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Walther PPK (Polizei Pistole Kriminalmodell)

1931 COLD WAR INTERWAR MODERN WORLD WAR 2

History

Walther launched its original compact semi-automatic pistol, the PP ("Police Pistol") in 1929, and immediately found buyers outside the originally intended police market. In 1931, a more compact form was introduced in the PPC, which eventually became the more popular and famous of the two - in addition to serving in World War II (1939-1945), it also Was used as a suicide weapon for Adolf Hitler and the fictional British super spy James Bond".

The PPK introduced a more compact design intended for concealed carry, while retaining many of the key usability and Safety features. Millions of PP/PPK pistols have been produced since launch and are still in production today (2013). The initials "PPK" stand for "Police Pistol Crime Mode".

The base PPK design is the same 7.65mm cartridge design as the original PP, but is now held via a 7-round detachable box magazine instead of the original 8-round quantity. It is 5.8 inches long (compared to 6.4 inches in PP) and has a 3.15 inch barrel. The PPK retains the same straight-line recoil system, exposed hammer at the rear of the receiver, and double-action trigger function as the PP. Safety features inherited from the PP enable the operator to carry the loaded weapon and prepare to fire with a prolonged, intentional trigger pull. In addition, a signal pin on the rear of the receiver (above the hammer) allows the operator to visually identify the chambered cartridge (removed for the convenience of wartime production models).

Plastic magazine extensions can be attached to the bottom of the grip to create a wider landing area for the palm and fingers of the master hand.

Visually, these two pistols are nearly identical, except for the size and shape of the stock (especially the stock). PP uses a forged molded frame with two plastic side pieces that make up the handle. The frame of the PPK is simpler and requires an integral wraparound grip.

Like the PP, the PPK was developed beyond its standard original 7.65x17mm Browning SR (.32 ACP) chamber to support the 9x17mm Short (.380 ACP). 22 long rifles and 6. 35x15mm Browning SR (.25 ACP) cartridges.