Walther PPK

In Depth Content and Discussion

 

Walther PPK-PPK/Safety & Instruction Manual

Background

The Walther PPK was introduced in 1931. It instantly caught hold and gained popularity among law enforcement and military in Europe. It was commonly carried by German military personnel during World War II and is reported to be the model Adolf Hitler used to take his own life. The PPK did not gain a market in the US until GIs began bringing them back with them from the war. It has maintained great popularity since despite some complications with legality relating to its small size, and passing of importing and manufacturing rights from Interarms to Smith & Wesson. The PPK achieved a new level of fame when it was featured as the weapon of choice of James Bond. Its popularity is driven by its double-action combined with extreme concealability, and its sleek sexy design. Its most unique and appealing physical attribute as a concealed carry weapon is its flatness. It measures just under an inch at its thickest point across the grips. In the new PPKs being produced though Smith & Wesson some improvements have been made to remedy design flaws that have plagued it since its origin. Newer models of the PPK are no longer prone to bight the hand that shoots them due to an extension of the tang to a semi-beavertail to prevent the hammer spur from pinching the hand, and adding a cut to the bottom edge of the slide where it was prone to cut the web of the hand.

Specifications

Weight:                665g (.380 ACP), 660g (.32 ACP)
Length:                155mm
Barrel Length:    83mm
Width:                  25mm
Height:                 100mm
Cartridge:            .380 ACP, .32 ACP

Review 

I purchased my PPK in .380 ACP several months ago. I was taken with this weapons exceptionally small frame in relation to its stopping power. I have a thin athletic build and the flat, sleek design of this weapon appeared to be the answer to the troublesome bulge I have been dealing with ever since I began carrying concealed.

I was impressed with the weapons concealability, but expected it to be a pain to shot. I was happily mistaken. This weapon has a heavy double action first trigger pull (12lb) but subsequent pulls are easy and uniquely crisp (5lb). The kick was just hard enough to be satisfying. I found that my accuracy was relatively good although I have not as yet performed a rigorous product comparison between this weapon and the others featured on WaltherInfo.

I returned from my first trip to the range with my PPK and put my P99 away. The status of favorite concealed carry weapon in bestowed on the PPK until further notice. I have been carrying my PPJ concealed in two different rigs, an Uncle Mikes Inside-the-Pocket Holster in size 2 (8744-2), and a SPEC-OPS Frontal Assault Pouch lased onto my belt in the small of my back. This second option works especially well.  

Bibliography
Charles E. Petty "The new Walther PPK: some guns improve with age". Guns Magazine. July 2005. FindArticles.com. 23 Aug. 2008. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_7_51/ai_n13785370