Walther PPK/S1 stamped S&W questions

[annasophia]

Is a used (90-95% cond.) Walther PPK/S1 stamped with Smith&Wesson on one slide of the slide worth $300? I kind of like these, but I wish they were 9mm instead of 380. My cousin has one and I have fired it a bit and it seemed like a decent carry gun. What are your thoughts on these guns? Several specific questions:

Is this gun worth $300?

What are the pros and cons of the blowback system vs the regular drop down barrel system of most semiautos?

Are there any differences in quality, reliability, warranty, resale value between the PPK/S guns marked with Smith&Wesson vs. the ones marked Interarms? I think the older ones that were still made in the USA were stamped with Interarms, then later S&W got the rights to make or at least distribute them in the US.

Is this actually made by Smith & Wesson? If not, who made it?...it's stamped made in the USA.

-Anna Sophia

 

[remat457]

People to tend to feel very strongly about the PPK. But, I have had no problems with my S&W made (under license) Walther PPK (mine is the non S shorter grip). I use it regularly in training classes for new shooters.

The 380 works fine with a direct blowback (fixed barrel) design, although some people prefer a tilting barrel (ala Colt Mustang) as they do tend to absorb more recoil. But, I have never had a shooter complain.

 

[Iron Sight]

Some S&W PPKs were recalled for a serious safety issue!

Walther PPK PPKS Safety Recall - Smith & Wesson

 

[kcode]

Do a search on PPK in this forum, there are a couple of long threads on the PPK/S.

I personally feel that it is well worth the $300 if not more. The wife carries hers daily in a Gun toting Mama brand purse. It took a little bit of work to make it into a 100% reliable carry piece. I cannot get her interested in any other models.

 

[remat457]

Some S&W PPKs were recalled for a serious safety issue!

More like a liability issue, since the PPK has been in production since 1932.
However, the recall upgrade is free to the owner and they also polished the feed ramp on mine (at no charge) while it was there.

 

[Iron Sight]

The issue was that the gun might fire during during the de-cocking procedure............. and some did.

From that point I will never de-cock with out manually controlling when the the hammer falls. Even after having the gun recalled & returned.

 

[remat457]

The issue was that the gun might fire during during the de-cocking procedure............. and some did.

From that point I will never de-cock with out manually controlling when the the hammer falls. Even after having the gun recalled & returned.

Can you elaborate on this? Particularly the statement: "some did."
To me, the "upgrade" is similar to adding a "series 80" firing pin safety or a "Schwartz safety" to a 1911. Some people feel that the additions are required/warranted, however I have no problem with a 1911 without (or with) either. Interesting to note that S&W currently produces 1911's both ways.

 

[Iron Sight]

Mine did..................Fire on de-cocking

This gun has a de-cock feature allowing for to be carried in double action.

 

[remat457]

Mine did..................Fire on de-cocking

My condolences on your pistol being defective and unfortunate experience. I can understand your reservations on using the decocker.

 

[Odi]

Anna, I have a PPK/S1 stamped Smith & Wesson. I purchased it 2 years ago at around $525.00
The only problem I ever had with the gun was the recall when I first bought it (the Decocker issue). I sent the gun back via the Gun Dealer I bought it from and it was upgraded with new safety & returned to me free of any charges.
$300 would be a great price for this gun but I would make sure to check the serial # and see if it requires the upgrade. another way to see if this has been done is a "punch mark" that would be noticeable if you pulled the hammer back.
As far as your concern about it being a .380 and not a 9mm, I think they are very very close in calibre if not only for the length of the bullet. I also have a 9mm in a diff. brand but it is almost twice the size of the Walther. If you want it as a carry weapon, for that price you could add nice grips & have the load ramp polished & you would have a great little carry pistol for about $400 total.
Hope this helps.

Odi,.