PPK differences?

[gravygrabber]

I want to know if there is any difference in the PPK's produced in the US under license by Walther. I see the Smith and Wesson versions the most but also find the older Interarms version too. Anyone know which version is better? Does it matter which I choose?

[Wyseguy]

I don't know which one is better, but I personally like the newer Smith and Wesson's.

[Miltiades]

Time gap and design difference

I have one of the older Walther/Interarms PPKs. I believe these were last produced about 15 years ago, while the newer S&W version was only introduced in the last 5 years or so. So there is about a 10 year time gap between the two types.

Additionally, the S&W version has a longer tang below the hammer to prevent the "slide bite" which some people experience when shooting a PPK. I believe all the S&W versions are stainless, while the Interarms were a mix of stainless and blued.

Here is my Interarms PPK, which has worked perfectly. I bought it used about 10 years ago for $350, as I recall.

[gravygrabber]

I have one of the older Walther/Interarms PPKs. I believe these were last produced about 15 years ago, while the newer S&W version was only introduced in the last 5 years or so. So there is about a 10 year time gap between the two types.

Additionally, the S&W version has a longer tang below the hammer to prevent the "slide bite" which some people experience when shooting a PPK. I believe all the S&W versions are stainless, while the Interarms were a mix of stainless and blued.

Here is my Interarms PPK, which has worked perfectly. I bought it used about 10 years ago for $350, as I recall.

Good deal!
I haven't been able to find one under $500 (S&W licensed) and I recently saw a Interarms version for $400 on consignment. Problem is the interarms on consignment is a little scratched up on the slide. Not bad but it's got lite scratches on it. I was thinking of picking it up and bead blasting the slide to make it nice again but not sure of the Interarms version is any good.

[dfletcher]

I grabbed an Interarms blued for $300.00 when Sacramento Armory went out of business, pretty much as new. Shoots fine, I get my hand web snagged once in a blue moon. Badger Johns in Sac had a Smithfor $399.00, I think. A few scratches, looked like it could be cleaned up well.

[rue]

I grabbed an Interarms blued for $300.00 when Sacramento Armory went out of business, pretty much as new. Shoots fine, I get my hand web snagged once in a blue moon. Badger Johns in Sac had a Smithfor $399.00, I think. A few scratches, looked like it could be cleaned up well.

yup that's the one I'm talking about at Badger Johns. I missed out on the old sac going out of business deals. I saw someone had all their old inventory (mags, parts, etc) at the gun show today. Wanted too much though for me to bite..(Loose Glock mags for $25 bucks )

[saki302]

I had a very early Interarms PPK/s that did not have the brushed (bright) finish on the sides and front/backstrap. I have yet to see one like it again (sold it awhile back). It was all matte, and the interarms logo looked different. Aside from that, it was internally, just like any other pre-S&W PPK.

There are also a few pre-import (and WW2) PPKs around if you want to pay premium bucks for one.

-Dave