Last week in my area we had a bit of a heat wave, even breaking a record for high temperature on one day. Concealing my SR9c with just a t-shirt was something I hadn't contended with for a while, and I found myself wishing I owned a true pocket gun. After evaluating several options, and all but leaving the store with a Kahr CM9, I ended up purchasing a Walther PPS in 9mm.
I've admired Walthers as long as I've been interested in guns, and even though the PPS is slightly larger than the CM9 and similar guns that I was comparing it to, I believe it will work for its intended purpose. If I get to have a gun that I've wanted for a long time too, that's a bonus. It conceals in cargo short front pockets wonderfully, and disappears IWB as well.
I picked up the gun yesterday and brought it home for a good cleaning. My specimen is a BB date code and came with two magazines, a 7 and 8 rounder. I understand these guns only came with one magazine in the past; I am not sure if mine was a fluke or if they have started sending two with the gun. Either way, I am happy. I also have a flush-fitting 6 rounder on its way.
I found after cleaning the trigger had already smoothed out significantly. The gun wasn't nearly as dirty as some when I've brought them home. Takedown is like a Glock, so very easy.
Today I took it to the range and put 150 rounds through it. 50 rounds of Winchester Silvertip 147gr hollowpoints (at least 10 years old, needed to get rid of it), and 100 rounds of my reloaded 115gr FMJ over 6.0gr of Power Pistol. All 150 rounds functioned flawlessly. And, the trigger feels even better now! The distinctly pronounced and very short reset on this gun might spoil me to lesser triggers.
I was very impressed with how good the gun feels in the hand and how naturally it points. I don't believe any of the other guns I've fired, with the possible exception of my HK45, point so perfectly that the sights are already lined up on the target when I look at them. Accuracy with the 147gr hollowpoints was average (all over my 8" target at 15 yards), but with my reloads I had one big hole after 100 rounds. Granted, the hole was down and right, but that may be my shooting. I left the range with a warm gun in my bag and a big smile on my face.
One outcome I had not foreseen was the PPS replacing my normal EDC gun year round. I have been wanting to get into appendix carry for some time but couldn't seem to make it work with my thicker and very slightly larger Ruger SR9c. The PPS absolutely shines in this role, and conceals in the more traditional 4-5 o'clock position better as well. I've had a chance to carry it both ways, and was surprised at how comfortable and invisible the little gun is. Considering the trigger is superior to my SR9c, round capacity is the only thing holding me back from replacing the Ruger outright. That and hundreds of dollars of magazines, holsters, and night sights
In short, I am in love with this gun. I am very happy with my change of heart regarding the CM9, as while I'm sure that would have been an excellent pocket gun, instead I got what might end up being my new favorite 9mm.
I've admired Walthers as long as I've been interested in guns, and even though the PPS is slightly larger than the CM9 and similar guns that I was comparing it to, I believe it will work for its intended purpose. If I get to have a gun that I've wanted for a long time too, that's a bonus. It conceals in cargo short front pockets wonderfully, and disappears IWB as well.
I picked up the gun yesterday and brought it home for a good cleaning. My specimen is a BB date code and came with two magazines, a 7 and 8 rounder. I understand these guns only came with one magazine in the past; I am not sure if mine was a fluke or if they have started sending two with the gun. Either way, I am happy. I also have a flush-fitting 6 rounder on its way.
I found after cleaning the trigger had already smoothed out significantly. The gun wasn't nearly as dirty as some when I've brought them home. Takedown is like a Glock, so very easy.
Today I took it to the range and put 150 rounds through it. 50 rounds of Winchester Silvertip 147gr hollowpoints (at least 10 years old, needed to get rid of it), and 100 rounds of my reloaded 115gr FMJ over 6.0gr of Power Pistol. All 150 rounds functioned flawlessly. And, the trigger feels even better now! The distinctly pronounced and very short reset on this gun might spoil me to lesser triggers.
I was very impressed with how good the gun feels in the hand and how naturally it points. I don't believe any of the other guns I've fired, with the possible exception of my HK45, point so perfectly that the sights are already lined up on the target when I look at them. Accuracy with the 147gr hollowpoints was average (all over my 8" target at 15 yards), but with my reloads I had one big hole after 100 rounds. Granted, the hole was down and right, but that may be my shooting. I left the range with a warm gun in my bag and a big smile on my face.
One outcome I had not foreseen was the PPS replacing my normal EDC gun year round. I have been wanting to get into appendix carry for some time but couldn't seem to make it work with my thicker and very slightly larger Ruger SR9c. The PPS absolutely shines in this role, and conceals in the more traditional 4-5 o'clock position better as well. I've had a chance to carry it both ways, and was surprised at how comfortable and invisible the little gun is. Considering the trigger is superior to my SR9c, round capacity is the only thing holding me back from replacing the Ruger outright. That and hundreds of dollars of magazines, holsters, and night sights
In short, I am in love with this gun. I am very happy with my change of heart regarding the CM9, as while I'm sure that would have been an excellent pocket gun, instead I got what might end up being my new favorite 9mm.