Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Common Interests Firearm review/purchase tips?

I am looking at purchasing a (I think to be) fairly valuable Walther PPK 9mm.

I own a PPK/S, as it stands, and like the feel of it. the PPK in question is (at least) 20 years old. To be purchased from a woman whose husband got it for her before he died. The gun has had, from what she says (no preliminary examinations have been done, yet) less than 10 rounds through it, ever. It is in fairly good condition, with very few, if any, scratches or knicks. The hammer and slide work smoothly, and the gun comes with 2 extra clips (15 rounds each.)


I've been doing some VERY brief research on the Walther PPK in "that" era (don't know which, exactly) and the options I had were a WWII govm't issue, a WWII era NON-government issue, or a post WWII non, as well. Either show to be worth a considerable amount, IF NEW.

Here's where you guys come in: I'm not a gun collector. I want it to USE IT, but not OFTEN. Is the age of the gun an asset or a deterence to purchasing it, if I plan on using it, even if at all?

She is selling it for "around $300.00, but we can certainly work something a little less if need-be". What do you guys say? Anything known about this model from this era (whatever era it may be) Reasons to shun from this purchase? others to look at for this price?



Cliff's Notes:
20 yr old (at least) Walther PPK in almost new condition (<10 rounds, ever) for sale.. $300.00 I plan on using it, but not often.. any reason to skip this deal?



Thanks, all.

Ray

id get it if it had been shot as little as you say. ive got a ppk and i think its a nice gun. my one beef with it is the fact that you cant lock the slide back unless you try and cock it with an empty clip in it. if its in good shape, scoop it up. as long as you take care of your guns well they make a pretty good investment.

thats a good price, and age is no big deal. after you buy it, i'd take it to your local gunsmith and have him give it the once over just to be safe. other than that, i'd say buy it!

Ray,

If the weapon is in the condition claimed, then $300 is a bargain. Walther has, and continues, to make a quality product. Unlike some other big names (for example: Weatherby) Walther has always manufactured thier own with attention to detail, materials and craftmanship.

I say go for it. You may find it worth more than you're currently paying.

Check out Fjestad's Blue Book of Gun Values.

Question: the PPK/S is it the .380 or the .32 ACP caliber? Also, what kind of shooting will you intend to do with it? From a practical standpoint (those James Bond movies notwithstanding), a PPK is a short-range personal defense handgun, with corresponding accuracy (3" groups at 25 feet)- it is NOT a target gun. 300$ is a very decent price, especially for the .380 ACP model-ammo is fairly inexpensive but DO NOT attempt to fire "+P" rounds through it, unless you want to experience what a "catastrophic slide failure" is first hand! PM me if you need any other assistance

the pp, ppk, and ppk/s should all shoot .380 ammo.

Wontgrowup:

The PPK/S is a .380...

I don't need a target gun. I've had my fair share of target practice. Military service tends to do that to you, especially being stationed on a ship whose primary objective was drug-ops in South America. VBSS teams (board, search, and siezure) were frequently dispatched in RHIBs to infiltrate an either still-moving or pinned-down ship. Infiltration of the interior was then obtained and hostages were rounded up, and controlled while the ship was searched, and dismantled.

I intend on close range protection being the primary use.

thanks, all, for the information.


Ray

In that case Ray, look to buying some "frangible" ammo or Hydrashock ammo....both have worked very well in my friends "carry" .380 (thankfully, he hasn't had the occasion to use it on a "live subject"). Sounds like a good deal...remember....practice, practice, practice

The Walther PP line is noted for being dependable - and they last a long time.

The original design was for .32 ACP (7.65mm), and later expanded to .380 ACP (aka "9mm kurz", "9mm short"). I have a PP in .32. Note that the same frame was also available in .22 LR!

$300 sounds like a good price for a PPK/S in good operating and cosmetic condition, regardless of how many rounds have been through it.

If you opt to use one of the non-ball-ammo defense rounds, make sure to run several boxes through the gun. All autos have the possibility of feeding problems; make sure yours is happy with that particular round.

More good info here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walther_PP_Kurz

http://www.thenationofriflemen.com/nor/index.php/ggps/walther_pp_k_s_380_acp/