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Walther PP


PPK


Overview


PPK

Frontal view of the Walther PPK double action pistol.
Source: www.dreadgazebo.com - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Germany
Type
Pistol
Entered service
1930
Status
Limited service
Development
1929 for PP
1931 for PPK
Developer
Germany - Walther
Production
1930 - present
Producer
Germany - Walther
France - Manurhin
Turkmenistan - MKEK
United States - Ranger Manufacturing
United States - Smith & Wesson
Number produced
Over 1 million
Designations
PP / Polizei Pistole
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 The PP has been replaced by newer pistol in most Western countries, but in other countries the PP is still a common police sidearm.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


Facts PP (7.65mm) PP (.380) PPK (7.65mm) PPK (.380) PPK/S (7.65mm) PPK/S (.380)
General
Origin
Germany
Type
Pistol
Caliber
Caliber
7.65x17mm Browning
Feed system
8 round magazine
Barrel length
99 mm
Rifling
6 grooves, right hand twist
Muzzle velocity
320 m/s
Operation
Action
Simple blowback, double action trigger
Locking
None, inertia
Trigger
Double action
Fire selector
0 - 1
Rate of fire
Semi-automatic
Dimensions
Length
173 mm
Width
30 mm
Height
109 mm
Weight
0.660 kg
Sights
Mechanical
Fixed iron sights, blade front and notch rear
Sight radius
125 mm

Related articles


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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.