Walther PPK issues

[loose_electron]

Strip it
Clean it
Lubricate it
Make sure everything is not gummed up and moves easily.

If that doesn't solve it -
Then go try all the other stuff suggested.

[alpalwal]

REPLACE THE RECOIL & FIRING PIN SPRINGS

Wolff directly sells them both as a single package for cheap. (Apparently a common problem where both springs must be replaced together, or else the old wear then creates those problems you've described.) Standard 20 pound recoil spring, same as factory Walther. Buy the Walther PPK/S gunsmithing DVD by AGI.

I'm in Cupertino, so if you want me to take care of this for you--- PM me to workout a deal. I own the USA & German PPK/S (same core design) and have restored them to full -reliable- operation.

AVOID The Following FMJ Ammo: Winchester and especially CCI Blazer *aluminum* .... suck. Their common problem is that flat (or wide) slug shape that feeds unreliably in the PPK & PPK/S ramps. Those brands/designs are perhaps fine in another model of .380 pistol, but I've found that Walther .380 pistols prefer the more pointed rounds - where FMJ or JHP.

Great advice, it sounds like you really know your stuff. I'm going to have him try one more range trip with a different brand of ammo and if that doesn't fix it I'll definitely be looking into new springs.