Posted: 1/10/2026 10:26:18 AM EDT
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Well title say all, Are the current production PPK .22lr good to go? What material are they made of? Knowing the older P22 reputation I doubt they’re all metal despite the SS look.. Any other handgun to consider that come close in size? TIA |
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Zamak Alloy I am pretty sure. They’re not the same as the old TPH iirc. I looked in to them a long time ago and the base metal was why I immediately scratched it off my want list. To me Zamak alloy guns are limited lifespan guns. |
The only hyphenated names I like are cartridge names......30-06, 30-40, 38-55 etc.
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Ruger LCP is smaller, almost everything else is larger and several 22 s have much higher capacity. If you just want a small pistol HK CC9. If you want a 22 that you will shoot a lot go larger. If you want a PPK style shop around there were some blue steel knock off guns out a few years back that were solid 22 pistols and PPK design I don’t recall the brand, think they were made in Spain. Or just buy one and play with it. Just don’t expect it to do anything better than the other choices. |
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Any chance you can buy either a West German or French Manurhin? Christ, my Walther P-22 went back 3x & never got fixed, so I’m still gun-shy about them. I only own & shoot the pre-1970s Walthers PP & PPk after buying several US Interarms lemons back in the day. That led to my preference to stick with a gun that not only functions, but also has resale value. But I say that with S&W revolvers & Rugers, too, so I’m consistent.  Especially since my own purchasing experience with current production fueled my recommendation. |
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Originally Posted By SteelonSteel: Zamak Alloy I am pretty sure. They’re not the same as the old TPH iirc. I looked in to them a long time ago and the base metal was why I immediately scratched it off my want list. To me Zamak alloy guns are limited lifespan guns. Originally Posted By SteelonSteel: Zamak Alloy I am pretty sure. They’re not the same as the old TPH iirc. I looked in to them a long time ago and the base metal was why I immediately scratched it off my want list. To me Zamak alloy guns are limited lifespan guns. That’s a shame if true.. I’m not going to fight the Russians with it but I don’t like the idea of cheap materials… Originally Posted By Urimaginaryfrnd: Ruger LCP is smaller, almost everything else is larger and several 22 s have much higher capacity. If you just want a small pistol HK CC9. If you want a 22 that you will shoot a lot go larger. If you want a PPK style shop around there were some blue steel knock off guns out a few years back that were solid 22 pistols and PPK design I don’t recall the brand, think they were made in Spain. Or just buy one and play with it. Just don’t expect it to do anything better than the other choices. Already have LCP in 380.. that’s even too small and not practical. If I have to go larger I’d consider the Ruger mk4… But the PPK was the perfect size for a 22 IMHO Originally Posted By 32ACP: Any chance you can buy either a West German or French Manurhin? Christ, my Walther P-22 went back 3x & never got fixed, so I’m still gun-shy about them. I only own & shoot the pre-1970s Walthers PP & PPk after buying several US Interarms lemons back in the day. That led to my preference to stick with a gun that not only functions, but also has resale value. But I say that with S&W revolvers & Rugers, too, so I’m consistent. Especially since my own purchasing experience with current production fueled my recommendation. Old PPK are available and that’s another option.. along with the Beretta 70/71 series. The threaded barrel on newer ones was a bonus though. Suppressor are not legal over here yet.. but I still hope they will be soon or later since more and more countries here are making them legal. I guess I miss the times when 22 where built the right way… |
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I think it really boils down to what you want to spend and your specific taste. The current Walther PPKs 22 LR marked Walther Ft Smith Arkansas USA get good reviews from people who purchased them for being a PPKs 22 LR. The PP/PPK/PPKs are notorious for having a heavy double action trigger and slide bite. If you really want a 22 LR Walther PPKs then the current pistol is worth buying. Another popular option is the Bersa Thunder which get very good reviews. I’ve shot the Bersa Thunder and they shoot good but don’t have quite the classy look of a Walther. Bersa Thunder 22 LR https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/handguns/bersa-thunder-22-long-rifle-35in-black-pistol-101-rounds/p/1733303?srsltid=AfmBOopIP9q-yp6HfXj2FOpYHZYuNr2l5XVzgbSmvlqyZo-Bn1-jIVgt Here is a thread with a good comparison of the current Walther PPKs 22 LR and European Walther PP 22 LR. https://www.rimfirecentral.com/threads/thinking-about-a-ppk-s-22.570648/page-2 |
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My post is #26 in that thread. my opinion hasn't changed. Despite the Zamak alloy slide and frame the newer Umarex Walther PPK/S .22LR (far right) is a better pistol than the older PP in .22 LR (center right). Much of that comes down to the magazine. the newer magazine is a much better design. Plus they are affordable and can be found new rather than in aged and well used condition. I'm also a big fan of the Beretta Model 71 (center left). Like the new PPK/S .22 LR its very reliable. But like the older PP in .22 LR the Beretta Model 71 is harder to find. The Bersa Thunder (far left) in .22 LR was also a surprise like for me. I'm not a fan of the .380 ACP version but in .22 LR its a very nice handgun.  ---- |
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Originally Posted By Frens: That’s a shame if true.. I’m not going to fight the Russians with it but I don’t like the idea of cheap materials… Already have LCP in 380.. that’s even too small and not practical. If I have to go larger I’d consider the Ruger mk4… But the PPK was the perfect size for a 22 IMHO Old PPK are available and that’s another option.. along with the Beretta 70/71 series. The threaded barrel on newer ones was a bonus though. Suppressor are not legal over here yet.. but I still hope they will be soon or later since more and more countries here are making them legal. I guess I miss the times when 22 where built the right way… Originally Posted By Frens: Originally Posted By SteelonSteel: Zamak Alloy I am pretty sure. They’re not the same as the old TPH iirc. I looked in to them a long time ago and the base metal was why I immediately scratched it off my want list. To me Zamak alloy guns are limited lifespan guns. That’s a shame if true.. I’m not going to fight the Russians with it but I don’t like the idea of cheap materials… Originally Posted By Urimaginaryfrnd: Ruger LCP is smaller, almost everything else is larger and several 22 s have much higher capacity. If you just want a small pistol HK CC9. If you want a 22 that you will shoot a lot go larger. If you want a PPK style shop around there were some blue steel knock off guns out a few years back that were solid 22 pistols and PPK design I don’t recall the brand, think they were made in Spain. Or just buy one and play with it. Just don’t expect it to do anything better than the other choices. Already have LCP in 380.. that’s even too small and not practical. If I have to go larger I’d consider the Ruger mk4… But the PPK was the perfect size for a 22 IMHO Originally Posted By 32ACP: Any chance you can buy either a West German or French Manurhin? Christ, my Walther P-22 went back 3x & never got fixed, so I’m still gun-shy about them. I only own & shoot the pre-1970s Walthers PP & PPk after buying several US Interarms lemons back in the day. That led to my preference to stick with a gun that not only functions, but also has resale value. But I say that with S&W revolvers & Rugers, too, so I’m consistent. Especially since my own purchasing experience with current production fueled my recommendation. Old PPK are available and that’s another option.. along with the Beretta 70/71 series. The threaded barrel on newer ones was a bonus though. Suppressor are not legal over here yet.. but I still hope they will be soon or later since more and more countries here are making them legal. I guess I miss the times when 22 where built the right way… If mags aren’t scarce like here in the USA, Beretta 70 >>>> than current Walther. If you’re truly in Italy & can get a real Beretta & mags—why would you buy current junk? (Please note this is NOT meant as offensive comment. My understanding is that it’s possible to change one’s country vs actual location) My steel .22s are my favorites! S&W41, S&W18, K22 (all pre-1980) & Ruger MkII. Then my Colt Woodsman (1930s made), Walthers (1960s), Ruger Single Six. My polymer/aluminum Glock conversion kits are good, but my Boomer grey roots & male pattern baldness miss the good old days of quality guns. Sounds like you answered your own question! ETA: I’ve never fired a Bersa, but I’ve read good things about them. After reading the Walther Zamak review, maybe it’ll fit your needs/purpose. Any chance of renting one at a handgun range first? |
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Thanks for the link & review about the current Ppk.. that was interesting to read. Unlike the early P22 I have never read about issues or breakages. As for the Beretta 70 series.. I’m located in Italy, but mags are ridiculously expensive: the 71 can be found for 200ish Euro depending on the condition.. 300 if included the extra barrel.. Mags go for 80 
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Originally Posted By Frens: Thanks for the link & review about the current Ppk.. that was interesting to read. Unlike the early P22 I have never read about issues or breakages. As for the Beretta 70 series.. I’m located in Italy, but mags are ridiculously expensive: the 71 can be found for 200ish Euro depending on the condition.. 300 if included the extra barrel.. Mags go for 80 Holy cow! I thought the mags would be more reasonably priced. |
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I wish I hadn’t sold my PPKs .22. Yes it’s made from an alloy. But… Mine was reliable with every cheap bulk ammo that I tried. It was accurate. I got rid of it because of the the horrible DA trigger pull, which is silly because it was a plinking gun. Never intended for self defense use. For plinking, the SA pull was perfect. And it was a sexy beast. Attached File |
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Well finally had the chance to test fire the Ppk. 100 cci subsonic + 100 cci mini mag Zero ammo related malfunctions. Couldn’t be happier. The only 4-5 stoppages were caused by my grip.. the strong hand thumb would touch the slide slowing it down enough to cause a few jams.   |
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Originally Posted By SteelonSteel: Thanks for the report! Glad it’s working well for you. Those Berettas look nice, too bad about the expensive magazines. While waiting for the ppk to arrive, I’ve visited a good friend of mine that has a huge gun collection. Had the chance to try the beretta 71 and a Walther tph.. the TPH was definitely too small but the beretta & the ppk share the same feeling given by the perfect size & weight with the 71 being slightly more ergonomic. The only point of concern with the current PPKS could be the material used.. as mentioned above.. but after a closer look it doesn’t seems an issue at all since there’re zero weak points or thin walls like on the P22 that lead to cracked slides.. |
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Originally Posted By Frens: While waiting for the ppk to arrive, I’ve visited a good friend of mine that has a huge gun collection. Had the chance to try the beretta 71 and a Walther tph.. the TPH was definitely too small but the beretta & the ppk share the same feeling given by the perfect size & weight with the 71 being slightly more ergonomic. The only point of concern with the current PPKS could be the material used.. as mentioned above.. but after a closer look it doesn’t seems an issue at all since there’re zero weak points or thin walls like on the P22 that lead to cracked slides.. Originally Posted By Frens: Originally Posted By SteelonSteel: Thanks for the report! Glad it’s working well for you. Those Berettas look nice, too bad about the expensive magazines. While waiting for the ppk to arrive, I’ve visited a good friend of mine that has a huge gun collection. Had the chance to try the beretta 71 and a Walther tph.. the TPH was definitely too small but the beretta & the ppk share the same feeling given by the perfect size & weight with the 71 being slightly more ergonomic. The only point of concern with the current PPKS could be the material used.. as mentioned above.. but after a closer look it doesn’t seems an issue at all since there’re zero weak points or thin walls like on the P22 that lead to cracked slides.. TPH: I have a German .22 & had a 6.35mm. They’re like snubnosed revolvers, more of a tool than fun gun, IMO. My Beretta 950B, 20, 25 & 21A are thicker (more ergonomic) & less of a chore to shoot due to their thickness vs TPH. The Beretta 71 is a very nice gun. |
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Originally Posted By Bladeswitcher: Terrible trigger. Both the worst (DA) and the best (SA) trigger I’ve ever tried in one single gun. I don’t mind heavy DA triggers.. they can be heavy for a good reason.. but the DA on the PPKS is insanely heavy  I plan to use the DA more and more to see if it smooths out a bit but I won’t hold my breath |
| Haven’t seen a new production PPK in.22 but years ago I found an almost new TPH in stainless they were selling cheap because it only had one mag, and others were hard to find and $$$. Broke the sound barrier clearing my water from my pocket for it. Found a few more mags eventually. |
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Just a little update on the ppk: Since it only came with one mag I got a couple of extra ones. They all ran fine but one dint want to activate the BHO.. its spring was definitely softer than the others two. I could live with that but my odc made me surfing the web and I came across the 13+1 kit made by NicTaylor… its a simple drop in kit that replaces all the guts of the OEM mag. Its a 2min job. So why not? I have yet to test fire it but the first thing Ive noticed is that the new follower won’t engage the bho lever at all.. the slide is held back by the follower itself and once removed the empty mag the slide will go back into battery. I guess this design was made to work on multiple Walther platforms listed on the label (p22 ppq ppk). I’ll probably end up modifying the OEM follower to fit the new spring.. or even better 3d printing an improved follower to make it work as it should.       |