Walther PPK
Carl Walther GmbH Sportwaffen · Pistol · Discontinued · 1931
Also known as: Polizeipistole Kriminalmodell, PPK/S, James Bond Gun, PP Kurz
Overview
The Walther PPK is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in .380 ACP, produced by Carl Walther GmbH Sportwaffen since 1931. Featuring a 6-round magazine capacity, this pistol offers compact firepower for concealed carry applications. With a 3.3-inch barrel, this firearm prioritizes concealability for everyday carry while still delivering adequate ballistic performance at defensive distances. At 539g (19.0 oz) unloaded, this lightweight firearm is optimized for comfortable all-day carry without creating undue fatigue or printing concerns.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 539 g (19.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 631 g (22.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 155 mm (6.10") |
| Barrel Length | 84 mm (3.31") |
| Height | 97 mm (3.82") |
| Width | 25 mm (0.98") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 60 N (13.5 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 296 m/s (971 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 270 J (199 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .380 ACP · primary — also known as 9x17mm, 9mm Kurz, 9mm Browning Short, .380 Auto
- .32 ACP — also known as 7.65x17mm Browning, 7.65mm Browning
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety, Decocking Lever, Loaded Chamber Indicator
- Features: Fixed Barrel, Hinged Trigger Guard Takedown, Frame Mounted Mag Release, Loaded Chamber Indicator, Compact Design
Variants
- Walther PP — Full Size
- Walther PPK/S — Import Compliant
- Walther PPK/L — Lightweight
- Walther PPK/E — Modernized
- Walther PP Super — Enhanced Caliber
Service history
Operators
- German Wehrmacht · adopted 1931 · as PPK
- Luftwaffe · adopted 1935 · as PPK
- Kriminalpolizei · adopted 1931 · as PPK
- West German Police · adopted 1950 · as PP
- French SDECE
- British MI5
- British MI6
- Israeli Mossad
- West German BND
- Ulster Defence Regiment · adopted 1974 · as .22LR variant
- MACVSOG Recon Teams · as Suppressed PPK
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
- The Troubles (1968-1998)
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Production
Production years: 1931-present
Exact lifetime production unknown. Hundreds of thousands produced during WWII alone. Post-war production by Manurhin (France, 1952-1986), Interarms (USA), and currently Walther Arms (Fort Smith, Arkansas).
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Fritz Walther
Notes
The PPK was designed specifically for plain-clothes police detectives (Kriminal), hence the 'K' designation. During WWII, it was widely issued to German military officers, Luftwaffe pilots, and Nazi Party officials. Post-war production was licensed to Manurhin in France from 1952-1986. The PPK/S variant was created in 1968 to meet U.S. import restrictions by combining the PP frame with the PPK slide. Modern production resumed in the U.S. by Walther Arms in Fort Smith, Arkansas from 2012. The pistol gained legendary status as James Bond's weapon of choice from the novel Dr. No (1958) onward, replacing Bond's original Beretta .25. The fixed barrel design contributes to excellent accuracy for a compact pistol. The hinged trigger guard provides a simple takedown method. Current production models are available in stainless steel with .380 ACP chambering.
Background
The PPK is arguably the most famous pistol in fiction, serving as James Bond's signature weapon since author Ian Fleming adopted it for the 1958 novel 'Dr. No' on the advice of firearms expert Geoffrey Boothroyd, who considered Bond's original Beretta .25 'a lady's gun.' Adolf Hitler reportedly used a PPK to commit suicide in his Berlin bunker on April 30, 1945. The PPK/S variant was specifically created in 1968 to circumvent the US Gun Control Act's import point system by mating the larger PP frame with the PPK slide.