Reviews For Walther PPK/S - VAH38001, 380ACP, Semi-Automatic, Double Action/Single Action, Compact, 3.35" Barrel, Stainless Steel, Plastic Grip, Magazine Included, Fired Case, Fixed Sight, Decocker

By argusx10
Review Date: 04/11/2008
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I like the the PPK by Smith & Wesson. I've never been bit by the slide and it pumps rounds without flaw as fast as I can pull the trigger. I polished the feed ramp with some 400 grit paper and it just performs really well. It's accurate and safe to carry.

By Rebellogic
Review Date: 09/20/2008
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As an owner of multiple large frame revolvers and pistols, I needed a smaller handgun for concealed carry purposes. I purchased my Walther PPK/S at a recent gun show for $475. I've been to the gun range and out in the backwoods at least 10 times and fired at least 500 hundred rounds and have had no problems at all with my Walther. I very happy with my Walther and will continue to use it as my primary CC weapon. As stated above I own several revolvers made by S&W and have always been satisfied with the quality of their products. S&W is licensed to produce Walther PPK's in the U.S.A., that's one of the reasons I purchased mine. Of course I haven't fired 700 rounds yet and my decock/safety still works fine. I pray I don't have the problems others have had especially since I counting on this gun for personal defense. I'll be spending plenty of time at the range and if I have any problems I be sure to update my review.

By wanderer
Review Date: 10/22/2008
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my ppk is great. hundreds of rounds through it. no problems. easy to field strip, easy to clean, easy to use. dead accurate.

By rolity
Review Date: 11/05/2008
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i bought my first walther ppks in asia and i have fired about 200 rounds and never jam on me...infact it is so accurate up to 35 yards. with that accuracy i gotten rid of my taurus pt140 pro...i love my ppk..gud luck with urs guys.

By 007
Review Date: 11/22/2008
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great gun out of the box. well made. does not like hollowpoints. great concealed carry gun

By bodyguard
Review Date: 12/05/2008
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I agree with "Wanderer" in every detail of his review; this is one hell of a gun for my line of work, AFTER you have put 300-500 rounds through it, and have also thoroughly cleaned it each time you fire.I had the smith at the range buff the feed ramp, and it did wonders. Yes I had the same problems that everyone above has stated, but just adapt improvise and overcome the attitudes! When it comes time to push my client aside and open up with one hand, the Walther will take care of business and I have no doublt about it.

By NRA instr.
Review Date: 01/01/2009
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I had a few FTF's when I first purchased my PPK/S, however it is a blowback design and requires a firm grip to ensure proper functioning. After adjusting my grip the gun functioned perfectly. I have put approximately 500 rounds through it with no further problems. I love the PPK/S .380.

By firehawk135
Review Date: 01/03/2009
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Disappointed with this weapon 300 rounds, rare to get more than two clips fired with out incident. Failure to eject it will sometimes trap spent casing will the slide,other time it will not chamber the next round.I will be returning to S&W to address these issues!

By Cockahoe
Review Date: 01/05/2009
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Just got a stainless PPK .380 - haven't fired it, but initial impressions: Fit and finish: 4 stars (S&W still has a way to go to meet the original German standard, supposedly their original goal) Average price for quality: 3 stars (Methinks the PPK name is still carrying the price) Warranty: 1 star (1 year for a gun with Smith's name on it?) Packaging: 4 stars (bring back the cleaning rod and test target!) Miscellaneous: I know it serves a purpose, but I'm still not sold on the extended beavertail yet. Hopefully reliability is better than the other reviews.

By tony
Review Date: 01/20/2009
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I recently bought a ppk/s.First day at the range it jammed 2 to 3 times with every magazine.Cleaned it good oiled it and took it back to the range.you guessed it jam jam jam.Sent it back to s&w and.they replaced the slide stop. Took it back to the range and shoot 112 rounds without a jam.I am happy with its preformance. So far i would recomend the ppk/s

By George
Review Date: 02/06/2009
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For anyone considering a very reliable, well made weapon for CC I highly recommend this model. First it shoot very well, is extremly accurate, easy to clean and is well made. With all small frame weapons you must adjust your grip, firmly help without a 'limp wrist' will get the job done round after round. Right out of the box, clean it lubricate it and use a tiny amount of auto grease on the slide and it will perform without flaw. I purchased this weapon 1-2-09 and have put over 500 rounds trough it without a single jam or stovepipe. I use Federal American Eagle FMJ ammo at the range and use Hydra Shok for personal protection. Yes I have also tested the Hydra's at the range in the PPK and they too performed without flaw. I've seen lots of poor weapon 'control' with small framed weapons that usually cause most of the extraction and feed problem listed in these blogs.Handle the PPK/S with a FIRM grim, solid hand position and good ammo and many of the 'problems' will disappear. This weapon is a great example of a finely machined stainless 380. I give this weapon a BIG 5 star rating !!. Recently, for Personal protection in the middle of the night, I installed a Crimson grip laser sytem which fit perfectly, is part of the grip system and fits your hand without interference. Overall: great investment, excellent craftsmanship, shoots dead on and conceals very very well. George, USMC retired

By SC_Mike
Review Date: 02/10/2009
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Bought mine as a CC weapon and loved it, until last Thursday. After owning and carrying it for over 2 years and 600 rounds on the range it jams with the slide all the way to the rear. Cleaned and returned to the range and jams again. Tried 4 dif kinds of ammo and same thing. On the way to send it back right now to S&W. Ill let you know what I find out.

By Goose Slayer
Review Date: 02/18/2009
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I own an Interarms PPK/s that I've put thousands of rounds through without a problem. The gun is accurate and easy to disassemble and clean. Great carry gun. Sounds like S&W may have some work to bring this one back to the Walther standard of excellence. I highly recommend it.

By mal
Review Date: 02/25/2009
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I bought the ppk/s in 12/08. It jammed/double fed 22 times in 50 rounds. The second time out the ejector spring disappeared. How does that happen if you don't take the ejector off? I polished the throat and feed ramp and use dry lube on the slides. After 300 rounds the problems disappeared. I have fired about 800 rounds using the dry lube every other cleaning and the weapon is reliable if I use 95 gr. propellent and rounded nose bullets. This weapon does not like flat nose bullets and less than 95 gr. propellent. Power-Ball however feeds well. Go figure. By the way I carried a German PPK for 30 yrs. with no problems. Smith and Wesson needs to worry about this product.

By Wally
Review Date: 02/26/2009
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Just purchased a new ppk/s .30 stainless.Found out about the recall notice on this new gun. See S&W or Walther web site for serial numbers affected. When engaging the de-cocker a round may fire, the factory will replace the defective part(s) send for shipping return info.

By Ardak
Review Date: 12/19/2008
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I have a PPK that fires the first round from a fully loaded mag ok but does not load the second round. You must re-cock the slide to chamber the second round and then it will fire the remaining rounds flawlessly. I have tried at least three different mags but I have the same problem.

By BB
Review Date: 02/20/2011
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Reviewer Experience: CC Holder
Reviewer Location: CO

I had an Interarms PPK and it bit my hand so bad that I sold it. I took a chance with the new S&W version and it''s light years ahead. No bite, accurate, sights are very nice. Small enough to carry on my ankle. A few jams here and there during the break-in period, but I would feel fine depending my life on it.

By DL
Review Date: 03/03/2011
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Purchased From This Site: Yes

The PPK/S .380 stainless pistol exceeded my expectations. My uncle brought one of the original German PPKs in .32 cal home as a war trophy. He later sold it to my father who willed it to me. I later let my cousin have the gun since it was his dad''s. I found the S&W model in stainless .380 to be a better shooter, if not as collectable a gun. Although the .380 is about 2/3 the power of a .38 special, it is plenty powerful in this small concealable pistol. I fitted my PPK/S with the crimson trace laser grip sight, which makes it a much better defense gun. Target acquisition is much faster with the laser than with iron sights in the light and in the dark there''s no comparison since you can''t even see iron sights. Wasn''t it Bill Jordan who said, "There are only two type of gun fighters, the quick and the dead?" The FBI indicates that in most armed encounters using handguns it''s 3-3-3; less than 3 rounds in less than 3 seconds at less than 3 yards.

By Tony The Trigger
Review Date: 06/23/2010
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Reviewer Experience: CC Holder
Reviewer Location: MI

I bought this gun about 7 months ago, and had problems with double feeding and it jamming. Was very frustrating. I read all the reviews and did some of the things you guys said. I polished the feed ramp with the sand paper, I bought the rubber grips, I used dry lube on feed ramp, and quit using hollow points. My results now are awesome. I LOVE THIS GUN. It doesn''t jam. I would depend on this gun gun to save my life and my families. At one time I would not have said that. Good luck to all that are having problems.

By Jakeintexas
Review Date: 01/16/2011
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Reviewer Experience: Military Experience
Reviewer Location: TX

I was looking for a new carry and have always felt if I''m going to hold a controlled explosion in my hand I would perfer it not to be in plastic. The PPK/S seemed ideal. I liked the weight and feel and in a weak moment I left the gun shop with it. I could not be happier. It shoots great right out of the box. Only two misfeeds in 200 break-in rounds and I think a bit of polish to the feed ramp will take care of that. Of course Ball ammunition works great but I will use Cor Bon for a carry round. I highly recommend this pistol for concealed carry or just for fun. The little extra length to the grip is not a problem and the extra round in the mag is nice to have. But, when you by extra mazines, get those with the finger rest.

By marvo
Review Date: 12/21/2010
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Reviewer Experience: Military Experience
Reviewer Location: KY

After two of my friends bought the Walther PPK/S I thought about buying one myself. Blue or stainless was a no brainer, stainless. I have several pistols, Glock 27, Glock 30, Colt Defender, Colt Dective Special but I like to carry my PPK/S the most. I really didn''t like the 380 Round but with the new ammo on the market it was easy to find the power I was looking for in the 380. Cor-bon had the most power so that''s the round I had to buy. It does the job, and does it well! I give this little pistol the thumbs up and a five stae rating.

By KLM
Review Date: 12/31/2010
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Reviewer Experience: Gunsmith
Reviewer Location: GA

This is as beautiful as the Browning Hi-Power and the Colt 1911. Some guns are just atheistically perfect. With the extended beaver tail and slide improvements, S&W has made it more functional and now a historical icon is now better than ever! I must admit, as a gunsmith I detest polymer, and confess I own a Ruger LCP, but lighter is cheaper, both for the manufacturer and lifespan of the weapon. You can feel the quality in a good gun, and sometimes it difficult to explain, but this is a fine weapon. It''s like driving a well made car...its just a special feel. The 380acp is a nice concealable weapon. Ballistically it is similar to a 38 special, the standard sidearm for police for years. I love firearms, and Walther was a genius. No gun seems to be as dependable as a revolver, but as autos go I think this firearm is very dependable and I would not hesitate to carry it as a back-up. Own a piece of history...S&W''s Walther PPK

By Durham
Review Date: 11/24/2010
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Reviewer Experience: Weekend Shooter
Reviewer Location: FL

I''ve had this pistol for about 10 years now, and have had plenty of opportunities to target practice with it. It has a great feel and trigger response, and is pretty accurate right out of the book. Like most guns, you might have to fine tune the rear sight for better accuracy. The only problem I have with it is the spring tension on the slide is too high, which makes cocking that first round pretty difficult. I would like to buy a lighter spring, but I don''t know if that would be better or worse for jamming. I''ve not had any jams and I use hollow point. I would reccomend it if your interested in this type of pistol.

By USMC Ret.
Review Date: 08/22/2008
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Most complaints seen are from new weapons. Failures most often are from not doing a complete breakdown and cleaning and lubricating before use. If a complete clean and lube job is done these symptoms rarely occur. I have had 4 of these (just used up my 2 older ones)after thousands of rounds yearly over 15 years. I never have had problems, after using this clean, lube and polish procedure when new or before heavy use. The polishing of the feed ramp with 400 or 600 then 1200 grit wet or dry "Black" paper and water will give amazing results if done and lubed with light grease before fully broken in. After that a light feed ramp lube every 200 rounds or so will keep it from jams and feed problems 99.999 percent of the time, don't forget to lube magazines. I do bet my life on it. It's also a part of my wardrobe and so is my wifes she carries one as well. I also recommend this weapon to anyone or friends if the subject come up. Sure you can get a Glock cheap the police trade them about every two years or so. Other brands or models are out there but for concealed carry and protection the PPK - PPK/S cant be beat for its size and purpose in my opinion. Another plus is they are loads of fun for plinking.

By RSO
Review Date: 11/16/2009
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Don''t know about the S&W PPK/S, but I own an Interarms PPK/S for CCW. Bought it in almost-new condition, still in the box and with the extra mag. After preliminary inspection and cleaning, took it to the range. A little nervous about the reputation for biting first time out but fired 100 rounds of Winchester 95gr FMJ with no bite, FTF/FTE/jam etc. Even with the fixed sights, and with a two-hand grip, gun proved accurate enough to put all rounds in the head of a standard profile target from 7 to 25 yards. Personal experience with a Crimson Trace grip on two other pistols I own dictated that ordered a CT grip for my PPK/S to improve low light capability. Pistol is easy to clean ]even with the nasty Winchester white box ammo[and maintain and the slim profile makes it a comfortable carry weapon.

By glennyboy
Review Date: 10/30/2009
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so i buy this sterling silver factory engraved walther ppk/s 24 years ago for around $2,500.00 I got tired of looken at it in the show case, so I finally took it out for a spin around the range. After i picked up everyones jaw from the ground, and with disbelief in their eyes. All remarks were, you''r not really gonna shoot that are you? O yea baby, LOCK N LOAD, bang bang silver hammer. Not a skip, no jam, no safety problem, nothing.Just real german fire power, and how sweet it is. Say hello to my little friend, every day on my side 24/7 no more in a showcase just me my holster and my Sterling Silver Factory Engraved 380 out to dinner.Thank You very much but no thanks to saving my guns for the future, Now is the future.

By robbie
Review Date: 12/25/2007
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The fit and finish are not up to par for a pistol that costs over $500. After about 700 rounds, the decock/safety failed during a range session. I returned it to Smith & Wesson , who kept it for 3 weeks and replaced the hammer. A piece of advice; If you want a small semi auto pocket gun for about the same price, buy a Glock 26. Glocks are very reliable. This Walther made by S&W is not reliable enough to bet your life on.

By Walt
Review Date: 04/15/2009
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I''ve owned this gun for several years and it is my main ccw. I did have a couple jams when I first fired it, but only a couple in the first 200 or so rounds. Ever since, it has fired and cleared the chamber without fail. I love this gun, but I don''t love the fact that S&W has it for the next several weeks while they fix the recall. In the mean time, I''ve got a Glock 23 that I use as a ccw, but I prefer the smaller size of the PPK/S ]although I love the G23 as well[

By Navy Man
Review Date: 04/06/2008
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I have had a PPK/S in .32 ACP for about a month. Only 150 rounds have gone thru it, but it has functioned perfectly and is extremely accurate for a small semi auto. Many years ago Guns and Ammo had a special edition devoted to pocket pistols. The article on ammo concluded that .32 fed more reliably and was more accurate than .380. Use a little grease on the slide/frame rails and I'll bet your functioning problems go away.

By kam
Review Date: 09/20/2008
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Aesthetic gun, snappy for power level, not something I would bet my life on. Fun to shoot at the range and try out a historic gun but not reliable and underpowered compared to other guns today of similar size.

By mpat
Review Date: 05/19/2008
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i have one and it is the best. small and reliable for me.

By leoman
Review Date: 12/07/2008
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i'm a law consultant, i carry my ppk everyday and i find it very comfortable. nobody doesn't even know that i carry a gun. i say it is the right one for self defense. just a reference for you guys. thanks.

By MM
Review Date: 05/15/2010
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Purchased From This Site: Yes

I like the balance and feel in may hand. Great pistol.

By ron
Review Date: 12/25/2008
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shot a ppk380 wasnt crazy about it ended up getting a sig 380 was having lots of problems with jams figured out myshelf it doesnt like hollow points or any brand of flat tip ammo switched to rounded tip ammo have shot maybe 1000 rounds without a jam maybee the jams everyone talks about with the walther is the same problem