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Walther PPK 380 and a Walther PPK/S 380

trapperfred
What is the difference between a Walther PPK 380 and Walther PPK'S 380?
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5 comments

Date Votes
  • rsnyder55
    The PPK/S is PPK slide on a PP frame which is larger. PPK/S were created to allow their importation as the PPK were physically too small.
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  • ruger41
    The PPK/S was brought out because the PPK failed to meet certain Gun Control Act of 1968 requirements. Basically it didn't weigh enough so they mated a PPK slide & barrel to a PP frame.
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  • Irish 8802
    I have one (ppks), it fits the larger hand better than the ppk.
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  • Maalox
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walther_PPK

    The PPK/S was developed following the enactment of the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA68) in the United States, the pistol's largest market (Hogg 1979:164). One of the provisions of GCA68 banned the importation of pistols and revolvers not meeting certain requirements of length, weight, and other "sporting" features into the U.S. The PPK failed the "Import Points" test of the GCA68 by a single point. (See image of ATF Form 4590 for the complete list of qualifying points). Walther addressed this situation by combining the PP's frame with the PPK's barrel and slide to create a pistol that weighed slightly more than the PPK. The additional ounce or two of weight of the PPK/S compared to the PPK was sufficient to provide the extra needed import points.

    Because U.S. law allowed domestic production (as opposed to importation) of the PPK, manufacture began under license in the U.S. in 1978; this version was distributed by Interarms. The version currently manufactured by Smith & Wesson has been improved by incorporating a longer grip tang, better protecting the shooter from slide bite, i.e. the rearward-traveling slide's pinching the web between the index finger and thumb of the firing hand, which was a problem with the original design.

    The PPK/S differs from the PPK as follows:

    Overall height: 104 mm (4.1 in)
    Weight: the PPK/S weighs 51 g (1.8 oz) more than the PPK
    The PPK/S magazine holds one additional round, in both calibers.
    As of 2007[update], the PPK/S and the PPK are offered in the following calibers: .32 ACP (with capacities of 8+1 for PPK/S and 7+1 for PPK); or .380 ACP (PPK/S: 7+1, PPK: 6+1).
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  • ripley16
    The grips are quite different. The PPK has wraparound panels with no backstrap, whereas the PPK/S has flat panels seperated by the back strap.
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