CCW Bersa vs. PPK

Question
Sir,

I was wondering if you can...

1. Tell me the main differences, pros, cons, and personal opinion regarding the Bersa Thunder and the Walther PPK.  I'm looking to purchase a pistol for concealed carry, and think that the PPK would be an excellent choice simply because of its size, enjoyable shooting, and reliable reputation.  However, I noticed that the Bersa Thunder is essentially the same pistol but for about $200.00 cheaper brand new. Any thoughts?

2. What cal. would you recommend for these handguns? .380 or 9mm?

3. If either of these guns fail to meet a recommendation from you, is there another you personnally prefer?

Thank you for your time and response,
Lt. Barbour

Answer
Lt. Barbour,

First let me address the caliber question.  The current trend (with which I agree) is to consider 9x19 mm the absolute power floor for a defensive auto-pistol cartridge.

The only reason to carry something smaller is because you want a smaller, ligher gun than can be obtained within a 9mm package.

If I were going to have to carry such an underpowered cartridge, my choice would be the Kel-Tec 3AT.

Given the choices you present, the Walther would be much better.  The Bersa is not a serious defensive firearm (although people show up with them for CCW training), and I have seen a number of them fail (most commonly by the slide stop pin sheering, and the upper segment of the gun sailing down range toward the target).

The PPK, in my opinion, is better only because it will not break, but that's the only reason.  The grip is such it is painful for most people to shoot.  The design of the trigger geomotry is such that you cannot get a good trigger pull on it.  And it is excessively big and heavy for a gun utilizing the .380 cartridge.

For a CCW, you would do much better to look at guns such as the Kahr Arms P or CW series pistols (smaller and with the polymer frame, lighter than the PPK, but in 9mm or even .40 if you so desire), or the Glock 26 or 27.

There are other guns that are good CCWs (Glock 19/23/32, H&K USP Compact, or if you are on a budget, the Springfield XD compact pistols), but these are significantly larger than a PPK sized firearm.

I think you would be infinately more satisfied with any of these afforementioned pistols than with either the Bersa or the PPK.