Yeah the .380 is not exactly a sure stopper, but it certainly packs more punch than a fist or a rolled-up newspaper. I have a Makarov that's almost the same as the PPK with more punch and, IMHO, more class:)
Though I more generally prefer Walther's larger 9mm Parabellum P.38 in the same cartridge chambering as the old 9mm Luger and current US M9 Beretta, the last time I was in England and borrowed a handgun for the duration of my stay there, it was a Makarov that came my way, with the understanding that the cost would be $1000 if I *lost* it or otherwise sacrificed it.
That struck me as expensive at first, though ammunition, a spare magazine, shoulder holster and silencer were uincluded in the deal, and by the time my 3 weeks there was over, I was positively attracted to the clunky little shooter. I paid that somewhat steep price to hang onto it and stashed it away there, just in case I ever returned and needed a little comfort.
Once I got back here, I picked up a very nice East German Makarov, hardly used by the Stasi Secret Police, though less the sound suppressor, that suited me as well as that first one did. Unfortunately, a lady pal who was getting married needed a servicable wedding present, so I let it get away, to be replaced by a similar Hungarian FEG Walther copy that also takes the Makarov cartridge. But the FEG safety, like that on the Walther, flips up to be placed in the *fire* position, and I'm much more used to the safety of a M1911A1 .45 or Browning GP that pushes down for go- like the PM Makarov.
So for that reason and others, it's been almost a year since I had that German one, and I miss it. Looking around for another good one should make a good project for the New Year, as a substitute for the new year's resolution I never made.
The Bulgarian versions are also quite well made, and priced right at around $150-$200, though some used East German ones have also been turning up. One way or the other, I think I'll soon have a new one.
