Mine has been in the family since the early 90s and is a beautiful gun and very accurate but mine is just not reliable. My brother had a bersa 380 of the same vintage and his runs like a top..... Just my luck lol. Mine is a blued interarms import ppk/s we call it Bob Marley because it be jammin
@@bowlofrice8 they weren't allowed to be imported after 1968 Smith and Wesson and interams made them in their factory using the Walther blue prints but they werent the same cuz it's really hard to re make a German gun.
@@bowlofrice8 Have you tried polishing the ramp and upper side of the chamber where the bullet slides? Or tried ammo of different bullet shapes? Most of the Interarms pistols work very well with a little love. Mine even has no problem with hollowpoints, except early Hydroshocks. Also, be sure to use a higher pressure range ammo, not the bargain stuff. European guns are designed for hot ammo....................elsullo
@@snaponsocksdotcom3360 Interarms followed the Walther design exactly, and most of their pistols were perfect and reliable. Smith and Wesson simplified the Walther design with fewer parts, which was not smart---every single early S&W PPKS had to be recalled to the factory for a defective safety!............................elsullo
When working CID ROBBERY all of our investigators ALWAYS CARRY TWO HANDGUNS, many packed the WALTHER PPK or PPK/S. I use one to this day, both blue and stainless older guns, not the newer guns, favor the pistols without the extended beavertail. Great for our hot and humid summers, even all the time really. Looking forward to Saturday and this review, true classic and a pistol I still favor in both .380 and even 7.65 with FIOCCHI 60 grain SJHP which is hot and likely the best load in this caliber.
HR welcome to the world of the PPK/s I’ve enjoyed mine for about 15-20 years. The performance of your S&W version mirrors my own. It has Fed every bullet weight, type and brand of 380 ammunition that I’ve put thought it, without a failure or any kind. It’s my EDC, in my front right pocket in a Don Hume holster. Really enjoy your review, looking forward to more Devil Dog .
Really enjoyable video. Thank you. My only experience of a this pistol (many many years ago) was with an original Walther PPK (German manufacture) that was just a beautiful piece of precision engineering. The pistol fitted my hand perfectly and I was able to shoot some impressively tight groups. I had no problems with the DA trigger on the first shot (my regular pistol was a Model 39 so no surprises there) and had no problems with either hammer or slide bite. Which proves the old adage that if a gun feels right in your hand it's probably going to shoot right. I hope you continue to be delighted with your new acquisition.
Great video!! I bought a used Walther PPKS that was from Interarms. It wasn't extracting or ejecting properly, so I contacted Walther in Ft Smith, AR. They paid for the shipping, and actually replaced my gun with a brand new one, no charge. The new one was a definite upgrade with a full grip tang, slightly better machining, and a beautiful case. Great gun! Funny thing is, it doesn't deliver more combat accuracy than my S&W Bodyguard. Still love it though.
I’m in the same boat. I just like the little thing. My has functioned flawlessly since I purchased it, and it is extremely accurate. I’m glad to hear that Walther treated you so well! Thanks for the comment.
Another very interesting video. Takes me back to when I was young and immortal. I carried a PPK as a back up in addition to my duty weapon. My old partner talked me into selling it to him a few years ago. Blessings brother
What really made this video for me was the obvious fun you were having! I'll never own one, will probably never get the chance to fire them, but I'm glad they're still out there...
Wonderful and thorough review! Decades ago I lucked into one of the early American made (early 1968?) stainless INTERARMS licensed PPk pistols. Beautifully made, it has fired over four hundred faultless rounds, EXCEPT the first generation Federal Hydroshocks, because of their sharp lips snagging the top of the chamber. I don't know about the current generation of Hydroshocks. Mine is even ACCURATE! Also, since mine was a biter, I fixed the slide-bite issue with a slip-on rubber sleeve with finger ridges. The ridges give more leverage for the fingers to keep the web of my hand low and snug so that the pistol cannot rotate in my hand from recoil! NO BITE! A couple of wide rubber bands on top of each other has the same result. It fits most pants pockets perfectly! A wonderful pre-Nazi bit of German design and engineering!............................elsullo
Another excellent video. I think you captured the essence of these pistols. I have shot several of the PP-PPK-PPK/S series of pistols. All were excellent shooters. They also all shot high at 7-12 yards but pretty much right on at 25 yards. The one factory target I saw was for a European produced PP and was shot at 25 meters. The Mauser HSc, a similar pistol, I had came with a target shot at 15 meters and was high at that distance. A long way to say that I think they are zeroed at 20-25 meters and so high when we shoot them in closer.
Really informative and entertaining video. Thank you hrfunk for taking the time to make it. Can't carry in Canada but a modern Walther USA black PPK in .380 Auto would absolutely be my go to urban edc. Having said that -> a pre-WW2 Luftwaffe (can't remember how to spell it at the moment...lol) PPK would be the holy grail PPK to own in a collection.
I own two ppks. The first bought in 1982 made by Manhurin ( blued ) , my second is a Interarms in stainless steel , which I bought about 12 years later. As far as shooting both pistols, I prefer the Manhurin as the trigger is slightly smother . The Interarms is also a good gun, neither pistol has had any malfunction .. Both pistols served as my back weapon which I carried on my ankle, until I replaced them with a kel-tec p-11 .
I've had an Interarms made PPK/S since the late 1990s. It's a bit ammo picky. When it likes the ammo, it functions perfectly. It is also very accurate. I don't think you will find a pistol in its size and weight class that is more accurate. Those tiny sights are very precise. And the single action trigger is almost on par with single action revolver pulls.
I have an Interarms PPK/S from about the same time period too. I remember watching a video on TH-cam regarding polishing up the feed ramp on the Interarms. The gentleman claimed it fixed all his feeding issues.
@@craigsavarese8631 The Interarms was built to the original design and has what I can best describe as a "step" on the frame going into the chamber. The new ones have a nicer feed ramp from the look of them. That helps with the hollow points. The lack of an external slide lock does make clearing malfunctions a pain. I've had to strip the magazine out on more than one occasion. Even so, I've carried that gun a lot and in a variety of situations. I have no plans of getting rid of it.
Great video. I have carried mine for years and enjoy the ability to conceal very easily. Bought mine off the internet for $500 and have never regretted the purchase. Yes it's heavier than a lot of the "plastic" guns on the market, but the added weight also seems to help with the recoil when shooting. Top it off with the fact that it is one sexy package (something I am not). Still my favorite weapon. Keep up the nice videos, you do a great job and come across nicely as someone that is both knowledgeable and not condescending to those of us without all the experience you have.
I watched the laser dot closely during that segment of your shooting. I want to tell you how impressed I am with the steadiness of your aim. Nice shooting Marine!
Hey Howard! I have the Interarms version I bought a couple of years ago for 6 bills. I took it to the range and the slide locked back after every shot. Upon close inspection, I noticed that the slide stop spring was missing. A few days and $15 later I fixed it. It has been completely reliable. It does have a tendency the web of your shooting hand smart a bit. The only PPs I’ve seen anywhere are chambered in 32 ACP. The PPK/S are all chambered in 380 or 22LR. It’s one of those things I bought because I always wanted one. Thank you, Sean Connery!
Dear HR, thank you so very much for your wonderful presentation of my favorite pistol! You did a very thorough & accurate job in its history and usage as well. So glad to have found you and looking forward to following your page! Stay well & thank you again!
My favorite pistol as well. Mine is almost the same as the one in the video... just newer. I lost an eye some years back and also use the laser sight so I was really pleased to see this.
@@ShandiNicole1982 wow, I wasn’t aware that a laser was available for this. I’m very sorry to hear about losing your eyesight in one eye. Blessings to you and your family
Dang you HR Funk! I have been loving that gun since my aunt gave me her entire collection of James Bond paperbacks when I was 10 years old. I got to shoot one regularly back in the 80s when a friend of mine owned one, but I never could get myself to pay the price for one either. That is a very beautiful gun and looks like a good one to pick up and go when time is tight. It was also interesting to see that your sight picture looks like mine even though you shoot a whole lot better than I do.
Thanks much for the very informative video. I have a S&W June 2007 PPK/S, that fell in the recall # range. Functioned flawlessly before & after recall mods. After ~100 rds functioning & trigger was slightly smoother, but was actually smooth when new. Flawless functioning w/both full patch & HP. I installed CT grips for very low light shooting capability, but I also like their feel vz. factory grips. I don't think S&W offered CT grips as a factory option, but you did mention that your Walther was purchased 2nd hand, so likely an after initial purchase addition. ..
I purchased my Interarms made PPK/S in 1982. I carried it as my backup weapon for close to 20 years. It was and still is extreamly accurate. The only feeding problems I ever had were when I used cheap practice ammo. I still have it and it is in my EDC rotation.
It is a classic gun, and you did a fine job of reviewing it. That slide bit only had to happen to me once..... ouch wtf? In comparison to the Sig P230, it has more recoil and “snap” so not my fav .380 to carry. Still great to have one. 👍
I gave my father ppk .380 for Christmas about 15 years ago I miss that handgun and he will not let it go either.. I bought my son the ppk/s in 22lr and it's 1 of my favorite to take out back and do some plinking with .. congrats on the find mr.funk.. I would definitely take the Walther over the bersa ( not that anything is wrong with a bersa) I think they are a good looking and well built handgun..
Great video, thanks! Well, you've gone and done it; now I need to get one. Like you, I've waited forever to get a PPK/S, and also considered many lesser substitutes along the way but couldn't bring myself to get one. I realised I just needed to wait till the time and funds were right for pulling the trigger (pun intended) on the real deal. Your video has clinched it for me, now I'm really ready to spring for one. It really is an aesthetically beautiful pistol. Cheers!
Hello to you, Today in my home town I came across this exact firearm, in remarkable condition. I have learnt a lot today with you on the S and W version of this model. Glad I was able to watch this. I am still thinking on getting it. I am subscribed with you and have always liked your clips, especially the Walter P99 Final Edition Thanks again
Good review as always Howard. I've watched it twice now, and in between I purchased a NIB PPK/S from my LGS. They ain't cheap, but then they never were I don't suppose. Like your's, no malfunctions, with either ball ammo, or again like you, some very limited shooting with NOVX 80 gr HP's. It just chugs along. Mine has a surprisingly good D/A trigger. Very much like a nice revolver (I'm a revolver guy at heart), very smooth, with no stacking. The S/A is even better...about 5 lbs, maybe a bit lighter depeding on the moon, stars, and stage of the tide for all I know. I found a nice Bianchi IWB holster (leather) to complete my "retro carry" package. Keep up the good work. Look forward to your next posting.
I never had a problem with slide bite on the models with the original tang/beavertail length, but man are these things a literal pain to shoot. I had an Interarms model in 380ACP and after two magazines worth of ammo my hand was aching so much that I just didn't want to shoot it anymore. Though I loved the gun I sold it shortly thereafter and bought one of the new models in 22LR. I wish those were a little pricier so that they could be as nicely finished as the 380 models, but I'll take what I can get. Until Walther reintroduces a 32ACP model someday!
@@hrfunk I am not. You may as well have a Walther TPH chambered in .22 LR or .25ACP. .32 ACP is still the reigning champion for the chambering that most models of pistol have been chambered in, but there are several hundred if not thousands of very extremely obscure pistols made between 1909 and 1959 chambered in .32 ACP. Aside from that .32 ACP is just not a very effective round for defensive use. It's ranked down with .25 ACP and rim fire .22s. They can still all kill a person. The Walther 25 ACP TPH is a very rare, expensive and finely made German mouse gun. Most TPHs I see are chambered in .22 LR. Not a fan of rim fire reliability!
.25 ACP mouse guns are actually a lot of fun for me to shoot. The TPH in .25 ACP can cost north of $2000! They are NOT easy to shoot from any remotely appreciable distance. Shooting 5-7 yards with a Baby Browning is like 50 yards with a 1911. 1/10 the walking to paste up targets!
If you use a 7,65 Walther feed it FIOCCHI 60 GRAIN SJHP ammo, this really enhances its potential as a personal defense cartridge with M.E levels on par with some .380 rounds, but does represent a viable option in this cartridge, The 7.65 Browning AKA .32 ACP was the most produced and utilized caliber in the world from its introduction in the 1900 FN until after WW2 when the 9mm began to make inroads yet it took nearly 20 more years to surpass it in popularity as the most produced pistol caliber, where it stands today. If a company produced a pistol you can bet it was offered in the 7.65 Browning.
@@Satchmoeddie I had a Walther TPH .22 and it was simply excellent. Never failed in any way, even with very hot hollowpoints, and NO slide bite! If you need a REALLY small and slim reliable hideout gun, that TPH .22 is worth the money!........................elsullo
yup! its most likely the best designed pistol out there! Its is not for the weak! This firearm is forever! I am beyond grateful for this gift ! My son and I both are strapped and love a long life with Walther Just the best!!!!
Very good video on the Walther PPK/S. I just bought the same gun but the newer one made in Arkansas and the blue version a couple of days ago. A tip I have learned to prevent scratching the frame on disassembling for cleaning is use a playing card between the trigger guard and frame. Thanks for the great viedo and Semper Fi from a former Marine🇺🇸🇺🇸👍
I use one of those plastic things you use to put screws in plaster wallboard. Pull trigger guard down and insert it. It will hold trigger guard in place.
Damn, I know this was year ago but this is excellent work. Great information. Very precise. Instant subscribe, keep working 👊 Looking for a PPK because of my grandfather, this was awesome.
I will never part with my PPK/S and have yet to have any issues firing it. This pistol was not made to sit and shoot 100’s of rounds at a range. It is made to unload 15 rounds at your enemy.
I love the Walther PPK/S. I have one for my CCW. It always draws straight and hits whatever you point it at. As a bonus, it has the same controls and action as my Berettas. It is a little heavy and slightly large, but I make it work because it is the pistol I have to put the least thought to draw and aim. My only real gripe is the tail bite. The webbing of my hand hurts just thinking about it.
LOVE mine. Always like to carry a hammer-fired DA/SA when I can; my every day's a P365XL with a Holosun; but I like to carry my PpK on occasion. A lot of people call it a "mouse gun/expert's pistol" which I've never understood, coz I find mine a real joy to shoot and easy to do so accurately. Thanks Chief!
A lot of that depends upon you. I love my PPK/s and I accept it’s old world idiosyncrasies. The DA/SA trigger is an acquired taste that requires some work. The recoil is a bit snappy for a .380. The capacity is nothing to write home about (by today’s standards). The magazine release is not where you would expect to find it, and there’s no external slide stop. The 365XL is a more modern design in every sense. Even so, I would never trade my Walther for the Sig. My PPK/s has been utterly reliable, it’s extremely accurate, and it’s very,very cool. I’ll put in the work to master it.
Nice piece! Both of them. I was never bitten with the PPK bug, but I was attracted to the slightly longer PP. I don’t have one, but I do have the Hungarian PA-63 which is almost a clone in external appearance to the PP and a pretty good pistol in it’s own rite.
Excellent Review and shooting, even though you did not hit the Tack! Congratulations on finally getting a Walther PPK/S .380! I have an older blued sample, made in West Germany.
My EDC is the Walther PPKs very controllable extremely accurate and fits inside my right pants pocket with no bulge 380 ammo has come a long way and defensive ammo readily available. Added plus Eastern European FMJ quite inexpensive.
PPK/s ... Love 'em. The look and feel of these pistols is superb. I had an Interarms PPK/s years ago (380ACP), but like a dummy I traded it off for something. Never got another as they just got too pricey, and at the time S&W was making 'em, and they had some issues. Glad to see yours is apparently a good one, and very accurate. I used to plink rocks on the backstop/berm with mine out to about 50yds. If I didn't hit 'em, it came pretty close. I really liked the take down on these - just pull down and offset the trigger guard. Cool. Only thing I did not like was the very heavy dbl. action trigger pull - it was HEAVY. But the single action was light & "crisp" (grab a Pringle 😂) Now you got two good carry guns: the S&W CS9, and your PPK/s
A nice combo is a S&W 3913 with a 380 Ppk as backup. Instead of the new S&W mini 9 sa 1911, should have brought out a 10 shot CS9. Still prefer a da/sa pistol over a striker pistol
These are the best looking firearms ever made imo. But because I've always wanted one of these, but could never justify the price, I now own 2 Bersa Thunder 380's. A single stack and a double stack. They are both 100% reliable, accurate and built like tanks. You should still consider a Bersa. Especially if you want to keep this beautiful firearm pristine.
I've had one of these for a while. I have one of the new Arkansas Walther made ones, and its a great pistol. Mine was my backup carry until I switched to an SP101.
Excellent video and a beautiful pistol. I think you’re right about it smoothing up after a few 100 rounds. I guess you’re going to have to start reloading .380.
The rear site was the first thing I noticed on your pistol. I bought my S&W PPK/S in 2009 It`s been a reliable and accurate runner , the only issues I ever had with it were 2 stove pipes back in the day using Remington green box witch I also notice run a little dirty. With all the people talking down on the S&W models I hope you got yours for a good price as I find the price of the new ones twice what I paid for mine new. I never could get used to the OEM pinky extension on the mags so I bought a few of the mags without extensions, feels a lot better to me even though the pinky extensions on other pistols don`t bother me. I`m like a few out there I bought mine because of James Bond movies. Tip for those that don`t know a 9mm maglula loader will load the mags with no trouble as all the genuine Walther mags I have are pretty stiff to load. My only wish for the PPK is that some day Walther would come back out with the PPK in 9x19 witch they did make in the 40`s.
As a matter of fact, I got what I would consider a very good deal on this pistol. I am quite happy now that I have shot it, and found that it is accurate and reliable.
I remember as a kid in the 90s i endedup seeing a walter ppk i think in 32acp it was on tv show guns and ammo. Decades later now 35 i just bought mine yesterday.😂 Mine is the 22lr in black The james bond gun is so cool 👍👍👍
I'm such a Walther fan. Such high quality, such originality. I don't get why this manufacturer isn't the top 2-3 favorite of the people?!?!?! You're gonna choose the most vanilla pistol manufacturer, Glock, over a PPQ a PPS or even these old PPK's? The trigger in a walther is the highest quality on the market now. HK, Smith, Canik all try to copy the trigger design.
I owned one of the earlier production PPK/S models in .32 ACP for quite a few years back in the 90's and quite liked it, though even with my smaller hands, hammer bite was still a problem when employing a modern shooting grip. I did have the opportunity to fire one of the early .380 examples, but found it very snappy... I figured the round was actually just a bit hotter than the design was originally intended for. I'm guessing the redesigned tang alleviates this issue. I DID find it just a little difficult to conceal due to it's grip length in comparison to it's overall length... but you just have to set up your carry accordingly. I found the appendix carry position (which has since, of course, become VERY popular) to be the most effective with this pistol.
Another fine video HR! I bought this same pistol about ten years ago and then bought the Crimson Trace grips for it. The laser isn't really useful in daylight as you found out. I found it kinda unpleasant to shoot. There was a recall on the S&W guns so you may want to check that out. I never had a problem with mine though. I bought a Remington RM380 for a pocket carry gun and I like it better. For self defense rounds in .380 check out the Underwood Ammo extreme penetrator ammo. Better performance than hollow points.
The Underwood "Extreme Defender" ammo might have a perfect penetration as is. Tests in silicone clear gel do not look too impressive, but that stuff is very elastic and shrinks back from the wound cavity produced to hide the damage. Rounds of the solid copper fluted bullets in organic gelatin show DRAMATIC permanent wound cavities, giving .380 ammo a whole new horizon!...............................elsullo
@@elsullo2 Thanks! As time goes by, I’m becoming less and less reliant on the results of ballistic gel testing. There are simply too many variables it can’t account for.
I own one of the .32 ACP versions from the 1930s. I'm happy to have it in my collection it is the only historic military firearm I own. A bit more discussion of the various military manufacturersduring and after WW2 would be interesting to fill in the back drop of such a historic pistol.
I thought about going into the history of the various manufacturers, but I opted to abbreviate that segment. Maybe I’ll do a stand alone video on that topic in the future.
I have enjoyed your videos for quite a while. I have a FEG PA63 in 9mm Makarov which is a clone of the Walther PP. After replacing the springs and horrible sights, it is a dream to shoot. I had the opportunity once to purchase a real Walther, but turned it down because of the heavy trigger and lack of accuracy. It looks like you got a very nice pistol there.
My daily carry backup gun. Accurate and very dependable. Mine is a Interarms made under license from Walther. Also own it's little sister, .22 LR PPK/S.
As always a very well thought out and informative persentation. But it kind of look's like Christmas came early to your house this year didn't it. Very nice work of art that you now own , love it . Your right about wanting a gun from the days of your youth. My was a P08, a P38 , a MP 40 , and a STG 44. Well like you I bought them all , and love to shoot them all. My P38 is a AC 45 ,which make it one of the last year's of production but it also a Walther in 9mm. It's a great shooter feel so good in the hand. Anyhow Thank's again for you hard work and being safe in life. Merry Christmas to All and a good night.
That lever on the back of the slide is not considered a safety by Carl Walther. It is called a decocker. It is a way to safely uncock the firearm and then split it back up so you can carry it and that 20lb double action trigger pull is the safety mechanism. The Smith & Wesson's were identifiable by the longer beavertail they had below the hammer. The best load I ever came up with for that gun was a 90 grain Speer hollow point with 3.8 grains of 231. Nice load for that firearm. The Mauser HSC and 380 with automatically load the first cartridge into the chamber as soon as you put the loaded magazine into the firearm. That was nice
I still miss my Mauser HSc .380! Beautiful gun, perfect blueing and walnut grips, more accurate than I was! I traded it to get my Walther PPk! The Mauser had a remarkable design of a "delayed blowback" where the barrel stayed locked to the slide in recoil but did not tilt down, which probably added to accuracy. Ruger has revived that design with their Ruger 57 pistol, the 5.57X28 wonder gun; a delayed blowback just like Mauser made in 1932!...........................elsullo
Was really good shooting with those sights. The Walther PP in 7.65mm (32acp) FMJ, was the Police pistol in Denmark until 1996 or so, when they upgraded to the H&K USP Compact in 9mm.
Couldn't drag my tired behind out of the bed this morning haha! Great video and review on the PPK "sporting" model handgun. Doesn't get much better quality than Walther, especially the older production one's. The newer ones including yours is still a fine looking firearm. Also, Howard I like the fact you include much of the History of any firearm you handle. Well done! Nice acquisition in your sporting model!
As an aside, if you want to move up the power of the 380 in a Ppk, use Buffalo Bore . For plus p you should change recoil springs to a Wolff heavy, as well as firing pin springs but the 90 gr jhp from a Ppk will hit around 1200 fps, -100 gr hard cast fn1150. In standard pressure 90 gr jhp will go around 1025fps, hard cast 975. To me the best one without beating up your pistol is the standard pressure 100 gr cast. I am reloading the same bullet to around 950fps. Accurate and penetrates well .
I am a Private Investigator in NY. The PPK 380 (Smith and Wesson) was one of my first two guns (as a beginner). The other is the Ruger LC9. The Walther is my favorite. I carry the Walther daily and the Ruger sits in my gun box.
Really good Shooting. I've always heard bad things about the ones made by Smith and Wesson, and I had avoided it maybe I'll take a look at 1 again . Excellent presentation.
I bought mine over a decade ago. My PPK/s was manufactured for Walther by Smith & Wesson in Maine. Long prior to Walther moving to Arkansas. My only complaint is that the PPK/S is really heavy in an ankle holster. Oh, watch out for SLIDE BITE.
My grandpa made the ppk caliber mistake. I tried to tell him that it was a .380 and not a 9mm but he couldn't be told anything by a 10 year old so we had to go through the motion of picking up the wrong ammo and heading out to the field only to find that the ammo wouldn't fit in the magazine!
Well, that was fun. You will still end up buying a BERSA Thunder .380 though, so this lovely example of the Walther PPK-S can remain a shelf queen... LOL.. I enjoyed the video.
Really good shooting. It's not fashionable these days to refer to break in periods for pistols but there was a time when allowing for the mating of mechanical parts was expected. Could be the reason for the difference in the first two groups and for an expectation that the pistol will only get better in the future. I want one :). Never did before
I agree. All-steel pistols Probably still need a little bit of break in. Even so I think the difference between those two groups was shooter related not just all related. :-)
I owned one for a short period of time. It was the S&W version like yours. Beautiful gun but for some reason it cut Into my hand whenever I fired it so I traded it in. No other gun I've owned since has done that. Weird really. The gun I've always wanted but never did, has been the Beretta model 84 .380. One day I hope to get it.
Very nice video, Howard, THANK YOU. The fact is, I’ve never fired any Walther PP-series firearm. But I’d offer - just for grins - a few thoughts. 1. I’m not a proponent of the.380 ACP (9x17mm) for defensive purposes. IMHO, it’s right at (or below) the margin for being potentially ineffective as a “rapid stopper” (as, imho, are standard pressure .38 Special rounds). Of course, solid center of mass hits from either of these calibers can be effective - for that matter .22LR rounds work - but how rapidly they do so is (again, imho) a very germane issue. 2. With that said, one of my prized sidearms was my dad’s Colt/Browning 1908, chambered in .380. He often carried it for “routine” FBI duties - with his issued 3.5 inch barrel, .38 (+P, although that terminology had not yet been created) on a 44 (N) frame readily available - for times when he wasn’t “interviewing bankers.” I fire this 1908 occasionally, it’s totally reliable, reasonably accurate (the sights are poor by modern standards), and it’s 3.8 inch barrel length provides somewhat enhanced muzzle energy and velocity compared to most modern .380’s. 3. I like Walther’s current CCP/M2, chambered in 9x19. Like the PP-series, it has a fixed barrel (which, I believe, can improve accuracy) and its a VERY soft shooter, with very light recoil and a very low-pressure recoil spring. The barrel length is 3.54 inches (enhanced muzzle velocity and sight radius) and it has an 8+1 capacity. To me, these are slight improvements over the popular ~3 inch, 9mm, mico-compacts (such as the P365 and the Hellcat), but the CCP is small, light and very concealable. It was interesting to note several of the design features that were carried forward from the PP-series to the CCP/M2, although - obviously - there are major differences, since the CCP is a striker fired 9mm (not a DA/SA .380) design.
Thanks Roy. I agree, for all practical purposes there are many modern compact 9mm pistols that do everything the PPK/s will do. They will also do those things better, more efficiently and offer improved stopping qualities. Even so, once in a while it's fun to carry a classic. Maybe occasionally, when I dress nicely for an evening out with my wife, the PPK will find its way into a shoulder holster. On those occasions, I'll also have my martini shaken not stirred.
@@hrfunk Ha, ha, ha! Yes, indeed, I wholly agree with you. Much akin to the “barbecue sidearms” (often very expensive and ornate, with elegant holsters and belts) that appear at Texas social gatherings.
You’ll be driving an Aston Martin soon. Good video. Would like to have one of these or a Colt Mustang Pocketlite. I also would like to see it made in .32 acp.
Still have my (purchased new/about 217.00$) 1976 "W Germany" 380 PPK/S. Carried it off-duty & once in a while as a back-up. Only negative I could find is that terrible over 12lb. first DA trigger . I ran three different magazines of Hornady Critical Defense at the range recently. It functioned flawlessly. The "W Germany" on the slide brings back many of the years during the "Cold War"......Have talked to a couple reputable gunsmiths & neither would work on that DA trigger .
I think the trigger is going to be an acquired taste. It’s one of the reasons I mentioned that the PPK is not a good pistol for a beginner. It’s going to take a bit of work and experience to master that trigger.
I found the pistol uncomfortable to fire. The fellow that traded it to me told me that was why he was selling it. The pistol grabs the skin in the web area. 1911 is more comfortable to fire.
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I carry one ! Not cheap, but dang, it will never need a gun smith and will last 500 years.
Mine has been in the family since the early 90s and is a beautiful gun and very accurate but mine is just not reliable. My brother had a bersa 380 of the same vintage and his runs like a top..... Just my luck lol. Mine is a blued interarms import ppk/s we call it Bob Marley because it be jammin
@@bowlofrice8 get the new one made by Walther !! Runs like a champ. The interarms isn't a true Walther.
@@bowlofrice8 they weren't allowed to be imported after 1968 Smith and Wesson and interams made them in their factory using the Walther blue prints but they werent the same cuz it's really hard to re make a German gun.
@@bowlofrice8 Have you tried polishing the ramp and upper side of the chamber where the bullet slides? Or tried ammo of different bullet shapes? Most of the Interarms pistols work very well with a little love. Mine even has no problem with hollowpoints, except early Hydroshocks. Also, be sure to use a higher pressure range ammo, not the bargain stuff. European guns are designed for hot ammo....................elsullo
@@snaponsocksdotcom3360 Interarms followed the Walther design exactly, and most of their pistols were perfect and reliable. Smith and Wesson simplified the Walther design with fewer parts, which was not smart---every single early S&W PPKS had to be recalled to the factory for a defective safety!............................elsullo
When working CID ROBBERY all of our investigators ALWAYS CARRY TWO HANDGUNS, many packed the WALTHER PPK or PPK/S. I use one to this day, both blue and stainless older guns, not the newer guns, favor the pistols without the extended beavertail. Great for our hot and humid summers, even all the time really. Looking forward to Saturday and this review, true classic and a pistol I still favor in both .380 and even 7.65 with FIOCCHI 60 grain SJHP which is hot and likely the best load in this caliber.
HR welcome to the world of the PPK/s I’ve enjoyed mine for about 15-20 years. The performance of your S&W version mirrors my own. It has Fed every bullet weight, type and brand of 380 ammunition that I’ve put thought it, without a failure or any kind. It’s my EDC, in my front right pocket in a Don Hume holster.
Really enjoy your review, looking forward to more Devil Dog .
Thanks Vito, and Semper Fi!
Drinking coffee and really enjoying seeing you have fun with a classic. I also agree with your idea it is an experienced shooter's gun.
It is also a lot of fun. Thanks for watching and enjoy your coffee. (I think I need another cup myself!)
Really enjoyable video. Thank you. My only experience of a this pistol (many many years ago) was with an original Walther PPK (German manufacture) that was just a beautiful piece of precision engineering. The pistol fitted my hand perfectly and I was able to shoot some impressively tight groups. I had no problems with the DA trigger on the first shot (my regular pistol was a Model 39 so no surprises there) and had no problems with either hammer or slide bite. Which proves the old adage that if a gun feels right in your hand it's probably going to shoot right. I hope you continue to be delighted with your new acquisition.
Thanks Alan. So far, I couldn't be happier. In fact, I think I'll carry it with me later when I run out to the store.
Great video!! I bought a used Walther PPKS that was from Interarms. It wasn't extracting or ejecting properly, so I contacted Walther in Ft Smith, AR. They paid for the shipping, and actually replaced my gun with a brand new one, no charge. The new one was a definite upgrade with a full grip tang, slightly better machining, and a beautiful case. Great gun! Funny thing is, it doesn't deliver more combat accuracy than my S&W Bodyguard. Still love it though.
I’m in the same boat. I just like the little thing. My has functioned flawlessly since I purchased it, and it is extremely accurate. I’m glad to hear that Walther treated you so well! Thanks for the comment.
Another very good video Howard. I had a PPK for years till my daughter turned 21. It was at that time that I gifted it to her. She regularly cc it.
That was a very thoughtful gift. My daughter might be about the only one who would ever end up with mine!
Another very interesting video. Takes me back to when I was young and immortal. I carried a PPK as a back up in addition to my duty weapon. My old partner talked me into selling it to him a few years ago. Blessings brother
Thanks Woodrow!
What really made this video for me was the obvious fun you were having! I'll never own one, will probably never get the chance to fire them, but I'm glad they're still out there...
It really is a fun little pistol. I hope you DO get the chance to fire one some day.
Wonderful and thorough review! Decades ago I lucked into one of the early American made (early 1968?) stainless INTERARMS licensed PPk pistols. Beautifully made, it has fired over four hundred faultless rounds, EXCEPT the first generation Federal Hydroshocks, because of their sharp lips snagging the top of the chamber. I don't know about the current generation of Hydroshocks. Mine is even ACCURATE! Also, since mine was a biter, I fixed the slide-bite issue with a slip-on rubber sleeve with finger ridges. The ridges give more leverage for the fingers to keep the web of my hand low and snug so that the pistol cannot rotate in my hand from recoil! NO BITE! A couple of wide rubber bands on top of each other has the same result. It fits most pants pockets perfectly! A wonderful pre-Nazi bit of German design and engineering!............................elsullo
I had no clue that I would have been so interested in this weapon. Thanks for this video. Very informative.
You’re welcome. Thanks for watching!
Another excellent video. I think you captured the essence of these pistols. I have shot several of the PP-PPK-PPK/S series of pistols. All were excellent shooters. They also all shot high at 7-12 yards but pretty much right on at 25 yards. The one factory target I saw was for a European produced PP and was shot at 25 meters. The Mauser HSc, a similar pistol, I had came with a target shot at 15 meters and was high at that distance. A long way to say that I think they are zeroed at 20-25 meters and so high when we shoot them in closer.
That may well be. Truthfully, for its intended role, I think the point of impact is fine.
Really informative and entertaining video. Thank you hrfunk for taking the time to make it. Can't carry in Canada but a modern Walther USA black PPK in .380 Auto would absolutely be my go to urban edc. Having said that -> a pre-WW2 Luftwaffe (can't remember how to spell it at the moment...lol) PPK would be the holy grail PPK to own in a collection.
That WOULD be extremely cool. Thanks for watching!
I own two ppks. The first bought in 1982 made by Manhurin ( blued ) , my second is a Interarms in stainless steel , which I bought about 12 years later. As far as shooting both pistols, I prefer the Manhurin as the trigger is slightly smother . The Interarms is also a good gun, neither pistol has had any malfunction .. Both pistols served as my back weapon which I carried on my ankle, until I replaced them with a
kel-tec p-11 .
I've had an Interarms made PPK/S since the late 1990s. It's a bit ammo picky. When it likes the ammo, it functions perfectly. It is also very accurate. I don't think you will find a pistol in its size and weight class that is more accurate. Those tiny sights are very precise. And the single action trigger is almost on par with single action revolver pulls.
I have an Interarms PPK/S from about the same time period too. I remember watching a video on TH-cam regarding polishing up the feed ramp on the Interarms. The gentleman claimed it fixed all his feeding issues.
@@craigsavarese8631 The Interarms was built to the original design and has what I can best describe as a "step" on the frame going into the chamber. The new ones have a nicer feed ramp from the look of them. That helps with the hollow points. The lack of an external slide lock does make clearing malfunctions a pain. I've had to strip the magazine out on more than one occasion. Even so, I've carried that gun a lot and in a variety of situations. I have no plans of getting rid of it.
Great video. I have carried mine for years and enjoy the ability to conceal very easily. Bought mine off the internet for $500 and have never regretted the purchase. Yes it's heavier than a lot of the "plastic" guns on the market, but the added weight also seems to help with the recoil when shooting. Top it off with the fact that it is one sexy package (something I am not). Still my favorite weapon. Keep up the nice videos, you do a great job and come across nicely as someone that is both knowledgeable and not condescending to those of us without all the experience you have.
Thank you!
I watched the laser dot closely during that segment of your shooting. I want to tell you how impressed I am with the steadiness of your aim. Nice shooting Marine!
Thanks Troy, Semper Fi!
Hey Howard! I have the Interarms version I bought a couple of years ago for 6 bills. I took it to the range and the slide locked back after every shot. Upon close inspection, I noticed that the slide stop spring was missing. A few days and $15 later I fixed it. It has been completely reliable. It does have a tendency the web of your shooting hand smart a bit. The only PPs I’ve seen anywhere are chambered in 32 ACP. The PPK/S are all chambered in 380 or 22LR. It’s one of those things I bought because I always wanted one. Thank you, Sean Connery!
And thank you Ian Fleming! I really like this little pistol.
@hrfunk does the extended beaver tail help totally prevent slide / hammer bites? Or does it just reduce them?
I’ve Beverly experienced any sort of bite or discomfort.
@@hrfunk thanks
AS always, great video. So enjoyable to watch videos without cussing and vulgarity. Thanks again Harold!
You're welcome! Thanks for watching.
Dear HR, thank you so very much for your wonderful presentation of my favorite pistol! You did a very thorough & accurate job in its history and usage as well. So glad to have found you and looking forward to following your page! Stay well & thank you again!
Thank you for watching Matthew. I’m glad you enjoy my content.
My favorite pistol as well. Mine is almost the same as the one in the video... just newer. I lost an eye some years back and also use the laser sight so I was really pleased to see this.
@@ShandiNicole1982 wow, I wasn’t aware that a laser was available for this. I’m very sorry to hear about losing your eyesight in one eye. Blessings to you and your family
@@matthewmushlin13 yeah, it’s actually mounted to the grip.
@@ShandiNicole1982 might I ask you for the name of the manufacturer? Thank you 🙏🏻
Dang you HR Funk! I have been loving that gun since my aunt gave me her entire collection of James Bond paperbacks when I was 10 years old. I got to shoot one regularly back in the 80s when a friend of mine owned one, but I never could get myself to pay the price for one either. That is a very beautiful gun and looks like a good one to pick up and go when time is tight. It was also interesting to see that your sight picture looks like mine even though you shoot a whole lot better than I do.
I love the PPK and PPK/s, but I never cared for James Bond films .But That was decades ago .Maybe they deserve another look .
Thanks much for the very informative video. I have a S&W June 2007 PPK/S, that fell in the recall # range. Functioned flawlessly before & after recall mods. After ~100 rds functioning & trigger was slightly smoother, but was actually smooth when new. Flawless functioning w/both full patch & HP. I installed CT grips for very low light shooting capability, but I also like their feel vz. factory grips. I don't think S&W offered CT grips as a factory option, but you did mention that your Walther was purchased 2nd hand, so likely an after initial purchase addition. ..
I would have to sort back through my old catalogs, but I believe that was a factory option. In any case, thanks for watching!
One Thing you didn't mention S&W also change the feed ramp design. It makes easier feeding for hollow points. Enjoy your PPK/S
I don't think I knew that. Thanks for the info.
Cool video. I have had my PPK/S since 1985. Mine was made by Interarms (Ranger). Excellent pistol.
I love mine. It’s been a great pistol and it’s just cool!
I purchased my Interarms made PPK/S in 1982. I carried it as my backup weapon for close to 20 years. It was and still is extreamly accurate. The only feeding problems I ever had were when I used cheap practice ammo. I still have it and it is in my EDC rotation.
Same here and I killed already two bimbos.
It is a classic gun, and you did a fine job of reviewing it. That slide bit only had to happen to me once..... ouch wtf? In comparison to the Sig P230, it has more recoil and “snap” so not my fav .380 to carry. Still great to have one. 👍
I gave my father ppk .380 for Christmas about 15 years ago I miss that handgun and he will not let it go either.. I bought my son the ppk/s in 22lr and it's 1 of my favorite to take out back and do some plinking with .. congrats on the find mr.funk.. I would definitely take the Walther over the bersa ( not that anything is wrong with a bersa) I think they are a good looking and well built handgun..
There is just something about the real Walthers.
Great video, thanks! Well, you've gone and done it; now I need to get one. Like you, I've waited forever to get a PPK/S, and also considered many lesser substitutes along the way but couldn't bring myself to get one. I realised I just needed to wait till the time and funds were right for pulling the trigger (pun intended) on the real deal. Your video has clinched it for me, now I'm really ready to spring for one. It really is an aesthetically beautiful pistol. Cheers!
Good luck! I hope you find one. Now that I think about it, I haven’t carried mine recently. I might just have to go pull it out of the safe.
Hello to you,
Today in my home town I came across this exact firearm, in remarkable condition. I have learnt a lot today with you on the S and W version of this model. Glad I was able to watch this. I am still thinking on getting it. I am subscribed with you and have always liked your clips, especially the Walter P99 Final Edition
Thanks again
Thank you!
Good review as always Howard. I've watched it twice now, and in between I purchased a NIB PPK/S from my LGS. They ain't cheap, but then they never were I don't suppose. Like your's, no malfunctions, with either ball ammo, or again like you, some very limited shooting with NOVX 80 gr HP's. It just chugs along. Mine has a surprisingly good D/A trigger. Very much like a nice revolver (I'm a revolver guy at heart), very smooth, with no stacking. The S/A is even better...about 5 lbs, maybe a bit lighter depeding on the moon, stars, and stage of the tide for all I know. I found a nice Bianchi IWB holster (leather) to complete my "retro carry" package.
Keep up the good work. Look forward to your next posting.
Will do. Enjoy that classic pistol!
I've also wanted one of these for years. Thanks for the thorough review!
You’re welcome!
Excellent review!👍
Now I miss the German built model PP I had back in the 70's.😢
Thank you. Too bad that one got away.
Man I already know this video is going to be a good one. 40 hours can't pass by soon enough
I never had a problem with slide bite on the models with the original tang/beavertail length, but man are these things a literal pain to shoot. I had an Interarms model in 380ACP and after two magazines worth of ammo my hand was aching so much that I just didn't want to shoot it anymore. Though I loved the gun I sold it shortly thereafter and bought one of the new models in 22LR. I wish those were a little pricier so that they could be as nicely finished as the 380 models, but I'll take what I can get. Until Walther reintroduces a 32ACP model someday!
I'm surprised they are not making the .32 now.
@@hrfunk I am not. You may as well have a Walther TPH chambered in .22 LR or .25ACP. .32 ACP is still the reigning champion for the chambering that most models of pistol have been chambered in, but there are several hundred if not thousands of very extremely obscure pistols made between 1909 and 1959 chambered in .32 ACP. Aside from that .32 ACP is just not a very effective round for defensive use. It's ranked down with .25 ACP and rim fire .22s. They can still all kill a person. The Walther 25 ACP TPH is a very rare, expensive and finely made German mouse gun. Most TPHs I see are chambered in .22 LR. Not a fan of rim fire reliability!
.25 ACP mouse guns are actually a lot of fun for me to shoot. The TPH in .25 ACP can cost north of $2000! They are NOT easy to shoot from any remotely appreciable distance. Shooting 5-7 yards with a Baby Browning is like 50 yards with a 1911. 1/10 the walking to paste up targets!
If you use a 7,65 Walther feed it FIOCCHI 60 GRAIN SJHP ammo, this really enhances its potential as a personal defense cartridge with M.E levels on par with some .380 rounds, but does represent a viable option in this cartridge, The 7.65 Browning AKA .32 ACP was the most produced and utilized caliber in the world from its introduction in the 1900 FN until after WW2 when the 9mm began to make inroads yet it took nearly 20 more years to surpass it in popularity as the most produced pistol caliber, where it stands today. If a company produced a pistol you can bet it was offered in the 7.65 Browning.
@@Satchmoeddie I had a Walther TPH .22 and it was simply excellent. Never failed in any way, even with very hot hollowpoints, and NO slide bite! If you need a REALLY small and slim reliable hideout gun, that TPH .22 is worth the money!........................elsullo
yup! its most likely the best designed pistol out there!
Its is not for the weak! This firearm is forever!
I am beyond grateful for this gift ! My son and I both are strapped and love a long life with Walther Just the best!!!!
Very good video on the Walther PPK/S. I just bought the same gun but the newer one made in Arkansas and the blue version a couple of days ago.
A tip I have learned to prevent scratching the frame on disassembling for cleaning is use a playing card between the trigger guard and frame. Thanks for the great viedo and Semper Fi from a former Marine🇺🇸🇺🇸👍
Thanks and Semper Fi!
I use one of those plastic things you use to put screws in plaster wallboard. Pull trigger guard down and insert it. It will hold trigger guard in place.
Damn, I know this was year ago but this is excellent work. Great information. Very precise. Instant subscribe, keep working 👊 Looking for a PPK because of my grandfather, this was awesome.
Thank you for the sub and welcome aboard!
Thank You for a great review! The size comparison so helpful!
You’re welcome Alan. Thanks for watching!
Great review! I was so happy to hear you say you were taking the stickers off haha
They are already gone!
I will never part with my PPK/S and have yet to have any issues firing it.
This pistol was not made to sit and shoot 100’s of rounds at a range.
It is made to unload 15 rounds at your enemy.
15? Mine is 10 + 1 (a .22LR, sorry)
@@rapidrrobert4333
Two 7 round and one in chamber.
I love the Walther PPK/S. I have one for my CCW. It always draws straight and hits whatever you point it at. As a bonus, it has the same controls and action as my Berettas. It is a little heavy and slightly large, but I make it work because it is the pistol I have to put the least thought to draw and aim. My only real gripe is the tail bite. The webbing of my hand hurts just thinking about it.
That’s one of the nice things about mine. Since it’s one of the newer pistols, it has the extended grip tang which mitigates the bite.
LOVE mine. Always like to carry a hammer-fired DA/SA when I can; my every day's a P365XL with a Holosun; but I like to carry my PpK on occasion. A lot of people call it a "mouse gun/expert's pistol" which I've never understood, coz I find mine a real joy to shoot and easy to do so accurately. Thanks Chief!
You’re welcome Matt. Thanks for watching!
I have a p365xl and I’m debating on switching to a Ppk/s for my primary carry gun. Thoughts?
A lot of that depends upon you. I love my PPK/s and I accept it’s old world idiosyncrasies. The DA/SA trigger is an acquired taste that requires some work. The recoil is a bit snappy for a .380. The capacity is nothing to write home about (by today’s standards). The magazine release is not where you would expect to find it, and there’s no external slide stop. The 365XL is a more modern design in every sense. Even so, I would never trade my Walther for the Sig. My PPK/s has been utterly reliable, it’s extremely accurate, and it’s very,very cool. I’ll put in the work to master it.
I carried a Sig P230 and then a P232 .380 (Walther PP sized clone) as a back up/off duty pistol for many years. I've never had a problem with it.
My former Chief carried a 230. I always thought it was a nice pistol.
My carry gun is an Iver Johnson TP22. A stone cold copy of a PPK. I love it!!!
That first long trigger pull is a built in last safety feature to make you really think if you want to kill the suspect.
Well said, I had this gun in my hand today and realized you have to really want to pull that trigger. Thanks
Nice piece! Both of them. I was never bitten with the PPK bug, but I was attracted to the slightly longer PP. I don’t have one, but I do have the Hungarian PA-63 which is almost a clone in external appearance to the PP and a pretty good pistol in it’s own rite.
M first gun was a PPK/S, from Interarms. Bought it in 1987, if I remember correctly. Shoots very straight and is quite reliable. I’ll never sell it.
That reflects my same sentiments regarding the pistol in the video.
I have a stainless PPK/s and a PPK and I really like them .I also carry a Ruger LC9 ,dao,and a Colt Mustang and various 9mm ,and .38 revolvers.
I got some real nice checkered wood grips from CDNN some years ago .so you can always swap them .
Excellent Review and shooting, even though you did not hit the Tack!
Congratulations on finally getting a Walther PPK/S .380!
I have an older blued sample, made in West Germany.
Thanks! Some days I’m the bullet, some days I’m the tack!
My EDC is the Walther PPKs very controllable extremely accurate and fits inside my right pants pocket with no bulge 380 ammo has come a long way and defensive ammo readily available. Added plus Eastern European FMJ quite inexpensive.
Given the recent ammunition restrictions, I am not sure how much more of that eastern European ammo we are going to see.
You have an awesome channel with great content. You are highly educated in firearms. You definitely know your stuff.
Thank you!
PPK/s ... Love 'em. The look and feel of these pistols is superb. I had an Interarms PPK/s years ago (380ACP), but like a dummy I traded it off for something. Never got another as they just got too pricey, and at the time S&W was making 'em, and they had some issues.
Glad to see yours is apparently a good one, and very accurate. I used to plink rocks on the backstop/berm with mine out to about 50yds. If I didn't hit 'em, it came pretty close.
I really liked the take down on these - just pull down and offset the trigger guard. Cool.
Only thing I did not like was the very heavy dbl. action trigger pull - it was HEAVY. But the single action was light & "crisp" (grab a Pringle 😂)
Now you got two good carry guns: the S&W CS9, and your PPK/s
Yep! Neither one of those two will ever leave my collection.
A nice combo is a S&W 3913 with a 380 Ppk as backup. Instead of the new S&W mini 9 sa 1911, should have brought out a 10 shot CS9. Still prefer a da/sa pistol over a striker pistol
These are the best looking firearms ever made imo. But because I've always wanted one of these, but could never justify the price, I now own 2 Bersa Thunder 380's. A single stack and a double stack. They are both 100% reliable, accurate and built like tanks.
You should still consider a Bersa. Especially if you want to keep this beautiful firearm pristine.
I really like mine, and it's light weight being aluminum. I also have a Thunder 9 and enjoy it also.
@@chrislj2890 I've been looking hard at the TPR9 lately. Compact or full size.
@@scottallen6664
Mine is the Ultra Compact, and it's a perfect size and weight for me.
I've had one of these for a while. I have one of the new Arkansas Walther made ones, and its a great pistol. Mine was my backup carry until I switched to an SP101.
Excellent video and a beautiful pistol. I think you’re right about it smoothing up after a few 100 rounds. I guess you’re going to have to start reloading .380.
Ha, ha! I guess so!
As always, your presentation and knowledge are first rate.
Thank you Rick!
The rear site was the first thing I noticed on your pistol. I bought my S&W PPK/S in 2009 It`s been a reliable and accurate runner , the only issues I ever had with it were 2 stove pipes back in the day using Remington green box witch I also notice run a little dirty. With all the people talking down on the S&W models I hope you got yours for a good price as I find the price of the new ones twice what I paid for mine new. I never could get used to the OEM pinky extension on the mags so I bought a few of the mags without extensions, feels a lot better to me even though the pinky extensions on other pistols don`t bother me. I`m like a few out there I bought mine because of James Bond movies. Tip for those that don`t know a 9mm maglula loader will load the mags with no trouble as all the genuine Walther mags I have are pretty stiff to load. My only wish for the PPK is that some day Walther would come back out with the PPK in 9x19 witch they did make in the 40`s.
As a matter of fact, I got what I would consider a very good deal on this pistol. I am quite happy now that I have shot it, and found that it is accurate and reliable.
Great video Chief, thanks. Beautiful modern classic. Gotta ditch that crimson grip though and keep it classic 😉.
Thanks Keith!
The 7 round clip for the PPK/S works fine in the PPK, at least with the Smith and Wesson model.
Beautiful pistol. Congratulations on your addition.
Thank you!
I remember as a kid in the 90s i endedup seeing a walter ppk i think in 32acp it was on tv show guns and ammo.
Decades later now 35 i just bought mine yesterday.😂
Mine is the 22lr in black
The james bond gun is so cool 👍👍👍
Great review! Bidding for one on GB now. Your video helped me a great deal and will no doubt cause me to win the bidding war.😊
Best of luck Craig!
Another great educational video. By the way, congrats on the up grade to a wireless mic, big and enjoyable difference.
Thanks John!
I'm such a Walther fan. Such high quality, such originality. I don't get why this manufacturer isn't the top 2-3 favorite of the people?!?!?! You're gonna choose the most vanilla pistol manufacturer, Glock, over a PPQ a PPS or even these old PPK's? The trigger in a walther is the highest quality on the market now. HK, Smith, Canik all try to copy the trigger design.
I owned one of the earlier production PPK/S models in .32 ACP for quite a few years back in the 90's and quite liked it, though even with my smaller hands, hammer bite was still a problem when employing a modern shooting grip. I did have the opportunity to fire one of the early .380 examples, but found it very snappy... I figured the round was actually just a bit hotter than the design was originally intended for. I'm guessing the redesigned tang alleviates this issue.
I DID find it just a little difficult to conceal due to it's grip length in comparison to it's overall length... but you just have to set up your carry accordingly. I found the appendix carry position (which has since, of course, become VERY popular) to be the most effective with this pistol.
Thanks Dale. I'm surprised to know that these were legal in Canada. Was that before some of the current legislation came into effect?
Another fine video HR! I bought this same pistol about ten years ago and then bought the Crimson Trace grips for it. The laser isn't really useful in daylight as you found out. I found it kinda unpleasant to shoot. There was a recall on the S&W guns so you may want to check that out. I never had a problem with mine though. I bought a Remington RM380 for a pocket carry gun and I like it better. For self defense rounds in .380 check out the Underwood Ammo extreme penetrator ammo. Better performance than hollow points.
Thanks! I’ll check out that ammo. Just FYI, my pistol was manufactured after the recall. Thanks for watching!
The Underwood "Extreme Defender" ammo might have a perfect penetration as is. Tests in silicone clear gel do not look too impressive, but that stuff is very elastic and shrinks back from the wound cavity produced to hide the damage. Rounds of the solid copper fluted bullets in organic gelatin show DRAMATIC permanent wound cavities, giving .380 ammo a whole new horizon!...............................elsullo
@@elsullo2 Thanks! As time goes by, I’m becoming less and less reliant on the results of ballistic gel testing. There are simply too many variables it can’t account for.
Thx appreciate your insight
I own one of the .32 ACP versions from the 1930s. I'm happy to have it in my collection it is the only historic military firearm I own. A bit more discussion of the various military manufacturersduring and after WW2 would be interesting to fill in the back drop of such a historic pistol.
I thought about going into the history of the various manufacturers, but I opted to abbreviate that segment. Maybe I’ll do a stand alone video on that topic in the future.
I have enjoyed your videos for quite a while. I have a FEG PA63 in 9mm Makarov which is a clone of the Walther PP. After replacing the springs and horrible sights, it is a dream to shoot. I had the opportunity once to purchase a real Walther, but turned it down because of the heavy trigger and lack of accuracy. It looks like you got a very nice pistol there.
I couldn't be happier with it. Enjoy your FEG (they made great pistols in their day!)
Excelent vídeo.Great acquisition, One of The most iconic pistol in The world.
My daily carry backup gun. Accurate and very dependable. Mine is a Interarms made under license from Walther. Also own it's little sister, .22 LR PPK/S.
Now that I have the .380, a .22 seems like a good companion for it!
Good review of a true classic.
I carry a Walther PPS in my pocket all the time it's Slimmer pistol and it's a 9 millimeter perfect modern James Bond gun
Same here. With all my others. Some how it still remains my 1st choice.
My dad was a police, he was telling me he had one and wished he never sold it...
As always a very well thought out and informative persentation. But it kind of look's like Christmas came early to your house this year didn't it. Very nice work of art that you now own , love it . Your right about wanting a gun from the days of your youth. My was a P08, a P38 , a MP 40 , and a STG 44. Well like you I bought them all , and love to shoot them all. My P38 is a AC 45 ,which make it one of the last year's of production but it also a Walther in 9mm. It's a great shooter feel so good in the hand.
Anyhow Thank's again for you hard work and being safe in life.
Merry Christmas to All and a good night.
Thanks Chuck!
As an owner of both a new production Walther PpK and an older S&W like this one...Yeah Chief I highly doubt that's ever been fired!
It has been now! And it’s running like a top. I really like it.
That lever on the back of the slide is not considered a safety by Carl Walther. It is called a decocker. It is a way to safely uncock the firearm and then split it back up so you can carry it and that 20lb double action trigger pull is the safety mechanism.
The Smith & Wesson's were identifiable by the longer beavertail they had below the hammer.
The best load I ever came up with for that gun was a 90 grain Speer hollow point with 3.8 grains of 231. Nice load for that firearm.
The Mauser HSC and 380 with automatically load the first cartridge into the chamber as soon as you put the loaded magazine into the firearm. That was nice
I still miss my Mauser HSc .380! Beautiful gun, perfect blueing and walnut grips, more accurate than I was! I traded it to get my Walther PPk! The Mauser had a remarkable design of a "delayed blowback" where the barrel stayed locked to the slide in recoil but did not tilt down, which probably added to accuracy. Ruger has revived that design with their Ruger 57 pistol, the 5.57X28 wonder gun; a delayed blowback just like Mauser made in 1932!...........................elsullo
I know these pistols aren’t as popular with the current market as when they first came out, but I love these guns. Classics!
I really like mine. It’s accurate, easy to carry, and exceptionally accurate.
@@hrfunk I need to bite the bullet and get one. It’s a fantastic bit of history and a beautiful firearm.
Was really good shooting with those sights.
The Walther PP in 7.65mm (32acp) FMJ, was the Police pistol in Denmark until 1996 or so, when they upgraded to the H&K USP Compact in 9mm.
Thanks for the info. I didn't know that.
German too until early 90s
Couldn't drag my tired behind out of the bed this morning haha! Great video and review on the PPK "sporting" model handgun. Doesn't get much better quality than Walther, especially the older production one's. The newer ones including yours is still a fine looking firearm. Also, Howard I like the fact you include much of the History of any firearm you handle. Well done! Nice acquisition in your sporting model!
Thanks David! I got lucky with this one!
Good marksmanship after tweaking the rear sight.
Excellent and informative review! Thanks a lot !
My pleasure.
As an aside, if you want to move up the power of the 380 in a Ppk, use Buffalo Bore . For plus p you should change recoil springs to a Wolff heavy, as well as firing pin springs but the 90 gr jhp from a Ppk will hit around 1200 fps, -100 gr hard cast fn1150. In standard pressure 90 gr jhp will go around 1025fps, hard cast 975. To me the best one without beating up your pistol is the standard pressure 100 gr cast. I am reloading the same bullet to around 950fps. Accurate and penetrates well .
Thanks Michael. I’ve got mine loaded with Hornady Personal Defense at the moment. I might look into the Buffalo Bore in the future.
I am a Private Investigator in NY. The PPK 380 (Smith and Wesson) was one of my first two guns (as a beginner). The other is the Ruger LC9. The Walther is my favorite. I carry the Walther daily and the Ruger sits in my gun box.
It’s a classic handgun that’s been keeping people safe for decades. If you’ve got one that runs well, I think you’re pretty well armed.
i got one of them many years ago at that time i paid $422.00 for it it’s a little heavy to conceal carry but overall a great gun!!!
I agree!
Really good Shooting. I've always heard bad things about the ones made by Smith and Wesson, and I had avoided it maybe I'll take a look at 1 again . Excellent presentation.
Thank you! I think my original surmise held true. S&W seems to have worked out the issues they were having by the time they built mine.
Love my Walther PPK/s, only trouble the safety is really hard to use and seems raggedy!
I bought mine over a decade ago. My PPK/s was manufactured for Walther by Smith & Wesson in Maine. Long prior to Walther moving to Arkansas. My only complaint is that the PPK/S is really heavy in an ankle holster. Oh, watch out for SLIDE BITE.
I’m surprised it’s biting you since S&W lengthened the grip tang.
@@hrfunk I just think that I had a bad grip that day. Only has happened to me once.
My grandpa made the ppk caliber mistake. I tried to tell him that it was a .380 and not a 9mm but he couldn't be told anything by a 10 year old so we had to go through the motion of picking up the wrong ammo and heading out to the field only to find that the ammo wouldn't fit in the magazine!
He's not the only one who's ever done that. the disturbing thing is that someone working at the store where he purchased the ammo should have known.
Well, that was fun. You will still end up buying a BERSA Thunder .380 though, so this lovely example of the Walther PPK-S can remain a shelf queen... LOL.. I enjoyed the video.
Thanks Dru!
Really good shooting. It's not fashionable these days to refer to break in periods for pistols but there was a time when allowing for the mating of mechanical parts was expected. Could be the reason for the difference in the first two groups and for an expectation that the pistol will only get better in the future.
I want one :). Never did before
I agree. All-steel pistols Probably still need a little bit of break in. Even so I think the difference between those two groups was shooter related not just all related. :-)
@@hrfunk You would be the one to know. You know what they felt like when you sent them on their way
I owned one for a short period of time. It was the S&W version like yours. Beautiful gun but for some reason it cut Into my hand whenever I fired it so I traded it in. No other gun I've owned since has done that. Weird really.
The gun I've always wanted but never did, has been the Beretta model 84 .380. One day I hope to get it.
Those are sexy pistols in their own right.
Very nice video, Howard, THANK YOU. The fact is, I’ve never fired any Walther PP-series firearm. But I’d offer - just for grins - a few thoughts.
1. I’m not a proponent of the.380 ACP (9x17mm) for defensive purposes. IMHO, it’s right at (or below) the margin for being potentially ineffective as a “rapid stopper” (as, imho, are standard pressure .38 Special rounds). Of course, solid center of mass hits from either of these calibers can be effective - for that matter .22LR rounds work - but how rapidly they do so is (again, imho) a very germane issue.
2. With that said, one of my prized sidearms was my dad’s Colt/Browning 1908, chambered in .380. He often carried it for “routine” FBI duties - with his issued 3.5 inch barrel, .38 (+P, although that terminology had not yet been created) on a 44 (N) frame readily available - for times when he wasn’t “interviewing bankers.” I fire this 1908 occasionally, it’s totally reliable, reasonably accurate (the sights are poor by modern standards), and it’s 3.8 inch barrel length provides somewhat enhanced muzzle energy and velocity compared to most modern .380’s.
3. I like Walther’s current CCP/M2, chambered in 9x19. Like the PP-series, it has a fixed barrel (which, I believe, can improve accuracy) and its a VERY soft shooter, with very light recoil and a very low-pressure recoil spring. The barrel length is 3.54 inches (enhanced muzzle velocity and sight radius) and it has an 8+1 capacity. To me, these are slight improvements over the popular ~3 inch, 9mm, mico-compacts (such as the P365 and the Hellcat), but the CCP is small, light and very concealable. It was interesting to note several of the design features that were carried forward from the PP-series to the CCP/M2, although - obviously - there are major differences, since the CCP is a striker fired 9mm (not a DA/SA .380) design.
Thanks Roy. I agree, for all practical purposes there are many modern compact 9mm pistols that do everything the PPK/s will do. They will also do those things better, more efficiently and offer improved stopping qualities. Even so, once in a while it's fun to carry a classic. Maybe occasionally, when I dress nicely for an evening out with my wife, the PPK will find its way into a shoulder holster. On those occasions, I'll also have my martini shaken not stirred.
@@hrfunk
Ha, ha, ha! Yes, indeed, I wholly agree with you. Much akin to the “barbecue sidearms” (often very expensive and ornate, with elegant holsters and belts) that appear at Texas social gatherings.
You’ll be driving an Aston Martin soon. Good video. Would like to have one of these or a Colt Mustang Pocketlite. I also would like to see it made in .32 acp.
Thanks Alan. I'm surprised Walther is not making it in .32 currently.
Colt , not satisfied with discontinuing the Mustang pocketlite once, has discontinued it a second time. What a bunch of losers
Good video; “shaken not stirred “ (just had to)👍
I have a ppks and mine is different for a few reasons but mainly mine is chambered in 22LR. The magazine release is different as well.
Do you know how old your pistol is?
Still have my (purchased new/about 217.00$) 1976 "W Germany" 380 PPK/S. Carried it off-duty & once in a while as a back-up. Only negative I could find is that terrible over 12lb. first DA trigger . I ran three different magazines of Hornady Critical Defense at the range recently. It functioned flawlessly. The "W Germany" on the slide brings back many of the years during the "Cold War"......Have talked to a couple reputable gunsmiths & neither would work on that DA trigger .
I think the trigger is going to be an acquired taste. It’s one of the reasons I mentioned that the PPK is not a good pistol for a beginner. It’s going to take a bit of work and experience to master that trigger.
I have faith the PPK/S can become a tac driver!
It's a looker for sure. I thought about getting one in James Bond black. Perhaps I will in the future. Gr8 vid as usual, Cpl. Funk. 🔫🇺🇸
Thank you!
I found the pistol uncomfortable to fire. The fellow that traded it to me told me that was why he was selling it. The pistol grabs the skin in the web area. 1911 is more comfortable to fire.
As I mentioned in the video, the newer ones have an extended grip tang that goes a long way toward making them more comfortable to shoot.