Does anyone know if the same company that manufactured the Interarms guns still make the "S&W" Walther PPK. I was under the impression at one time the Walther was made in the US under licence and distributed by Interarms and that S&W was merely the current distributor. I just took my NIB S&W PPK out and can find nothing wrong with the hammer block. It is pretty simple. The firing pin or striker is totally blocked when the decocker is engaged. I could not get it to misfire. Not withstanding the trigger pull and decocker is pretty rough compared to my Interams PPK and German PP. Can Americans only screw up?
S&W Walther PPK
- Thread starter rmkey
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Does anyone know if the same company that manufactured the Interarms guns still make the "S&W" Walther PPK. I was under the impression at one time the Walther was made in the US under licence and distributed by Interarms and that S&W was merely the current distributor. I just took my NIB S&W PPK out and can find nothing wrong with the hammer block. It is pretty simple. The firing pin or striker is totally blocked when the decocker is engaged. I could not get it to misfire. Not withstanding the trigger pull and decocker is pretty rough compared to my Interams PPK and German PP. Can Americans only screw up?You are correct that at one time Interarms was the U.S. maker under license from Walther. (IIRC, the actual factory was in Arkansas, but I am not sure.)
But Interarms no longer is in business and the guns made under the Walther USA/S&W name today are made in a different factory in a different state. AFAIK, there is no connection between the old maker and the new.
I think most folks agree that the new guns are better quality than the Interarms guns, but many say that neither can measure up to the Walther or Manurhin pistols.
Jim
But Interarms no longer is in business and the guns made under the Walther USA/S&W name today are made in a different factory in a different state. AFAIK, there is no connection between the old maker and the new.
I think most folks agree that the new guns are better quality than the Interarms guns, but many say that neither can measure up to the Walther or Manurhin pistols.
Jim
I don't agree with that. The S&W guns are considered pretty much at the bottom of the heap with the German Walther guns at the top and Interarms guns well above the Smiths. Smith & Wesson has done the PPK/PPK/S no favors with that beavertail, sharp edges, banner serial number, and reliability issues (compared to German and Interarms guns). I am a S&W shooter and collector but I can't defend the S&W PPK and what they have done with it.
searcher451
Member
The current recall of all S&W-made PPKs supports Storm's the contention that the Smith/Maine guns are at the bottom of the Walther barrel for this model. In order: German, French, U.S./Interarms, U.S./S&W.
That being said, it's also a broad generalization, and there are many exceptions, no doubt, among the guns produced by all of the manufacturers of the PPK through the years. I own at least one of all four and enjoy them all. And I carry an S&W-made PPK/S daily and trust my life to it.
That being said, it's also a broad generalization, and there are many exceptions, no doubt, among the guns produced by all of the manufacturers of the PPK through the years. I own at least one of all four and enjoy them all. And I carry an S&W-made PPK/S daily and trust my life to it.
MICHAEL T
Member
S&W has helped increase the value of my Interarms Walthers should sue S&W for the damage their doing to the PPK and PPK/S rep and Walthers name. In last couple years have seen several S&W PPK/S traded back in But only 1 Interarms and none of the German
As usual Seracher has said it well, and he knows his Walthers. And while the S&W my be, in general, at the bottom of the heirarchy in terms of desirability, it's still a fine weapon.
And I agree with MICHAEL T, S&W has helped the value of my Interarms PPK and PPK/S. That said, if the right S&W presented itself I wouldn't hesitate to acquire it.
nero45acp
Member
usp9
Member
No, they did not.
searcher451
Member
Usp9: To which we can only add, "And thank goodness for that small favor." The German TPH is a fine little pistol. Even the Interarms-made model is fun to shoot.
It is not fair to ask "Can Americans only screw up?" It would be more fair to ask if S&W can only screw up?
Americans working for Interarms manufactured the PP, PPK, PPK/S, and TPH to very high standards, and their early production runs rivaled that of the Manurhin-built models. I feel safe in saying that the quality of my Interarms PPK/S in .380 is every bit as good as my Manurhin-built PP in .32 ACP.
I cannot tell right off the top of my head which magazine did the comparison, but a SW99 in .40S&W was compared head to head with a Walther P99, also in .40 S&W. Bear in mind that these two weapons share the same frame, manufactured in Germany by Walther. S&W made their own slides, barrels, and upper internals. The Walther P99 tested more accurate, and the quality of fit and finish was rated higher for the P99 as well. So even when they have the exact same frames to use, S&W can't build a pistol of "their own design" (?) as good as a Walther.
Americans working for Interarms manufactured the PP, PPK, PPK/S, and TPH to very high standards, and their early production runs rivaled that of the Manurhin-built models. I feel safe in saying that the quality of my Interarms PPK/S in .380 is every bit as good as my Manurhin-built PP in .32 ACP.
I cannot tell right off the top of my head which magazine did the comparison, but a SW99 in .40S&W was compared head to head with a Walther P99, also in .40 S&W. Bear in mind that these two weapons share the same frame, manufactured in Germany by Walther. S&W made their own slides, barrels, and upper internals. The Walther P99 tested more accurate, and the quality of fit and finish was rated higher for the P99 as well. So even when they have the exact same frames to use, S&W can't build a pistol of "their own design" (?) as good as a Walther.
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I am so sick and tired of hearing everybody bash on the S&W Walthers. "They're garbage..... S&W should be sued for what they did...blah blah blah..." It is the same regurgitated garbage. I got one because I for one, didn't merely conform to the "herd" mentality and write it off. I bought the pistol and have objectively tested it. It works just fine and there are many people who will make the same claim I have. I've owned an Interams Walther and I hated that thing. I got bit more than a few times by the infamous "Walther Bite". I for one like the new grip tang, not that it couldn't be improved upon, but don't throw the baby out with the bath water. I got rid of my Interams because I couldn't tell a bit of difference between the performance of it and my S&W version, other than getting occasionaly bit by the slide. This common argument is one that is parroted out in several threads about how horrible Kimbers are verses ANY series 70 pistol. Often some anecdotal evidence is offered about how somebody's Kimber was a dud out of the box and so forth. I'm not saying duds aren't produced by Kimber or S&W, but to generically apply a "those guns are junk" to companies are major producers of firearms is irresponsible and inaccurate. Obviously their will be some problems, but that is to be expected from gun companies that produce the sheer volume of firearms that they do. I'm just sick of hearing how somebody's German or Interams walther is supposedly "better" than mine. My gun goes bang everytime I pull the trigger and has had absolutley no problems to feed or eject. I bet you the bullet that comes out of it would hurt just as much as the one that came out of the "original" walthers.
I got one because I for one, didn't merely conform to the "herd" mentality and write it off. I bought the pistol and have objectively tested it. It works just fine and there are many people who will make the same claim I have. I've owned an Interams Walther and I hated that thing. I got bit more than a few times by the infamous "Walther Bite". I for one like the new grip tang, not that it couldn't be improved upon, but don't throw the baby out with the bath water. I got rid of my Interams because I couldn't tell a bit of difference between the performance of it and my S&W version, other than getting occasionaly bit by the slide. This common argument is one that is parroted out in several threads about how horrible Kimbers are verses ANY series 70 pistol. Often some anecdotal evidence is offered about how somebody's Kimber was a dud out of the box and so forth. I'm not saying duds aren't produced by Kimber or S&W, but to generically apply a "those guns are junk" to companies are major producers of firearms is irresponsible and inaccurate. Obviously their will be some problems, but that is to be expected from gun companies that produce the sheer volume of firearms that they do. I'm just sick of hearing how somebody's German or Interams walther is supposedly "better" than mine. My gun goes bang everytime I pull the trigger and has had absolutley no problems to feed or eject. I bet you the bullet that comes out of it would hurt just as much as the one that came out of the "original" walthers.
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gbw
Member
I cannot say for sure who made it, but I have an Interarms marked stainless PPK Cal. 380 (NOT PPK/S or PP.) S/N A04xxxx. Right side of slide is marked Interarms Alexandria, Virginia.
Left side has the usual Walther markings, and the 'Under License Of' above the Carl Walther.... and 'Made in U.S.A.' under the banner near the muzzle.
It's a nicely fitted and finished PPK, but it doesn't feed well. For one thing the feedramp is cut cockeyed. I think it could be straightened out by an expert with a ball end mill, if I can ever find one. I cannot see a way to correct it with hand tools.
Left side has the usual Walther markings, and the 'Under License Of' above the Carl Walther.... and 'Made in U.S.A.' under the banner near the muzzle.
It's a nicely fitted and finished PPK, but it doesn't feed well. For one thing the feedramp is cut cockeyed. I think it could be straightened out by an expert with a ball end mill, if I can ever find one. I cannot see a way to correct it with hand tools.
InterArms' Ranger Manufacturing Co. produced the PPK, PPK/S, and TPH. InterArms' 1997 catalog lists all three as being available in stainless steel or traditional blue. The same suggested retail price for either finish. PPK and PPK/S-$540.00, TPH-$440.00. It is rare to see an American Walther with a blued finish, suggesting the popularity of stainless. I suspect blued American Walther pistols will be more sought after, by collectors, than the stainless versions. The American TPH in .25ACP in either stainless steel or blued is a rarity. Samuel Cummings, founder of InterArms, died on April 29, 1998. Did InterArms cease operations soon afterward or continue for a period of time?
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Phantom Captain
Member
The recall issue is for when the safety is disengaged, not engaged. Engaged it's as you say, the hammer block prevents any discharge. Apparently this issue is when the safety is off, the pistol can be discharged without cocking the hammer or pulling the trigger. I would imagine this would be if it was dropped, bumped on the hammer etc.
I don't carry mine with the safety off so I haven't decided yet what I'm going to do with this recall. I might wait awhile til the mad rush is over before sending it in. That all being said, I still love my PPK/s and carry it all the time. I do get tired of all the S&W bashing too. For every one person who is vocal about a problem i'm thinking there are hundreds of satisfied folks who don't speak out precisely because they are satisfied. The one or two complaints drown out the vast sea of people who don't say anything because there is no problem. Just my opinion though.
searcher451
Member
The current wait time on the recall is a long one, indeed, which will influence, as Phantom Captain indicates, what some folks decide to do regarding this recall ... if, in fact, they do anything at all (and I put myself in that camp). Here's the actual word from S&W, via email:
Hi,
Please visit www.smith-wesson.com and click on Smith & Wesson recalls certain PPK and PPK/S pistols. All the information pertaining to the recall is
there. At the bottom of the page you may click on click here to enter you information to receive a prepaid UPS return label and shipping instructions. It will take a few weeks for the label to be sent.
This recall includes all PPK and PPK/S pistols manufactured by Smith & Wesson.
Thank you,
Waiting a few weeks just for the label to get sent is a long wait, indeed. And with every PPK and PPK/S ever manufactured by S&W involved, it's going to take far longer, indeed, to get the guns shipped out to Maine, repaired, and then returned.
I like my S&W-made PPK/S, I trust it for daily carry -- heck, I even appreciate the extended beavertail, especially when I'm spending some range time with it. But it's still not hard to see why people have become discouraged about S&W's involvement in the production of these guns.
Hi,
Please visit www.smith-wesson.com and click on Smith & Wesson recalls certain PPK and PPK/S pistols. All the information pertaining to the recall is
there. At the bottom of the page you may click on click here to enter you information to receive a prepaid UPS return label and shipping instructions. It will take a few weeks for the label to be sent.
This recall includes all PPK and PPK/S pistols manufactured by Smith & Wesson.
Thank you,
Waiting a few weeks just for the label to get sent is a long wait, indeed. And with every PPK and PPK/S ever manufactured by S&W involved, it's going to take far longer, indeed, to get the guns shipped out to Maine, repaired, and then returned.
I like my S&W-made PPK/S, I trust it for daily carry -- heck, I even appreciate the extended beavertail, especially when I'm spending some range time with it. But it's still not hard to see why people have become discouraged about S&W's involvement in the production of these guns.
Smith and Wesson Recall: Walther PPK and PPK/S Series
On February 20, 2009 Smith & Wesson Corp. issued a recall of certain pistols that could fire without the trigger being pulled. The gun maker said it was recalling all Walther PPK and PPK/S pistols that it manufactured from March 21, 2002, until February 3, 2009.
Smith & Wesson posted a recall notice on its Web site at:
PPK Hammer Block Recall - Smith & Wesson
The issue is a problem in the affected pistol models that "may permit a round to be discharged without the trigger being pulled." Smith & Wesson has identified a condition that may exist in certain PPK and PPK/S pistols which may permit a round to be discharged without the trigger being pulled. When the manual safety is disengaged, Smith & Wesson's Product Engineering Group has determined that the possibility exists in certain firearms that lowering the hammer may cause a chambered round to fire.
This recall applies to all Walther PPK and PPK/S pistols manufactured by Smith & Wesson from March 21, 2002, until February 3, 2009.
The Serial Numbers of the pistol subject to this recall are as follows:
0010BAB - 9999BAB
0000BAC - 9999BAC
0000BAD - 9999BAD
0000BAE - 9999BAE
0000BAF - 9999BAF
0000BAH - 9999BAH
0000BAJ - 9999BAJ
0000BAK - 9999BAK
0000BAL - 5313BAL
0000BAM - 1320BAM
0000LTD - 0499LTD
0001PPK - 1500PPK
0026REP - 0219REP
0001WLE - 0459WLE
To facilitate the repair of these pistols, please contact Smith &
Wesson's customer service department to receive instructions for the return of your pistol to Smith & Wesson. You will receive a UPS pre-paid billable stamp and shipping instructions to arrange for the modification of your pistol by calling Smith & Wesson directly at 1-800-331-0852. Smith & Wesson, will replace the existing hammer block feature with a new part at no cost to owners. The firearm will be returned and owners should note a punch dot which appears at the back of the frame. This marking is verification that the new hammer block has been installed and that your pistol is safe to handle.
On February 20, 2009 Smith & Wesson Corp. issued a recall of certain pistols that could fire without the trigger being pulled. The gun maker said it was recalling all Walther PPK and PPK/S pistols that it manufactured from March 21, 2002, until February 3, 2009.
Smith & Wesson posted a recall notice on its Web site at:
PPK Hammer Block Recall - Smith & Wesson
The issue is a problem in the affected pistol models that "may permit a round to be discharged without the trigger being pulled." Smith & Wesson has identified a condition that may exist in certain PPK and PPK/S pistols which may permit a round to be discharged without the trigger being pulled. When the manual safety is disengaged, Smith & Wesson's Product Engineering Group has determined that the possibility exists in certain firearms that lowering the hammer may cause a chambered round to fire.
This recall applies to all Walther PPK and PPK/S pistols manufactured by Smith & Wesson from March 21, 2002, until February 3, 2009.
The Serial Numbers of the pistol subject to this recall are as follows:
0010BAB - 9999BAB
0000BAC - 9999BAC
0000BAD - 9999BAD
0000BAE - 9999BAE
0000BAF - 9999BAF
0000BAH - 9999BAH
0000BAJ - 9999BAJ
0000BAK - 9999BAK
0000BAL - 5313BAL
0000BAM - 1320BAM
0000LTD - 0499LTD
0001PPK - 1500PPK
0026REP - 0219REP
0001WLE - 0459WLE
To facilitate the repair of these pistols, please contact Smith &
Wesson's customer service department to receive instructions for the return of your pistol to Smith & Wesson. You will receive a UPS pre-paid billable stamp and shipping instructions to arrange for the modification of your pistol by calling Smith & Wesson directly at 1-800-331-0852. Smith & Wesson, will replace the existing hammer block feature with a new part at no cost to owners. The firearm will be returned and owners should note a punch dot which appears at the back of the frame. This marking is verification that the new hammer block has been installed and that your pistol is safe to handle.
- Status
