Is a Walther PPKs worth it?

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Apr 5, 2012
Messages
821
Location
Lynchburg, VA
Damn these spy thrillers! Is a PPK worth the money? There trigger pulls seem ridiculous, but I'm looking for first hand experience. I would be looking at one of the newer S&W ones, not the old-school ones.
 
No...

Short answer: no.
For the show or collector value, sure but I wouldn't buy a PPK or PP for CCW or protection in 2015.

There are many decent handguns out there for the same budget range.

RS
 
I carried my older Interarms Walther PPK/s for a long time and still in rotation I use Corbon DPX . I have never had 1 jam with this pistol . It is one of my favorite carry pistols in 380.

My self I wouldn't walk across street to get a free S&W PPK/S . They are not even close to the quality of the older Walthers. Even the American made Interarms are better pistols.

Remember S&W had to at one time recall all the PPK/S they made . Took approx a year to finish the recall and start making pistols again. Walthers is talking back control from S&W . I really don't see them making the pistol in America . I fear the Pistol will be dropped .
 
I really don't see them making the pistol in America . I fear the Pistol will be dropped .

I hear from a reliable source they are moving the machinery from S&W to Arkansas to produce PPKs. Probably won't see any until the end of the year or next though.
 
I paid under $400 for my interarms ppk/s and feel it is worth every penny considering what else is out there for the money. It's a well made, iconic, all steel gun.
However, I agree that there are better firearms for SD and CCW out there in that price range.

I would not pursue a S&W though, for the reasons mentioned above.
 
i like my Interarms PPK/s, points very well for me and is a very accurate shooter also. The trigger pull for the first DA shot is long but its SA after that. I like the decocker/safety aspect also. The slide is stiff to pull back and if you aren't strong it could be an issue loading it. Also need to watch the position of your hand on the grip, ive taken a few small cuts on the top of my hand from the slide. Its a little big i think for pocket carry, my Sig P238 is much better suited for pocket but holds one less round.
 
No, if you're looking at buying one now, you're not going to find one worth the money you'll have to spend ...

I bought an Interarms years ago, simply because I was a fan of the Bond movies.

Horrible DA trigger, heinous SA pull, doesn't feed JHPs reliably, mediocre accuracy.

Would I sell mine? No; but I keep it simply as a relic of my fondness for the iconic movie guns ... i.e., the Colt SAA, the Desert Eagle, the S&W Model 29, etc.

If you're gonna buy one simply to add to your collection of movie guns, you've gotta have one. If you want a good .380 for concealed carry, look elsewhere.
 
Wife's PPK/S knocked skin off both our thumb/hand joints, then one day it doubled and then the extractor broke. I may have those two events reversed. S&W repaired it on their dime 100% but we sold it anyway with full disclosure.

So the answer is no. YMMV.
 
I had the Interarms PPKs (made by Manurhin) in 380 and 22 lr and they were very well made pistols (all steel) and shot quite well also. I don't know about the new ones
 
I've had 2 each interarms and S&W. The Smith was far more comfortable and reliable. The older models are stove pipe kings.
 
FEG and many others made near copies that shoot well and cost little. Look around and you can find good European pistols in 32 and 380 based on the PP and/or PPK that cost less than half of what you would pay for a Walther.

The Makarovs are based on the PP, and are an exceptional value for the money. They are available in 380 and 9mm makarov.

So yes, if you just want it because it's a Walther. No, if you just want a quality pistol the same shape, size, same controls, and/or same takedown procedures - there are plenty out there for cheaper. (I love my two FEG's.)
 
If You get the .380, it's not "the Bond gun" anyway. So no.
Daniel Craig (James Bond) used both a .380 PPK/s and a .32 PPK in 'Skyfall'. So yes. ;)

My old .380 Interarms PPK/s has been 100% over many years now. I'd still carry it, but there are simply more modern carry guns available now.
Today there are polymer 9x19 pistols out there which are lighter, the same dimensions, hold as many or more rounds, and are easier to shoot.

But I'm not selling my PPK/s.

.
 
I had the older pre S&W PPK/S. Would not reliably feed hollow points. Plus I always came away from a shooting session bleeding from the Walther bite. One of the few guns I don't regret trading off.

Tuckerdog1
 
My experience is that one should skip the S&W made guns. While early guns had issues that have been resolved, that beaver tail hurts my eyes. Yes, it will reduce slide bite, but so will using a grip with the thumb drawn downwards. The PPK/S is less prone to slide bite as it is.

I would be looking at a Walther or Walther/Manurhin PP or PPK. Next I'd be looking at Ranger/InterArms guns. .380 calibered guns will be snappy to shoot and somewhat less reliable than .32/7.65, the caliber the gun was made for. The PP series shines in .32/7.65. If the gun is meant for self defense there are other better choices. If it is meant for range fun and shooting Blofeld watching Bond flicks, do yourself a favor and go .32/7.65. Also, spend some time at the Walther forum.
 
TallBall was right about the FEG guns. I owned several PMKs from FEG. I had no problems with mine! Even gave each one of my kids one! They are close copys of the PP. But they made the SMC ( I believe that was the name ) which was a PPK/s clone if I remember right! Otherwise get an older one from Germany or France. The PP in .32acp. is a very good buy & as fun to shoot as the .22L.R.! Stay away from the new ones. JMO.
 
Had one, didn't like it. Greatly prefer my Colt Mustang and SIG P238 in a .380 auto.
 
I have the S&W PPK/S .380 ACP, neighbor has the Interarms.
Mine was recalled, all on S&W dime and had it back to me quick.

It has never jammed. It feeds round nose, flat nose, and hallow points.
The trigger is excellent and it is extremely accurate.

Isn't it funny how we all have different experiences. I wouldn't own an Interarms. S&W changed how the barrel and feed ramp are machined differently and this may be the reason the S&W are known to be more reliable with JHP ammo.

I wouldn't trade the PPK/S for a P238 ever. I have owned both. I only have the PPK/S now.
 
Last edited:
You might find a P64 and find it is a very accurate pistol.
A little love and some new springs and you might be very happy.
 
My wife would say "YES!"

I got her a S&W PPK/S for her birthday last year and she absolutely loves it.

I spent all my time at the range with her trying to figure out how to get her to give it back...

I didn't have any luck!

;)
 
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have four PPK series weapons-

2 of the post-recall S&W PPK's in .380 and .32. These are in my EDC rotation and are outstanding quality and reliable with multiple different loads. The properly machined ramp is a huge plus. For me, they are a much better choice than safetyless polystiker.

2 Interarms PPK/S`s in .380 and .32. You can definitely tell these are a different guns than the S&W. I have not fired them enough to carry yet, but they are still very nice.
 
I had an Interarms stainless PPK/S once; I got rid of it pretty quickly. One of the worst triggers on any gun I've ever shot, finicky feeding, tiny sights, slide marks on my hand, heavy for its size.

If you are committed to that platform I would try a Manhurin; I handled an older, blued, used one in great shape in the LGS and it had a very nice trigger. They may also cost less.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top