What I'm about to buy
 

I noticed in the photo gallery's that people have posted some images of PP/PPk's

I happen to be buying one this wed.!

They are based on the P38 correct? (or am I mistaken)?? :cool:

Hi Joshua,

The Walther PP and PPK are totally different than the P.38. PP is a pocket auto, the PPK is a smaller ,shortened or compact, version of the PP. The P.38 is a full sized combat pistol which replaced the Luger. An all together different design.

Photo 1: Walther PP "Polizeipistole" 7.65MM or 9MM Kurz (.22 LR,.32 ACP or .380 ACP)

Photo 2: Walther PPK "Polizeipistole Kurz"(short) 7.65MM or 9MM Kurz (.22 LR,.32 ACP or .380 ACP)

Photo 3: Walther P.38 9MM Parabellum (9MM Luger) Some commercial variations were made in .22LR and 7.65 Parabellum (.30 Luger) Post war version is classified as P.1.

Ron

Hi
 

Hi Ron,

Thanks for the correction. (I wasn't too sure), - Was the PP/PPK used as a military weapon besides as a police arm?

I read on the internet it was developed during the Nazi regime... But you never can trust wikipedia! ;-)

Yes, it was a favorite of military officers. And was used more by the military than the police. The designation "PP" stands for "Police Pistol" however. The Walther PP was introduced in 1929.

Ron

Ron,
PPK stands for Polizeipistole Kriminal, not kurz.
This is a common mistake.
Andy

Andy,

You are correct. I had Kurz stuck in my head thinking of the caliber.
Thanks for the correction.

"Kriminal" identifies plain clothes police.

Ron

Thanks for the info guys! :)

Is there any draw-backs or problems I should know about the PPK? - I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who ones one.

You should visit our "sister" forum for all three of the guns you mentioned:

p38forum.com

You will be reading for DAYS!

Joshua,

If you are buying an original German PPK, they tend to be rather small in the grip area for modern, larger hands. They are best fired with the magazine, which includes a finger extention floorplate.
If you are buying an Interarms PPK, remember that there are two very different pistols with that designation. The PPK is faithful to the German original. The PPK/S is a combination of the shorter PPK slide with the larger PP frame. It is a hybrid. It can be spotted quickly because it has a solid frame backstrap, which surrounds the grips. The original PPK does not have a solid, wraparound frame, (one of its weak points). The grip panels are like the P38s, in that they meet at the back to form the grip surface. If a PPK, (or a P38, for that matter) is dropped and it lands on the back portion of the grips, these will tend to shatter, possibly damaging the mainspring, which lies just beneath and making the pistol difficult or impossible to hold or fire.
Take the grip panels off and try to hold the gun to get an idea of what I mean.

Hey - thanks for the info alanint,

I'm glad I have really skinny hands and fingers! - I was born with really long thin fingers. My Father is a professional organist, I was told I have the perfect fingers to play because they are so long and thin! But I never took it up,

ANYWAY,

I'll let ya'll know when I get it. - John S. - I've also checked out the P38/PPK forum, signed up and posted.

Thanks everyone! :)

Joshua, Ron et al; As was mentioned above the PP was first introduced in 1929 and went thru quite a few mechanical improvements, before Walther started designing their DA (same basic system as the PP) in 9mm for the militay. Get some books and see how the PP evolved thru the models MP & AP to finally become the HP and P38. TH

In pocket pistols, PPK is the prettiest.