PPK versus Sig P238 versus XD9 subcompact recoil

[gunz4me]

Hey all,

My uncle asked me how bad the recoil was on the Walther PPK versus the Sig P238 when compared to his XD9. He's trying to find something for my aunt to carry, and she thinks the XD9 kicks too much. I told him I'd be shocked if the .380s recoiled less than his XD9 based on my experience with the Kel-Tec P3AT and the Ruger LCP. I could be wrong, but I could have sworn the PPK and 238 were blowback in nature, and that usually means more felt recoil for the shooter. Both he and I are worried that if it kicks too much, my aunt won't want to carry or practice.

Anyhow, I'd appreciate any insight that can be shared regarding the PPK and the P238.

 

[possrullin]

I bought my wife a P238 to carry. She likes to shoot it but she does complain about the recoil some. Her comment to me was it is not the as much recoil but the size combined with the recoil.

Also, I feel more comfortable with her carrying her revolver because the of the P238 needs to be carried condition 1.

 

[Armnhammer]

I love my p238 and it shoots nothing like the lcp. The slide is easy to maneuver and recoil is very easy on the hand. I would recommend it to anyone comfortable with a 1911 setup.

 

[JadeRaven]

Recoil on the PPK sucks. Something to do with the blowback design I hear. Cool looking but just not fun to shoot.

 

[VeedUp]

My wife has a bersa thunder cc and has never complained about the recoil, but she hated the 637 snub nose recoil. If that helps and she has small hands

 

[gunz4me]

Recoil on the PPK sucks. Something to do with the blowback design I hear. Cool looking but just not fun to shoot.

After reading this write-up, it appears that I was wrong about the P238 being blowback, but not about the PPK. Regardless, I don't think either mousegun is for my aunt.

 

[Geezer Squid]

My wife has a P238 HD (Stainless Steel) with a 12 pound recoil spring in it. The HD weighs about 6 ounces more than the alloy P238. That weight plus the 12 lb. spring makes this gun a very soft shooting pistol. My wife handles the recoil with ease and she is very, very sensitive to recoil. YMMV.

ETA: it also helps to use the 7 round mag and give the shooter's pinky finger a place on the grip.

 

[nwmousegunner]

Felt recoil depends on the individual. I believe that you should try a gun before buying if possible. Let your aunt pick her own pistol, that way she wil be happy with it. Dave

 

[Globallyoff]

I had a PPKS American .380. The recoil and muzzle blast was a handful not to mention the possibility of hammer bite. I sold it and kept my Sig P232. Still snappy, but more manageable for me. It's the only double
action auto I have left since I don't favor that manual of arms. I would recommend she try a S&W 642 with some good self defense ammo.

 

[JBP55]

I would recommend she try a S&W 642 with some good self defense ammo.

Which would have plenty felt recoil and discourage her from shooting.

 

[JadeRaven]

After reading this write-up, it appears that I was wrong about the P238 being blowback, but not about the PPK. Regardless, I don't think either mousegun is for my aunt.

Kind of funny, I told my aunt the same thing about how the PPK isn't really the best first gun and isn't terribly user-friendly, and she ended up getting one anyway because she liked it. She still has it, has shot it and is proud to have it.

 

[BobKaro]

This may seem like a crazy idea, but...

Why not get your hands on all three and let her take her pick?