Walther PPK Questions

M

mapper1965

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I recently purchased a used stainless Walther PPK (.380) USA Edition. I like the looks and feel of the gun and am willing to overlook the "Walther Bite". The gun is in excellent looking condition and does not appear to have been mistreated. I've noticed a few problems and wanted some input from other PPK owners or other that have experience with the PPK's. I don't think that it needs mentioned that the German Editions are much better guns. I've read that in many other posts. Before I bought the gun I shot 100 rounds that were reloads. One of the problems that I experienced was that occasionally the clip would drop out down out of the grip. I double-checked to see that I was not pressing the release with my thumb while shooting. I should also mention that I cannot pull the clip out without pressing the release button. At that time the gun had been shot and was dirty but properly oiled prior to these 100 rounds. I bought the gun. I took it home and gave it a good cleaning and re-oiled it. I bought 150 rounds of Winchester factory ammo and went back to the range a few days later. I did not experience any problems with the clip dropping out and feel that for some reason these reloads were causing the problem. During these 150 rounds I noticed another problem. This problem happened twice in 150 rounds. The problem was that the slide would lock back as if there were no more rounds in the clip. I would simply pull back the slide and let go and it would continue to shoot without a problem. On my next trip to the range after cleaning and oiling I decided to give the reloads another shot. This time I ran into the same problem of the clip dropping out. Another problem was, the spent cartridge would get ejected, the hammer was back and when I would squeeze the trigger, the gun would not shoot. The hammer would drop, but no fire. When I racked the slide there was no round in the chamber but racking the slide and letting go chambered the next round. When I would pull the slide back the next round appeared to be sitting in the clip waiting for the slide to chamber it. Nothing looked out of the ordinary. I'm going to keep this gun no matter what anybody's response is. I've even taken the clips apart and cleaned them. I'm pretty much convinced that it's a bad idea to use the reloads. Using the new ammo and the two rounds that didn't get chambered is what's bothering me. If I have to send the gun out to get it reworked then that's what I'll do. I just wanted to get a few opinions on these problems before my next move. Thanks
 
I would try other magazines and see what happens.

I've got 4 mags for my PPK/S and one of them fails the lock the slide back with the last round, and these are factory mags.

G'luck.
 
Check the ejector/slide stop. In the U.S. made guns it is an MIM part and they have given troubles. It sounds like a stronger spring would be a good idea, also.

Then check the magazine release. It may need some work to get a better engagement with the magazine, or (less likely) the magazines may need some work.

Jim
 
I have never experienced these problems with mine and I have had it and shot it extensively for over 6 years now. Try like others have suggested by checking mags etc
 
Sounds like a mag problem. First, I'd make sure the mag spring is installed properly. If it's oriented the wrong way, it could be causing the problem.

Usually, a failure to chamber a round is directly related to the mag having a weak/defective spring. The spring, for some reason, doesn't have enough power to push the next round up before the slide closes, thus the empty chamber. When the gun is hand cycled, the spring has enough time to raise the next round.

The reloads, if too long can force the magazine catch out of it's slot in the magazine enough to allow the mag to drop down.

The problem with the slide locking back could also be caused by either out of spec ammo, or a slide lock being defective. The bullets rising in the magazine can catch the slide lock, and push it up into engagement, locking the slide open.

I'd check the mags, and slide stop. If a new mag doesn't fix the problem, I'm sure Walther will repair it for no charge.

The problem of Walther PPK bite is highly over rated. Simply break the sharp edges at the rear of the slide, and the problem goes away. Since it's stainless, the finish doesn't need to be repaired. I did a gentle carry bevel job on mine with a fine file and a stone, especially the sharp edges on the grip tang.
 
GOSH, SOUNDS LIKE YOU GOT A LEMMON... I'LL GIVE YOU $50 BUCKS FOR IT!

I think most of the responses are dead on. I actually bought a magazine that was in a "Walther" package, that did the exact same thing. If you have more than one mag stand them up and check lenght. I found out the one I had fit a PA 63 and was just a little longer than my Walther. If all else fails post this with George Skinner, he can get you straightened out.
 
Thanks!!

Thanks for the input guys!! I just ordered a Wolff Service Pack II which contains all of the springs along with a +5% magazine spring. I also order an extra magazine spring for my second clip. I'm going to change just the recoil spring and the two in the clips and give that a try. The tension on the magazine springs feels a little light. Hopefully I’ll get some positive results from these upgrades.
 
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