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Gun Reports - News

The Walther Pistol Kompakt No. WAP40010 PK380 includes a laser.

Smith & Wesson Begins Shipping Walther PK380 Pistols

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Smith & Wesson Corp. has begun shipping the new Walther PK380 pistol. The design of the PK380 is engineered on one of Walther’s most popular platforms, the P22.

“The new PK380 was specifically designed to offer consumers a lightweight yet durable pistol that is equipped with all of the features needed for personal defense situations,” said Tom Kelly, Vice President of Marketing for Smith & Wesson. “Since the introduction of the popular P22 rimfire pistol, consumers have asked for an upgrade of the same design in a self-defense appropriate caliber.”

The PK380 is available in four models.

• PK380 First Edition Model – Limited series of 2,000 units (serial numbers 1 – 2,000). “First Edition” marking on the left side of the slide. Ships with a nylon holster and two magazines. Matte black finish.
• Two-Tone Model – Nickel-plated slide, black frame.
• Standard Black Model – Matte black slide and frame.
• PK380 Set – Black PK380 with a rail-mounted laser.

Other than the First Edition, three models ship with one magazine. Other common features:

• 8+1 magazine capacity
• polymer grip
• steel frame, slide and barrel
• 3.66-inch barrel
• overall length 6.5 inches
• Picatinny-style accessory rail
• external hammer
• ambidextrous magazine release and ambidextrous manual safety
• steel white dot front sight and drift-adjustable steel two-dot rear sight.
• unloaded weight 19.4 ounces
• width 1.2 inches
• Manufactured in Germany
• Price: $456

Reader Comments

This looks like it might be a good gun for the wife, most .380 are kind of small. The wife is only 92 lbs. and is a little recoil sensitive.

Comment by: Robert J | October 5, 2009

New to the site but have been shooting since the 40s

Comment by: mtnman | October 7, 2009

YOUR forties, or the 1940's?

Gaviota

Comment by: Lee W | October 7, 2009

Maybe both.

Comment by: Robert J | October 8, 2009

I think we are going too far with the laser on concealed carry weapons. The reaction time in a stressful situation and the laser operation just do not fit well together. I have not seen the 380 but the 99 is really a nice gun, not because of Smith but because of Walthers. lcjones

Comment by: LARRY J | October 8, 2009

Staying focused on the front sight requires a lot of practice, as the shooter usually has a natural tendency to focus on the target. When attempting to engage a hostile, that natural tendency will initially prevail, degrading marksmanship. With a laser (or similar sighting mechanism), the shooter's aim no longer needs to overcome that tendency to look "downrange" instead of on the front sight. If the laser is independently operated from the firearm, I would agree with Larry J. However, if it is activated automatically (ala Crimson Trace), then the laser is a huge advantage, especially for less experienced shooters.

Comment by: P V B | October 8, 2009

My experience with lasers indicates that the effectiveness of the beam can be degraded by use against non-reflective targets, such as a black sweatshirt, or other dark garment. As long as that is taken into account, and other sighting systems can compensate, go on ahead.

Gaviota

Comment by: Lee W | October 8, 2009

Agreed - thanks Gav.

Comment by: P V B | October 8, 2009

I order my handguns with Crimson Trace Lasers as well as night sights. My eyes tend to be drawn to the front sight initially but as a former machine gunner, I've developed the habbit of looking down range while firing to see where my rounds are falling and then returning to the front sight. The entire sequence only takes a split second but it does happen. I must admit, due to the slight weight difference, I'm not nearly as accurate with a handgun as I was with the M60.

Comment by: Jeff W | October 9, 2009

You don't have a tripod, T&E, or a-gunner, either...

Comment by: P V B | October 9, 2009

Most of the time, I removed the T&E because it increased the amount of time it takes to engage various targets. I do not like restrictions.

Comment by: Jeff W | October 10, 2009

Gaviota I have been shooting since the 1940s. I collected civil war revolvers @carbines from 1955 untill mid 1970.Sold them all. Sorry sorry. A colt 1860 Army was 90.00, Colt navy 1851 mint was 200.00, 1873 Winchester mint 125.00,Wells Fargo marked 10 ga. shotgun 150.00. It was alot of fun. Gene

Comment by: mtnman | October 10, 2009

Oh, Gene. You sold them? Your pain is my pain, my friend. I know that $200 in the 1950's was a lot more money than it is now, but still...

I think I'll go and bang my head on the wall now to commiserate with you for your loss.

Comment by: Lee W | October 10, 2009

Been waiting for these since they were promised in May/June of this year. Saw 4 or 5 sell on GB, but can't find one!! No one in my area has received one in stock yet. Arrrgh!!!

Comment by: FOXPRINCESS | October 16, 2009

I have been waiting for a PK380 for months. At $360 Iwant one. At $456 Smith can keep it.

Comment by: homer | October 23, 2009