Thanks for the info! Next week, I’m applying for a lifetime permit and then going *shopping*. I was leaning towards a S&W .38 but will definitely take a look at the PPK! Any problems with it jamming? Also, (if you don’t mind) pros and cons for either?
First of all, a semi-auto requires a lot more training than a revolver to become proficient and safe.
Second of all, it's now a collector's item (it wasn't really when I bought it - but that was a long time ago). You can figure on spending a LOT more than you would for a quality short barrel revolver.
Third of all, it DOES kick like a mule.
Finally, the .38 Special is a more powerful round, especially if you get the newer +P cartridges.
Disadvantages of the revolver are a bulkier sidearm & less concealable because of the cylinder, and only 5 or 6 rounds.
Back when I had to consider concealability under a business suit, the PPK was my summer carry because the 1911A1 wasn't concealable under a summer jacket. I used a shoulder holster because my suit skirts were fitted and didn't have a belt. (Most women find a waist carry awkward anyhow on account of having a waist and hips - of course a shoulder holster is awkward too if you have a bust. You just have to decide which is less awkward.) I've changed from the 1911 to a Sig P245, it's a little bulkier but it's DA. And because I can wear slacks to work now, I use a straight draw belt holster under a long jacket.
Another revolver you might consider, which has excellent knockdown power, is quite accurate, and doesn't really have any more kick than a .38 Special with +P loads - the old .44 Special (NOT the .44 Magnum, which is a silly cartridge for a carry gun, I don't care who you are.)
It will be a little harder to find ammo for it, but you don't have to hunt for a used one any more because a revived Charter Arms has reintroduced the Bulldog revolver. It runs around 300 clams, you could get a used Bulldog at a gun show for a little less (but not much less because they are in demand - I saw one locally at a gun show here for 250, it had obviously been carried til the blue wore off, but it was perfectly functional.)
I don't own a .38 special revolver - I have an ancient .38 S&W (not .38 special - the caliber is totally obsolete). But I'm not really a revolver person, because they just don't fit my hand right.
If that's the case with you -- if a semi-auto with its flatter sides is an easier hold and you shoot better with it -- you might want to consider devoting the extra time to training and becoming proficient. In that case, I would look at a semi-auto with a little more oomph than a .380 . . . maybe a .40 S&W or .45 ACP. Even a 9mm (not a caliber I love) is better than a .380.