays a critical role.
Walther PPK
The Walther PPK presents a different experience with its double action/single action trigger. The first double-action shot requires a hefty 13.4-pound pull, while subsequent single-action shots are much lighter at around 6.1 pounds.
This variation can affect shot consistency, especially for those not used to the DA/SA system.
Winner
Here, the Glock 42 takes the lead. Its consistent trigger pull, compared to the variable pull of the Walther PPK, makes it more predictable and user-friendly, especially for rapid follow-up shots.
3. Sight Radius
Glock 42
The Glock 42 boasts a sight radius of 4.92 inches. This longer sight radius aids in better alignment and accuracy. During my field tests, this made a noticeable difference in hitting targets accurately, especially at longer distances.
Walther PPK
The Walther PPK has a shorter sight radius at 4.2 inches. While this is still workable, the shorter distance does make precise aiming a bit more challenging. This was particularly noticeable when aiming at smaller or more distant targets.
Winner
The Glock 42 wins again in this category. Its longer sight radius, compared to the Walther PPK, provides a noticeable advantage in aiming accuracy. The difference, while subtle, can be significant in situations where precision is key.
4. Ergonomics and Handling
Glock 42
The Glock 42, with its ergonomic design, fits comfortably in the hand. Its lighter weight (390 g empty) makes it easier to handle, especially for extended periods.
The grip is designed to accommodate various hand sizes, and I found it provides a secure hold, even in rapid-fire scenarios. Its compact size doesn’t compromise on the grip comfort, which is crucial for maintaining control during shooting.
Walther PPK
The Walther PPK, with its classic design, has a certain charm. However, its heavier weight (23.7 oz.) and the DA/SA manual of arms can be a bit cumbersome, especially for left-handed shooters like me.
The grip feels solid, but some shooters might find it less comfortable for long-term use. The PPK’s design, while aesthetically pleasing, might not be as practical in terms of modern ergonomics.
Winner
In this category, the Glock 42 takes the lead. Its ergonomic design, lighter weight, and comfortable grip, compared to the Walther PPK, make it a more user-friendly choice for various shooting scenarios.
The ease of handling the Glock 42, especially under stress or during prolonged use,
Pros & Cons of Glock 42
Pros
- Lightweight (390 g) for comfortable carry.
- Compact size (5.94 inches in length) enhances concealability.
- Consistent trigger pull (24 N) for predictable shooting.
- Longer sight radius (4.92 inches) aids in accuracy.
- Ergonomic design for better handling.
Cons
- Some may find the .380 Auto caliber less powerful than the .380 ACP of PPK.
Pros & Cons of Walther PPK
Pros
- Iconic design with aesthetic appeal.
- Double-action/single-action trigger offers versatility.
- Solid construction with brushed stainless steel.
- Good balance and heft (23.7 oz.) for stable shooting.
Cons
- Heavier weight can be less comfortable for long-term carry compared to the G42.
Similarities Between Glock 42 & Walther PPK
- Both are chambered in .380 ACP.
- Compact design suitable for concealed carry.
- Renowned for reliability and build quality.
- Popular choices for personal defense.
- Each offers a unique balance of features and performance.
Differences Between Glock 42 & Walther PPK
- Glock 42 is lighter (390 g) than PPK (23.7 oz.).
- Glock 42 has a longer sight radius (4.92 inches) than PPK (4.2 inches).
- Glock 42 features a consistent trigger pull, unlike PPK’s DA/SA mechanism.
- PPK has a higher standard capacity (7+1) than Glock 42 (6 rounds).
- Glock 42 has a more modern design, while PPK boasts a classic look.
- PPK’s construction includes brushed stainless steel, differing from Glock’s polymer frame.
- Glock 42 is generally more ergonomic, especially for diverse hand sizes.
- Height (Including Magazine): 4.13 inches
Final Verdict
After thorough testing and comparison between the Glock 42 and the Walther PPK, it’s time for the final verdict. Both guns have their unique strengths and cater to different preferences, but in most comparisons, the Glock 42 emerged as my top choice.
Its modern design, consistent performance, and ergonomic handling make it a versatile and reliable firearm for various scenarios.
While the Walther PPK has its charm and historical significance, the practicality and comfort of the Glock 42 make it a more suitable option for everyday carry and personal defense.
FAQ’s
What’s so special about Walther PPK?
The Walther PPK is renowned for its classic design, associated with the iconic James Bond character, and was one of the first successful handguns made for concealed carry.
Why are PPKs so expensive?
The Walther PPK’s high cost is due to its precision engineering, tight tolerances, excellent craftsmanship, and historical significance.
Can PPK carry safety off?
Yes, PPKs are safe to carry with the safety off and the hammer down.
Which is better, PPK or PPK/s?
The PPK/s, with its “sport” frame, offers a slightly larger capacity than the standard PPK, balancing the increase in size with only a minimal weight addition.
