Posted: 9/23/2006 7:02:56 PM EDT
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Just found out tonight that my Father In Law is gifting me with a S&W PPK/s clone as a wedding present (I married his daughter Monday). So what can the hive mind tell me about this handgun? I know the basics about the PPK but how does the S&W version match up to the real deal. Thanks In Advance MB |
| I had one and thought it sucked and finally traded it back the same week I got it. My main objection was that it did not feed plaiin old FMJ rounds, had to have Golden Saber to work at all. Got a SIG 232 instead and love it - much superior to the S&W. I think, I'd be interested to have a Walther but am somewhat put off the whole PPK concept at this point. |
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The S&W made PP series guns are very slightly different than the previous versions. For one, S&W solved the "slide bite" problem by extending the frame tang longer, which acts as a "beaver-tail" similar to the 1911 grip safeties. As I understand, S&W made PP guns cannot use grips from older versions, and if you want different you'll have to find someone who makes them for the S&W version. Reliability is a matter of using GENUINE magazines, not aftermarket "replicas". For some reason, the Walther is "picky" about mags, and most problems are magazine related. Second, you may have to experiment with ammo to find a brand/type your specific gun "likes". Many PP series guns like to be run "wetter" with lube than other guns. If you have a problem, S&W has been very good about solving them. The Walther PP series design is the "1911" of pocket autos, and no one has ever been quite able to make a .380 that packs as much into one small package as Walther did. From the 1950's to the 1990's, the Walther was the "Gold standard" in small autos, and it's only been in the last few years that companies like Kahr have displaced them with 9mm and 40 caliber guns as small or smaller. While it's been "overtaken by developments", the Walther still delivers the goods. |
| I shot a friend's PPK a few years back, more like 10 years ago. It seems the recoil is a bit sharper than my Colt 380 Mustang. I later found out that the Walther PP guns are a straight blow-back design having only the recoil spring holding the slide and barrel together until the pressures reach a safe level, whereas the Colt Mustang has a lock-breach arrangement similar to that of a 1911, abeit with a single lug rather than 3 as in a 1911. |
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They are not too bad. Heavy for what they are. You can buy a Kahr of about the same size in 9mm or .40 if you want more in a carry gun. The stainless PPK's, PPK/s's, etc. were all made in the US, so whether it was Interarms, S&W, or whoever, Walther oversees the manufacture. Trigger pull is heavy. Can be smoothed out, but not really lightened much. They, like most triggers, get better with use. They like grease, not oil. Stainless against stainless creates it's own little problems, so the grease provides a better barrier. I like my PPK because of the design and that's about it. For the size and the weight, whether it be for self defense or just plinking, there are better choices. But, if that's all you have, it's certainly much better than nothing. BTW: The S&W PPK/s is not a clone. It's the real deal PPK/s. Stop calling it a clone. If you choose to carry it, the Pow'R Ball by Cor-Bon will feed just fine in case your PPK/s is a bit particular about hollow points. The Pow'R Ball's are excellent rounds for defense. Also, dress your PPK/s up with some nice wood grips. Hard to find them for PPK's. 
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I've got a West German made one that feeds everything I've thrown at it, reliable and very accurate. It now sits in the safe though. My carry gun is a Kahr PM9. Very good gun. Lighter and smaller than the Walther and very reliable. FYI I would stay away from the USA made ones by Interarms. They were mfg by Ranger MFG of Gadsden, Al. I worked with their former QC manager for a while. He said 8 out of 10 guns that made it to QC were rejected the first time. Ranger got so bad with it that Walther pulled the contract from them. I've looked at the S&W guns and they seem very well built and those that have fired them like them. |
I'm curious why you think it's way too heavy for carry, it's only 20oz. My wife is looking to get one for carry since it fits her hand very nicely. |
I personally don't think it's too heavy. I own a PPK/S and the weight is a non-issue. It has a great natural feel to it, IMO. I little small, but extremely well designed. Might be that for roughly the same size & weight, one could bump the caliber to 9mm, maybe even .40.....so why carry the weight of a 9/40 and shoot .380? I like mine. |
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I love mine. Feels very good in the hand, and I like the heavy weight. Mine's very very accurate too. The only thing is that if I don't keep it really well lubed, it's a bitch to pull the slide back compared to my Beretta or my old USP. My beretta takes almost no force at all to rack, and the first time I tried that with the PPK/S I was a bit surprised. *shrug* Good solid pistol though. |