Smith & Wesson Ships Walther PK380 Auto Pistol

Smith & Wesson Corp. is shipping the Walther PK380 pistol that's engineered on the P22 platform. The new Walther semi-automatic pistol delivers the power of a .380 in a lightweight, ambidextrous firearm, according to the company.

"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, Smith & Wesson's vice president of marketing. "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 fully answers these requests while delivering a fit and finish that firearms enthusiasts have come to expect from Walther firearms."

The PK380 is available in four unique models.

The PK380 First Edition model ­ is available as a limited series of 2,000 and will be manufactured with the "First Edition" marking on the left side of the slide. Each First Edition model will be shipped with a nylon holster, two magazines and a matte black finish to help reduce glare.

The two-tone model is standard with a nickel-plated slide, black frame and is shipped with one magazine. The Walther PK380 is also available as a standard black model with a matte black slide and frame. ­ The black PK380 set comes complete with a rail-mounted laser.

All four models, with the exception of the First Edition, are shipped with one magazine, and share common features including an 8+1 magazine capacity, polymer grip along with a steel frame, slide and barrel. The PK380 is manufactured with a 3.66-inch barrel that contributes to an overall length of 6.5 inches.

Additionally, all four models are standard with a Picatinny-style accessory rail for optional lights and lasers, external hammer, ambidextrous magazine release and an ambidextrous manual safety. To aid in precise shot placement, the PK380 features a white-dot front sight and a drift-adjustable two-dot rear sight. The PK380 has an unloaded weight of 19.4 ounces and a narrow width of 1.2 inches.