WALTHER PPK/S Stainless

Overview

The "PP" family of pistols (originally from Carl Walther GmbH Sportwaffen - "PP" stands for Polizei Pistole) dates back to 1929, designed as compact semi automatic pistols. The "PPK" is a shortened version introduced soon after, designed for easier concealment. The "PPK/S" variant was developed after the U.S. enactment of the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA 68), which imposed import restrictions requiring certain size/weight "sporting" features. Because the standard PPK failed the import point test by one point, PPK/S was created: it combines the short PPK slide with the longer grip/frame of the original PP - the longer grip adds the extra "points" to allow import. Over time, U.S. manufacture changed hands((including a period where licensed production was done by S&W.)) Typical Features & Specifications (for the PPK/S .380 ACP)According to publicly available manufacturer data and gun media sources: Feature / AttributeTypical Detail (PPK/S .380)Caliber.380 ACP (also known as 9x17mm Short / 9mm Kurz) ActionDouble Action / Single Action (DA/SA), hammer fired; slide mounted safety / decocker. Barrel Length3.3 inches Overall Length~6.1 inches Height~4.3 inches Width~1 inch Magazine Capacity7 rounds (standard magazine capacity for .380Trigger PullDA: ~13.4 lbs / SA: ~6.1 lbs (varies by condition) Weight (empty)~19 oz (empty), though finished units often list ~22-23.6 oz depending on finish and components. Safety MechanismSlide mounted manual safety / decocker. Operating MechanismStraight blowback with fixed barrel (common to the PP family). Relationship Between Walther and Smith & WessonWhile originally produced by Carl Walther in Germany, licensed U.S. manufacture/import of PPK/S (and related guns) has at times involved outside firms. Notably, from 2002 onward, S&W manufactured the PPK and PPK/S under license at their Houlton, Maine plant. As of the 2010s, the import/manufacturing license returned to Walther (U.S.), with production at their facility in Fort Smith, Arkansas. So - when you see a "Walther PPK/S .380ACP" - the design originates with Walther, but some historic U.S. versions (especially mid 2000s-era) were produced by Smith & Wesson under license.The PPK/S .380 is part of a long established lineage of compact, concealable semi automatic pistols - valued for their blend of concealability, reachable capacity (7 rounds), and manageable recoil in a small package. The DA/SA trigger system plus slide mounted safety/decocker offers flexibility: you can carry "hammer down / safety on," or cock for single action when ready. The fixed-barrel blowback design is mechanically simple, which historically has contributed to reliability and ease of maintenance in this pistol family. (2)7 MAGScomes in original box and papers.