Pre-purchase questions

[bagellord]

Hello everyone, I am looking at buying a PK380. I've shot one before with a friend, and liked it. I am about 99% sure I am going to be buying one in a few weeks when the local stores can actually get them in stock. I currently own a Rock Island Armory M1911A1 (great gun btw). I have just a few questions before I buy the gun, since I have never bought a new handgun before.

1) First thing out of the box, I need to clean it, correct? What would be the best lubricant/cleaner to use? I have a pistol cleaning kit for my 1911 (with assorted caliber brushes) and Hoppes gun oil/powder solvent and patches. Is there anything special about cleaning this gun?

2) Ammunition. I have read mixed things about whether or not this gun is picky about the ammo you put through it. My 1911 which is very well broken in doesn't care what you put in, but I am willing to pay for quality ammo to get the best out of this gun.
2b) Is it safe to use +P ammunition in this pistol? I plan to buy a box of Hornady Critical Defense for carrying with this gun, unless someone has a better suggestion for this caliber/gun.

3) Accessories. Anything that I might want? Spare key for assembly? Any particular holster that works well with this gun for concealed carry (I am a big guy).

4) I almost hate to ask this, but is the factory laser worth it at all? This is going to be a personal defense gun, though I will take it to the range and shoot it regularly.

[table42]

Welcome to the forum

1) I ran about 25 rounds thru mine before I cleaned it, no problems. If there had been any problems I would have blaimed it on not cleaning it first. I use Rem Oil but Hoppes is popular also. I lightly oil everything and extra for moving parts and slide wear surfaces, the rails.

2) I had good results early on with the Remington. Steel case is probably not a good choice. 2b) Not sure if the manual addresses +P?

3) I go inside the waist band, BlackHawk #6 but I'm 5'5" and 155lbs. Spare key might be a good idea, mags are available but be patient?

4) Can't comment on the laser. Mine shot low out of the box move became better as it broke in.

[bagellord]

Thanks. Right now I carry my 1911 just forward of my right hip on a simple leather holster, outside the waistband. With a long enough shirt you can't tell it's there at all (guess I'm a pretty big guy, heh heh).

Yeah steel cased ammo is usually cheap. I ran a small box of Tulammo through my gun and cleaning it was a nightmare.

[nexus]

Always clean a firearm before firing. Almost any commercial product will work fine in cleaning. I usually clean and lube with REM Oil and I use Shooter's Choice All-Weather Grease on the rails and some of the internals.
PK's are notorious for being ammo sensitive during initial break but usually are fine afterwards. I also recommend avoiding steel cased ammo because the fouling that can potentially be caused by the coating of the casings and the potential damage to the extractor. I do not use +p ammo in mine and I do not recommend it. I don't think it is dangerous in a PK and would advise you to follow Walther's recommendations. As far as reloads, again, follow manufacturer's recommendations.
I carry mine in an Uncle Mike's IWB soft holster with no retention strap. The tension created by my belt keeps the pistol in place. Getting it back in the holster isn't that difficult and won't be an issue if I have to use it. That being said...all I can recommend is use whatever you feel most comfortable with.
I don't use a Laser with any firearm I own so I can't justifiably comment on their use.
I don't have a spare key and I keep mine on a keychain in my cleaning kit. Since I have no intention on using the locking feature it's never been an issue.
I hope this helps.

[bagellord]

Thanks. I might get the laser just because it's cool. I'll probably pick up some Federal or Winchester ammo at Wal Mart. Need to get some more 45 ACP anyways.

Thanks for the info everyone.

[BCWhite13]

Good info, I am going to be getting a Pk380 soon for the wife, well thats my excuse anyway.

[bagellord]

Another question about the safety. Can someone please tell me in plain English which is safe? On my 1911 up is safe and down is fire. Is it the same on the Walther or opposite? I can't remember from when I shot it. I also remember that to put the hammer down, you engage the safety and pull the trigger. Is this correct?

On my 1911, the safety immobilizes the trigger preventing you from pulling it.

[GTIwarrior]

On the Safety up is fire, the F will be visible. As far as the hammer, you can just put it on safe and pull the trigger, but I wouldn't recommend it. I prefer to pull the trigger and ride the hammer forward before pulling it back to half cocked. I just don't trust the safety cam that much.

[bagellord]

Okay I understand. Thanks.

[bagellord]

i am trying to buy one. But no one in town can get them in stock. Anyone have any idea where I can get a new one?