Is the Smith Walther PPK/S reliable?

[hogship]

I've been seriously thinking of getting a Smith PPK/S, but just about ever thread discussing them have those who've had reliability problems.

So, before I spend my money, let's hear from those of you who don't have reliability issues.

What ammo do they like best?

For a 380, should I consider a Sig, Browning, or Beretta instead?

hog (waivering)

[michael t]

I think the more relieable than you think. Remember this is where people come to *****, ask questions, ect. You would think the Interarms PPK/S was the worst weapon ever made by internet postings. But in truth their are 1000's of happy owners out here. Its same with Kel Tec, Kimber You read post after post about bad pistols. I think KT sells over 30000 pistols a year. They couldn't do that if most of them didn't work.. Same with the new S&W PPK/S I will say it might need a few hundred rounds to wear in before being 100% but thats any auto. Kimber has a 500 round break in. They don't even want to talk to you till thats been met.
You could buy one of other brands I sure all are about same in relieabilty. But none will carry as nice as a PPK/s they are thin and perfect size. Rest are bigger not by much but enough. I can give a example I also own a Bersa its a almost clone of the PPK/S. They look about the same and side by side the still look very close. You can see some differennce in size but just a little. Well I can carry the PPK/S in my pocket in a pocket holster. I can't carry Bersa in same pocket. Just doesn't fit and hard to get out . I would get the PPK/s by S&W . If for no other reason than warrenty. Sig make you pay shipping both ways. I don't think the Browning is made any more (13shot model was made by Beretta and to big) and Beretta is not known for good customer service. Well thats my 02. I don't waiver

[Riggs23]

Mine was, until yesterday when I fed it Hornady XTP.....It hated it. Had a few stovepipes. When it did work, the empty's barely cleared the ejection port. I could actually see them out the corner of my eye--traveling six inches or so from the port and falling to the ground. I immediately switched back to my Golden Sabers and it worked like a charm, flinging the empty casings 6 feet or more.

I've NEVER had a problem with any ball round. Just try several JHP's to see which it likes. I'll be sticking to the 102 gr. Golden Saber I guess...lol.

S&W has done a nice job on these guns.....

[Revolvr]

My S&W has been 100% reliable through the first 500 rounds fired so far. I have used ball and 3 hollowpoints - Cor Bon, Remington and Golden Saber.

-- Dan

[bulbboy]

I love my PPK/S (S & W) and have had only one jam (out of 500 rounds) and I think I might have limp wristed it! I carry it alot - that being said - I love my Browning BDA .380 10X as much!! Shoots like a dream!! I like how much smaller the Walther is but it doesn't shoot as well as the Browning. The Beretta Cheetah .380 would be almost the same (since they made the Browning). You can't go wrong with either - so go with both!

[hogship]

OK, gentlemen......too late!

I bought a PPK/S late yesterday afternoon! Paid $449 and bought two extra mags at $25ea. I now have three mags with the finger extension, and one without.

I purchased some American Eagle ball ammo to help break it in. If that works ok, I'll get some more because it's cheap. Once my PPK/s is thouroughly broken in, I'll try some of the expensive stuff.

Unfortunatly it's damn cold here (hit 15 below 0 a few times lately) and lots of snow. Unless we get some unusually warm weather, it'll be a few months before I get back out to the range....it'll be a long long wait!!!!

thanks for the replies.

....odie

[michael t]

Don't blame the pistol if you have troubles. Cheapest ammo I'll shoot is the Magtec I never heard any good about the AE stuff.

[michael t]

Originally posted by bulbboy
I love my PPK/S (S & W) and have had only one jam (out of 500 rounds) and I think I might have limp wristed it! I carry it alot - that being said - I love my Browning BDA .380 10X as much!! Shoots like a dream!! I like how much smaller the Walther is but it doesn't shoot as well as the Browning. The Beretta Cheetah .380 would be almost the same (since they made the Browning). You can't go wrong with either - so go with both!


You got it Backwards the Browning BDA was made by Beretta and the were a 13+1 before the stupied 94 law . The Hi caps are still around. Beretta had same model just safety in different location. These were great pistoles just to large for carry . You could get a 9mm same size amd weight back then. I think their perfect Home defense gun. Firepower ,low noise,low recoil and little flash at night. .

[HoustonHusker]

Originally posted by hogship
OK, gentlemen......too late!

I bought a PPK/S late yesterday afternoon! Paid $449 and bought two extra mags at $25ea. I now have three mags with the finger extension, and one without.

I purchased some American Eagle ball ammo to help break it in. If that works ok, I'll get some more because it's cheap. Once my PPK/s is thouroughly broken in, I'll try some of the expensive stuff.

Unfortunatly it's damn cold here (hit 15 below 0 a few times lately) and lots of snow. Unless we get some unusually warm weather, it'll be a few months before I get back out to the range....it'll be a long long wait!!!!

thanks for the replies.

....odie

Welcome the the Walther Ownership Club!

I can't wait to hear your range report....let's hope it's warm enough to keep the fingers from freezing!

HH

[michael t]

Its cold in KY to My water is froze doesn't happen to ofter but now and then . Got down to 5 last night. Will be 16 tonight and 40 tommrow. But thats ok my PPK/s is nice a warm in my pocket . I bought her a box of ammo today so we can have some time together. Least I could do after I left her alone for 2 days while I fondled the Colt. ;f

[HoustonHusker]

You're a good owner, michael!

I left Omaha because of the winters....I feel for ya. I NEVER want to live that cold again!

HH