Walther PPK/S questions
Hi all.
I just picked up a S&W Walther PPK/s in .380, stainless. I had heard good and bad things about this gun prior to purchasing it, but I got a deal I couldn't pass up. Anyhow, I have read through the forums and have discovered others are having feed problems as well. The first day out, I had a jam on each clip (using the 2 factory clips). The second day out, I had 0 jams in 200 rds. The third day, I had 1 in 50. She's tempramental is all I can say. I'm hoping as the gun gets broken in and whatever is binding it up gets a little wear on it, this will stop. My real question is why does it feel like I'm getting more recoil than my 357 mag revolver??? I am bruising between my thumb and forefinger. That little beaver tail bites HARD. It's definitely not the slide hitting me (those of us who have had that happen, usually only let it happen once!) On the rear of the frame, which is exposed, there are slightly rounded edges, but then somewhat of a defined edge, and while I think that is some of the problem, I am not sure if that it all. I'm willing to spend some bucks to get this fixed (i.e have a gunsmith smooth out the edges), but I was wondering if any of ya'll thought that would fix it completely, should I buy new grips, or just be a man and take my beating? I really love this gun despite how it treats me..
I just picked up a S&W Walther PPK/s in .380, stainless. I had heard good and bad things about this gun prior to purchasing it, but I got a deal I couldn't pass up. Anyhow, I have read through the forums and have discovered others are having feed problems as well. The first day out, I had a jam on each clip (using the 2 factory clips). The second day out, I had 0 jams in 200 rds. The third day, I had 1 in 50. She's tempramental is all I can say. I'm hoping as the gun gets broken in and whatever is binding it up gets a little wear on it, this will stop. My real question is why does it feel like I'm getting more recoil than my 357 mag revolver??? I am bruising between my thumb and forefinger. That little beaver tail bites HARD. It's definitely not the slide hitting me (those of us who have had that happen, usually only let it happen once!) On the rear of the frame, which is exposed, there are slightly rounded edges, but then somewhat of a defined edge, and while I think that is some of the problem, I am not sure if that it all. I'm willing to spend some bucks to get this fixed (i.e have a gunsmith smooth out the edges), but I was wondering if any of ya'll thought that would fix it completely, should I buy new grips, or just be a man and take my beating? I really love this gun despite how it treats me..
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if it is varying, i would have to ask are you using the same ammo all the time?. I would try a set of rubber grips like pachmyer to ease up the bite but other than that ride it out and see how it goes durring break in. 0 -
Actually, 3 different types of ammo. I don't think that's it. I did notice that it seemed to feed more consistently after it was a little dirty. The first time I shot it, it was freshly cleaned and oiled - the second time it had not yet been cleaned from the first, but between the 2nd and 3rd it was cleaned again. I will have to investigate that theory.
I just checked out the pachmayr grips. I am not sure that will help because the part that hurts me is the part that comes over the webbing between my thumb and forefinger. The backstrap on those grips seem to stop just short of that. If anyone has any other advice I would sure appreciate it.0 -
Woops.. meant to say 3 types of ammo on each day. I had jams with all. 0 -
You can label your mags "A" and "B" with a Sharpie, and keep an eye on them.
The "shoot it dirty" theory might be coincidence. Maybe the lube is more evenly spread out after shooting it more? Lubing it up with grime and abrsasives might wear out imperfections quicker, though.
The feed ramp might want a little polishing; even 1000 rounds might not do what a Dremel can.
UMC and Winchester White box are among my least liked ammo manufacturers; the latter has proponents because of cheap availablity @ WallyWorld. I look for a smooth seam between bullet and case (Try some S&B ball ammo, or Fiocchi.) When it jams, note the manner of the jam; i.e., cartridge stopping on the ramp, vs. cartridge stopping diagonally, with the slide stopped against it. (Take your mags apart and clean them. Keep the parts exclusive to each during re-assembly).
Most of these points and observations were learned on this forum. Keep your eyes open and don't jump to conclusions; 1/50 FTF might have been a lack of firm grip during follow-through/feeding. Also, 200 rounds might be fine for some, or with a shooting glove. The "bite" on the knuckle of the thumb might make you anticipate the shot as you tire. If it continues to misfeed past 500 rounds, take it to a gunsmith for a little polishing, or find a friend to show you what to do.0 -
One of the crappiest guns I ever owned. Sell it and make a profit and buy something dependable. 
Mateomasfeo
"I am what I am!" - Popeye0 -
The big problem with straight blowback pistols like the PP series is "limp wristing". Sounds bad, but what happens is that if you are trying to absorb recoil with your arms, you are working "with" the slide, so the timing is off, and you will get jams and FTfeeds. I had to make sure that I was using a good grip myself.
I had an interams PPKs 32 acp that was awful; I sent it back and got an early S&W PPKs, 380 acp, that was 100 times better.0 -
I have found by reloading, and using a little slower powder than the factory ammo has, the recoil is reduced to about half, the velocity stays the same, and they feed better(and I reload with hollowpoints). Since this one is a USA made one, the feedramp needs to be polished, and usually the magazines need some adjustment too in order to be 100% reliable, like my USA made one is now. Accuracy is much better with the reloads too. It will group like the factory target. Let us know what it looks like when it jams, and we can help more. 0 -
Buy the 2-piece set of Pachmayr "Signature Series" rubber grips WITH the backstrap (around $25). I put them on my PPK and they make a world of difference in the area that's bothering you.
I've carried my German-made Walther since 1977 and I wouldn't be without it!
-Spider0 -
The jam happens upon feeding the new round from the magazine in which everytime it's happened so far, the round becomes "crooked" and the slide will not close fully. The primer end is higher than the bullet end.
On the comment regarding the Pachmayr grips, Does it change the width of the pistol at all, or significantly? One of my favorite things about this gun is how narrow it is, making it very conceable in a smartcarry holster. Just wondering, and thanks for your comment that it has helped. It's giving me hope.0 -
As to the reloading comment, I'd love to do that and am looking into the Dillon press (RL550B), but I am a little leary about getting into that hobby because I don't know anybody who could actually come over and tell me what I'm doing wrong. I've always heard that reloading for a semiauto is a pain. 0 -
Hello I know this will not help you with your problem with your pistol but see if you can find someone with a remington P51 pistol they are the flatest 32 or 380 pistol and because they are semi locked breach system they have much less felt recoil the pp/ppk/ppks which are straight blow-back.the remington makes a great carry gun even on a tall old skinny man. 0
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