Interarms vs S&W

[Charlie.40]

I just picked up a Interarms PPK .380.
My wife chose it as her first gun. I was actually pushing a PM9 but she fell in love with the PPK and felt safer with the safety on it.
It was in new like condition with a polished ramp, barrel and smoothened trigger. It is a beautiful gun. I paid $395 for it.
While at the shop I was informed of the quality of the Interarms PPK versus that of the S&W version.
Is there such a difference between the Interarms and the S&W version PPK?
I like it so much that I'm thinking about buying another one for myself!
Thanks in advance for the feedback.:cool:

[michael t]

I have read several post on different sites saying new S&W are junk. This broke or that broke. Today read one where guy says Barrell only has little rifleing. Of course their's a of people who will tell you Interarms are POS. I don,t know all I can say is my Interarms has been great and I carry mine just about every day.(In pocket now) I will say this a 380 PPK/s is not a real pleasent gun to shoot. Sharp recoil and do to narrow backstrap hurts my hand after about 30 rounds.Even more so when I firing my CorBon 90gr HP's my carry load. She may not be happy after firing. I also have a Bersa 380 a clone of a PPK/s Its a total different animal I can shoot all day About 1/2 the felt recoil and doesn't everything the PPK does for 1/2 THE PRICE!! A LITTLE OVER 200. If she doesn't like PPK you keep and get her a Bersa


bersatalk.com

[Pred8tory]

I second that on the Bersa Thunder, a lot of gun for a little money.
http://www.bersa-llama.com/img/guns/thun380lt_mat_lg.gif

[Charlie.40]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by michael t
I will say this a 380 PPK/s is not a real pleasent gun to shoot. Sharp recoil and do to narrow backstrap hurts my hand after about 30 rounds.Even more so when I firing my CorBon 90gr HP's my carry load. She may not be happy after firing. I also have a Bersa 380 a clone of a PPK/s Its a total different animal I can shoot all day About 1/2 the felt recoil and doesn't everything the PPK does for 1/2 THE PRICE!! A LITTLE OVER 200. If she doesn't like PPK you keep and get her a Bersa

This is not good news. One of the reasons that we picked the PPK over the PM9 is that we were informed that because of the smaller caliber, and due to the fact that it was made of steel, it would be much more pleasant to shoot and thus my wife would practice more. I was also under the impression that the interarms version was the most reliable comparing againt the S&W and clones.

[michael t]

I said my Interarms is 100% relieable that why I carry it. I also said they have a sharp recoil ,thats because of the blowback design The only 380 I own with very little recoil is my Colt Mustang and its not a blowback design. Get some Packmayer Grips for you PPK that will cut down on felt recoil a whole bunch. I just don't like rubber type grips. But they work. If my 10 year old daugther can shoot my PPK/S. Iam sure your wife can.

[field70]

I have the Interarms PPK, bought new in 1994 for $439.00..It has been 100% reliable, but as stated, it is a bear to shoot. Gotta be careful how you grip it or you get "slide bite". If you grip it to high on the grips the slide cuts your hand where the thumb joins. If you grip it right it's ok. ..but these little guys have very stout recoil..Like someone else said, if she don't like it, you could keep it and get her a Bersa Thunder..They are great little guns.

[Xander27z]

100% reliable in 500 rds, 50 of them JHP's.
http://www.knifeforums.com/ubbthreads/files//487121-100_0017_2.jpg

[Charlie.40]

Those Bersa's are sounding better and better.
If they are the same design why is the felt recoil less?
I guess I'm going to end up keeping the PPK.
Funny thing Michael T that you mention the colt mustang. We saw one last weekend at the gun show in Ft Lauderdale and almost brought it.

[grecco]

had a interarms ppk/s for several years
it was relaible .
had a sweet s-a trigger pull.
the workmanship,fit/finish was very good.
the only negative were the very small sights.
sold it to a friend that carries it everyday.
i would recommend one.

as far as recoil, never noticed it to be a problem
had a set of pachmayers on it.

[peters3740]

Got a S&W PPK/s about a year or so back and have had no problems as of yet. Would agree that the little guy has a decent amount of felt recoil for a small caliber pistol. Maybe not the best choice for the wife.

[c_w_cunningham]

Originally posted by Charlie.40
Those Bersa's are sounding better and better.
If they are the same design why is the felt recoil less?
I guess I'm going to end up keeping the PPK.
Funny thing Michael T that you mention the colt mustang. We saw one last weekend at the gun show in Ft Lauderdale and almost brought it.

Well, I don't think it's that they recoil less. I think it's more that they recoil better. The tang on the Bersa is larger and differently shaped. I had an old Bersa, and while it was a little crude compared to my Interarms PPK/S, was a bit easier to shoot. Sadly, I traded the Bersa off some time ago. It wasn't the exact same as the current "Thunder", but the current "Thunder" is pretty similar and finished better.

There is no doubt that you need to watch how you grip the pistol. About 5 years ago, my wife also wanted a PPK/S(that's how I have this one), and the little thing bit her on her first trip to the range with it. The slide cut a slice on the top of her thumb during recoil. She didn't want to shoot it anymore, and it was awhile before I could convince her to go to the range again. I kept the PPK/S anyway. She eventually picked out a different gun and is happy now.

[H-D&GLOCK]

As I am sure I stated before. I have a Bersa thunder that I bought for my wife, but I really like it myself. i know I have bragged about the way it performs before, but I was really impressed with it the first time out. Always wanted a real PPK, but this one has totally satisfied that lust.........for now...

[mrwiggins]

i paid 350 and i enjoy it, and really enjoy shooting it. It hasn't given me any problems, and i've seem some like mine prices at over 450$ at gun shows. I like mine, and it's a little thinner than a bersa. oh and i feel like james bond :)

[spober]

thats why i choose the 32 acp.if it was good enough for bond,JAMES BOND,its certauinly good enough for me and mine,ie wife.8 shoots of 32 will surfice for a self defence situation.i will say the makarov in 380 or 9mm mak is a better gun in every way.i paid 200 for my east german mak back in 2000.;0 ;0

[Charlie.40]

It saddens me to say this.....but at my trip to the range my PPK stopped shooting!!
The first few shots (around 5 rounds)it did not come out of double action. I know the mag who has nothing to do with this but I switched mags anyway.
The next shot was OK but then the trigger would not pull all the way to break for the next shot. It was as if it was being blocked (safety problems?).
I unloaded it again, made sure the safety was going off and on..did some dry firing and loaded it again.
It did the same again; after the first shot the trigger will not pull all the way for the next one.
I was shooting Winchester White box.
Anyway,, I returned it to the dealer with the ammo that I was using who assured me that he will check it out thoroughly. It is a reputable dealer ( 911 store in Hollywood FL)but I lost faith in it. I probably would rather trade it in for another gun.
It's too bad.It is my wife/s first gun,;1

[BGraham]

Charlie, I had a same or similar problem with new S&W/Walther PPK/S I bought about two years ago. After only about 150 rounds, it became double-action-only. The "cocking piece" (that's what it's called) broke and would not catch on the hammer to allow it to cock in single action. I sent it back to S&W and they repaired it, test fired it, and returned it. It was filthy when I got it back. I cleaned it up and traded it off at a gun show. I've owned several Interarms/Walther PPK's in the past and never had a single problem with them. I don't know if S&W is using cheap internals or if it was just a fluke.

As far as your pistol is concerned, from your first post it seems that someone may have done some overzealous home gunsmithing. You have to be careful when buying a gun that been "refined" and "smoothed" with a "trigger job" when you don't know if it was done by a competent person. For myself, I've always found that sticking with factory specifications is the way to go. That said, I only purchase high-quality pistols (HK, Walther, Sig, Glock, etc.) that have a proven track record without having to be "refined". Any factory gun can have problems, but from my experience, the chances of getting a lemon from a quality manufacturer are slim.

[Charlie.40]

Thanks BGraham for your response.
I realized the the Walther PPK was reliable from research. I guess my wife and I got too excited when we saw this beutifull piece in almost new condition with the smoothened trigger and polished port already done at the price of $400.
I remember reading somewhere that the Interarms version was better than the S&W version.
At the same time that I was at the store looking at it another customer (an LEO)came in and also fell in love with it.
He showed me his back up piece (PPK) and was enamored by the gun I was looking at.
I guess I learned a lesson never buy a gun that has work on it unless you know who did it.
Once I get it back I will trade it in for a new one. I guess I'll have to settle on the S&W version.
Thanks

:cool:

[BGraham]

Charlie, if you really want an Interarms model you should try searching some of the auction sites, such as www.gunbroker.com www.gunsamerica.com and www.auctionarms.com. Do a search under pistols for "PPK" and you should be able to find plenty for sale from both dealers and private individuals. Just contact the seller beforehand and verify that the PPK has not been modified, does not have any problems, and is in excellent shape. Don't buy unless the seller can provide some good digital photos. Take your time and search for couple of weeks, as new auctions always pop up. When you're spending a few hundred dollars, you might as well get what you really want. Of course it's just my personal opinion, but I'm not too thrilled with the S&W PPK's. I still own a stainless steel Interarms PPK that I bought new in 1993 and it's still going strong after a couple thousand rounds. It's never jammed on me.

[Charlie.40]

Thanks for the advice BGraham........will do.:cool:

[BGraham]

Charlie, check out these auctions on Gunbroker. These are brand new Interarms/Walther. One is a PPK and the other is a PPK/S. I'm not affiliated with these auctions, just trying to help you out. These are good buys on brand new pistols, especially since it's rare to find the Interarms models brand new in box these days.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=31438477

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=31318075

[Charlie.40]

looks insteresting. Heard good thins about this site.
The dealer told me that his best gunsmith is working on it. Mentioned that it could have been something with feed ramp...I dont know. I was not aware that there was some new Interarms out there.

Thanks!!

[Charlie.40]

looks insteresting. Heard good things about this site.
The dealer told me that his best gunsmith is working on it. Mentioned that it could have been something with feed ramp...I dont know. I was not aware that there was some new Interarms out there.

Thanks!!:cool:

[BGraham]

That "something with the feed ramp" sounds like BS to me. From what you were describing earlier, it seems that the feed ramp did its job. As long as the pistol cycled after firing and the slide closed all the way, I don't see how the feed ramp could have anything to do with the trigger malfunctioning. Now if for some reason the slide was not closing all the way during cycling, then maybe so. Hopefully, they can take care of the problem (at no cost to you). If not, then hopefully you'll get a refund, although I've never heard of a dealer giving a refund on a used gun. If you get stuck with the pistol and it's still not working properly, try these guys: www.cylinder-slide.com.

[jgarcia02]

I am also looking to buy a Walther PPK or the PPK/s. How can you tell the difference between the S&W version and the interarms? I'm guessing if its a "new" version recently bought from the distributor its S&W. I haven't called the dealer to double check. I'm looking to get something new in box and would like the interarms version.

Are the interarms versions that hard to come by? If they are more reliable, wouldnt more dealers stock them instead of the S&W versions if the slide still says "Walther" on it?

Also is there a noticable difference between the PPK and the PPK/S. I havent fired either but have held both of them and am comfortable with either.

Pardon the ignorance.
Thanks

[BGraham]

Interarms went out of business a few years ago. For a couple of years, there was no PPK or PPK/S production in the US until S&W made a deal with Walther Germany to produce them. Anything that your dealer orders new from his distributor will be a S&W/Walther version. If you want an Interarms/Walther version, you'll have to look for a used gun or find a dealer with a new one that's been sitting in the shop for a while (such as those Gunbroker links I listed earlier).

In reference to the difference between the PPK and PPK/S, I find that with the shorter grip frame the PPK does not bulge under clothing when worn inside the pants and is way better for ankle carry than the PPK/S. The PPK is also a few ounces lighter because of the grip backstrap not being solid steel like on the PPK/S. If you're getting a Walther for concealment, I recommend going with the PPK.

[1911nut]

I've got about 500 rounds through my Interarms 380 PPK. No problems.

Such a light, blowback design requires a firm grip.

I for one like the PPK's - PPK/s or the PP have the slightly bigger grip which makes them a little more comfortable to shoot.

The PPK is a decent pistol for self defense - just shoot it enough to get confidence. They're not range guns that one would fire 500 rounds through in an afternoon.

[Charlie.40]

Guess What?
I received a call from S&W last week saying that my gun was ready! I was not aware that it was sent to the factory.
The very pleasant person that called stated that whoever worked on the trigger over-did it which is not to my surprise after getting the responses on this tread from all you guys.
Anyway he mentioned that he replaced the sear. springs and some other part and that it is back to factory specs. There was no charge because of the relationship they have with the dealer where I brought if from.
I picked it up today and it did come back a little on the dirty side internally.I will clean and lube it and take it to the range in the next couple of days.
We might just keep it after all.
Any suggestions on wife friendly range ammo?
If I keep I'll probably get hydra shocks so I guess I should get American Eagle in 90 grain for range use.
Hey if my wife isn't happy I could always get her a Bersa.

[michael t]

Go get the winchester for range no American ------ PPK's like good ammo