Walther produced the PPKs in West Germany originally to meet the import requirement of the 1968 Gun Control Act. The grip frame of the Polezei Pistole Kriminalist (PPK) or Detective Pistol was too short to meet requirements, so Walther used the original PP — introduced in 1929 — with a longer grip and swapped the slide and barrel from the PPK. While the PPK continued to be made for the European market, the PPKs could now be sold on the American market.
The Walther PPK is the most famous of the three available PP models due to its association with the classic Ian Fleming character James Bond. Introduced two years after the original Walther PP as a more compact plainclothes detective gun, the popularity of the legendary PPK made it much sought after.
The PP series uses a blowback operating system, which means the barrel is solidly affixed to the frame. The lack of movement during the cycling process provides greater accuracy potential. Walther’s PP series also offers the safety advantages of a double-action revolver though it has the increased magazine capacity and compactness of single-stack semi-automatic pistol. In fact, this particular safety design was later mimicked by the 9mm Beretta 92, multiple Smith & Wesson pistols, and the Ruger P85 and 95 series.
Walther PPK Specifications
Available calibers: .32 ACP (Tested)/.380 ACP
Barrel: Stainless steel/ 3.3 inches
Trigger pull: 13.4 pounds double action/6.1 pounds single action
Capacity: Stainless Steel Magazines with 7+1 Rd. Capacity/Two Magazines furnished-one with pinkie rest
Overall length: 6.1 inches
Height: 3.8 inches
Safety: Manually operated safety/decocking lever
Width: 1inch
Weight: 19 ounces empty
Price: $969
I tested the PPK in .32 ACP (7.65 Browning) rather than .380 ACP caliber. The .32 ACP is the original chambering of James Bond’s PPK and is considerably powerful. At one time, it was the preferred handgun caliber for police and secondary military. Though not as powerful as the .45 ACP, or even 9mm, .32 ACP can get the job done with proper shot placement.
Most of my testing was done with the Sellier and Bellot 73-grain FMJ round with a stated muzzle velocity of 1,043 feet per second, which delivers 176 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle from a 4-inch barrel. By way of comparison, the Sellier and Bellot .380 ACP delivers its 92-grain FMJ bullet at 950 feet per second, delivering 186 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. When fired from similar-length barrels, there isn’t a lot of difference between the two rounds.
PPK Operation
The Walther PPK, part of the iconic PP series, exemplifies the sleek elegance of the Art Deco era in which it was designed. Its streamlined lines and functionality reflect the innovative spirit of the time, much like the period’s locomotives and automobiles along with everyday items. This timeless aesthetic makes the PPK not only a reliable firearm but also a symbol of design sophistication.
The PPK operates with a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger system, offering both safety and functionality. Here’s a streamlined guide to its operation:
- Engage the safety/decocker: Ensure the safety/decocker lever on the left side of the slide is in the “down” (safe) position. This prevents the pistol from firing, even with a chambered round.
- Load the magazine: Insert a loaded magazine into the magazine well.
- Chamber a round: Using the slide’s rear grooves, rack the slide fully to the rear and let it snap forward. With the safety engaged, the hammer will remain decocked.
- Ready to fire: Flip the safety lever up to the “off” position. The pistol is now ready for use. The first shot will fire in double-action mode, while subsequent shots will be single-action, as the slide automatically cocks the hammer with each cycle.
- Engage safety when pausing: To safely pause or end firing, return the safety to the “on” position. This decocks the hammer and resets the trigger to double-action. For single-action fire, manually cock the hammer after disengaging the safety.
Although this system may seem intricate at first, regular practice makes it intuitive, providing a balance of safety and reliability. The PPK’s thoughtful design and robust functionality have secured its place as a classic in firearm history.
Walther PPK Features
The checkered magazine release button is on the left side only and mounted up high. Just above the rowel type external hammer is the “chamber loaded” indicator: a rounded pin that extends to the rear when a round is in the chamber. It can easily be visually checked or felt in the dark to confirm the PPK’s operational status.
There is no slide hold open lever; however, the slide will lock back on an empty magazine and will stay locked back with the empty magazine removed for cleaning or inspection. Pulling the slide back with the empty magazine removed will allow the slide to run forward. Retracting it on a loaded magazine will chamber the first round. I recommend you always clear and charge a DA/SA pistol like this with the safety on.
The finely machined stainless-steel slide and frame are brightly polished on all surfaces, leaving no dull-grey finishes except for the rounded top of the slide for glare reduction. There is an extended tang to protect the web of the hand during firing. The top of the slide features a ¼-inch wide flat sighting plane with a series of 10 parallel waves running from the rear sight to front to also reduce glare.
The stainless-steel front and rear sights, though not vestigial, are small, keeping with the original 1931 pistol’s operational form. Both sights are fixed and non-adjustable. There is a small red square in the center of the rear notch, and a small red dot in the center of the front sight.
The grips of the PPK are checkered plastic as is the backstrap. The frontstrap is polished smooth stainless steel. The PPKs has a model with checkered walnut grips available, and with a nod to the 21st Century, there are two PPKs models available with threaded muzzles available for suppressor attachment.
The takedown of the Walther PP series of pistols is also unique and ingenious. It eliminates the need for a separate takedown lever. With the slide locked to the rear on an empty pistol with the magazine removed, pull the trigger guard down and to the left where it will rest in the open position on the underside of the frame. Gently retract the slide and ease it forward off the frame. The PP series is now ready for cleaning. Reassemble in reverse order.
Shooting the PPK
While testing the Walther PPK for review, mostly with Sellier and Bellot FMJ ammo, I noticed .32 ACP was snappier than I remembered. The initial shots from the PPK handgun were also a bit high, both for myself and others who shot it. Being equipped with the same sights as the original PPK, it was sighted using the 6-o’clock bullseye hold. Shooters of handguns and rifles in the 30s as well as many years after aligned the sights at the bottom 6 o’clock position rather than the modern dead center hold.
Adjusting for this realization, I shot some nice groups at 21 feet. On a Splatter Shot sight-in rifle target, my first group measured 3.5 inches, more than accurate enough for self-defense. Setting up a B27 PROS silhouette target next, I again fired from 21 feet with a two-handed grip, aiming at the bottom of the orange X-ring. The group measured a well-centered 5 ½ inches with one called flyer that opened things up to 8 ¼ inches.
Wanting to also test the Walther PPK for concealed carry, I contacted Galco for an outside-the-waistband holster. They promptly sent a FL204 Fletch thumb-break open-bottom holster in tan. I’ve since been carrying the PPK every chance I get. The Fletch is incredibly comfortable and features a muzzle rearward drawing position. The thumb break offers solid security and is easy to engage and disengage.
Who Should Buy the Walther PPK?
The new stainless-steel Walther is a shootable piece of art and history. It is capable of providing serious self-defense with accuracy and reliability. However, if you don’t trust the .32 ACP cartridge, you can step up to the somewhat larger .380 ACP. The safety system makes the PP series second only to a quality double-action revolver.
Sources
Walther: WaltherArms.com
Galco: GalcoGunLeather.com
Sellier and Bellot: SellierBellot.US