Walther PP
PPK
Overview
PPK
Frontal view of the Walther PPK double action pistol.
Source: www.dreadgazebo.com -
© copyright lies with original owner
1931 for PPK
France - Manurhin
Turkmenistan - MKEK
United States - Ranger Manufacturing
United States - Smith & Wesson
German for "police pistol"
PPK / Polizei Pistole Kriminal
German for "police pistol, detective model"
L47A1 (7.65mm PP in UK service)
Description
Introduction
The Walther Polizei Pistole (PP) is a small pre World War 2 era pistol of German origin. It was developed for police use and was introduced in 1929. The even smaller PPK was developed for concealed carry. The PP was the world's first truly successful double action pistol.
Design
The PP is a small blowback operated double action pistol. It is fully made out of metal and has plastic grip plates. The fixed barrel doubles as a guide for the recoil spring. An extension on the magazine improves the grip.
Firepower
The PP is a semi-automatic pistol and fires the 7.65x17mm round from a 8 round magazine or the .380 ACP from a 7 round magazine. The PPK holds one round less in each caliber. The effective range is a few dozen meters.
Users
The PP and PPK proved to be very popular among law enforcement and civilians. Large quantities have been produced. The PP was produced under license in France after World War 2, mainly for export. The PP has been replaced by newer pistol in most Western countries, but in other countries the PP is still a common police sidearm.
Variants
PP
The Walther PP is the original full size model, yet even the full size model is pretty small. The weapon is fully made out of metal, except for the plastic grip plates. It is available in both 7.65x17mm and .380 ACP.
PPK
The PPK is the smaller and shorter version of the PP. It features a smaller and shorter slide. The magazine holds one less bullet in each caliber and is fitted with an extension to retain a good grip. The PPK-L model is a light weight model with an aluminum slide. It is only available in 7.65mm.
PPK/S
The PPK/S is a modified PPK for export sales in the USA. It was developed to meet the requirements of the US 1968 Gun Control Act. The PPK/S is slightly longer and heavier than the PPK and holds one extra bullet in each caliber.
Details
Related articles
Makarov PM
The Soviet Makarov pistol has some features incorporated in its design that were first introduced on the Walther PP.
Lucznik P-64
The Polish P-64 pistol looks very similar to the Walther PP.
Heckler & Koch HK 4
The HK 4 is a 1960's design and as a pocket size pistol was a competitor to the Walther PP.