Would you buy a Walther PP .32ACP ?

12-20-2005, 06:11 AM

German Walther PP Pistol .32 A.C.P. $279.00
Historic semi-auto pistol first introduced in 1928. There are many variations of the model PP (police pistol) that were manufactured by the German Walther plant during the Nazi Regime. These particular pistols were made for the commercial market and are a very desirable addition to any collection. They are surplus from a German government agency and have been in their warehouses since the late 1970’s. These are nice! Very good condition in box with 2 magazines, cleaning rod and manual.

RETAIL: $495.00
#SHG-WALPP32
NOT FOR SALE IN CALIFORNIA
Handpick: Add $20.00

from http://www.southernohiogun.com/surplushandguns.html

12-20-2005, 06:24 AM

Well, we really have come full circle. There was a time when almost all Walther PP and PPK pistols were chambered for the .32 ACP (7.65 Browning). But that was in the days of World War II and in Europe where the diminutive cartridge was widely used by military and police agencies. In this country the .380 ACP (9mm Browning Short) was much more popular.

In fact, with the notable exception of the Seecamp, no pistol chambered for the .32 ACP cartridge had been made in this country since the war. Until recently.

The enormous popularity of the little Seecamp did two things. It encouraged the ammo companies to develop better loads for the .32 and it also spawned competition from Beretta, North American Arms and Autauga Arms. To that list we must now add again Walther.

I can't begin to count the number of PP and PPK pistols I've owned over the years. It may well be a dozen, but when the American made PPK/S came along in 1980 I bought the 53rd pistol ever made. I have it still.

Truthfully, the .380 version isn't a lot of fun to shoot. Even though nobody accuses the .380 ACP of being overly powerful, in a light blowback operated pistol, it is a modest handful. Combine that with the Walther's tendency to sometimes bite the hand that holds it and the end result is that mine spends most of its time in the safe.

None of these complaints can be raised about the new American-made .32. It's nicely polished stainless steel, has been perfectly reliable, is amazingly accurate, and is simply a ball to shoot. Who could ask for more?

The Power Question

My initial response to the announcement that Interarms would offer the American PPK/S in .32 ACP was something like, "Why would they do that?" But after shooting it awhile, I know.

Still, some will view it as a step down in power-- and they're right. But for someone who is extremely recoil sensitive, it's better than a .22 or .25. And the new ammo from Speer, Federal and Hornady, complimenting the old standby Silvertip, has some real potential.

Some time ago I did a test of expansion and penetration of the new crop of .32 ammo in 10 percent gelatin using the North American Arms Guardian. It wasn't possible to repeat those tests with the Walther, but we can still make some important comparisons since the same ammo was fired in both pistols.

The Walther's 3.3" barrel simply doesn't suffer the losses of the shorter barrels of the smaller pistols. Expansion was marginal in the 2.2" barrel of the NAA pistol, but I have no doubt that it would be improved significantly if the Walther were used.

We should also make note of the longevity of the Walther design. It wasn't the first double-action autoloader, but dates back all the way to 1929. It would be accurate to say that it was the first widely successful double-action pistol.

In fact, it was immediately popular with civilians and law enforcement in Europe and became an issue item for the German military as well. Collectors like the Walthers because of the great variety of models and markings that can be found.

The original Walther was the PP (Polizei Pistole) which had a barrel 3.8" long, but it was quickly joined by a slightly shorter version called the PPK (Polizei Pistole Kriminal), intended for use by undercover officers, not crooks as we Americans might think.

In 1968, in order to meet import size requirements, the larger frame of the PP was mated with the shorter PPK slide and the PPK/S was born. This is probably the best known Walther in this country.

Easy To Shoot

The new little .32 is every bit as nice as other American made Walthers and as easy to shoot. But when I put it in the Ransom Rest the results were anything but expected. Even though the other similar pistols I have tested have been more than accurate enough for their purpose, this one really shot well.

Since I expected accuracy to be something around 4" to 5", I elected to shoot this one at 15 yards rather than the customary 25. It's probably stretching things a bit to shoot any small defensive pistol at 25 yards anyhow, so the shorter range seemed reasonable. Could have done it the standard way.

Accuracy was exceptional. Early on the groups seemed to be really small, but it's hard to tell without measuring and I don't do that until I get home. When one of the first groups measured came in under an inch, it was a surprise.

The other thing that was a bit of a surprise was the reliability. I can't begin to count the number of times someone has told me how unreliable the Walther family of pistols is. Strangely enough, my experience has been the opposite.

Most of the older Walthers I've shot have been .32s and available ball ammunition worked just fine in them. My American-made .380 works with everything. So the new crop of hollow-point ammo would be a good test for the new .32. This is especially true since many of the new hollowpoints are a bit shorter than ball ammo and might present a feeding problem. They did not.

Some people criticize the Walther as an old design. Well it is, but maybe that's a good thing. It surely must have lasted so long for some reason and that is simply because it works. (James Bond may have helped a little). This latest offering does a good job of upholding the tradition.

COPYRIGHT 2000 Publishers' Development Corporation
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group

12-20-2005, 04:18 PM

The PP (POLIZEI-PISTOLE, "Police Pistol"), was intended as a service sidearm for german LE officers of the "Weimar Republic". It was preoduced in the KARL WALTHER facilities of ZELLA-MEHLIS, not ULM, from 1929 to 1945. New production came from the ULM facility from 1948 to 1956.
It was chambered in both 7.65mm-Browning (.32ACP) and 9x18mm-Police. its design was taken as a basis for a NEW compact WALTHER sidearm, the world-famous PPK, in .32-ACP and .380-ACP, used in the first times by the infamous GESTAPO.
The WALTHER PP saw police service even after WW2. A lot of designs are based on this pistol: the modern german WALTHER P5, the russian MAKAROVs and STECHKINs, and so on.

TECHNICAL SPECS:

CALIBER: 9x18mm-Police or 7'65mm-Browning (.32-ACP)
CAPACITY: 8 rounds
TOTAL LENGHT: 173 mm (.9x18) / 162 mm (.32)
BARREL LENGHT: 99 mm (.9x18) / 85 mm (32)
WEIGHT: 710 mm (pre-1945 models) / 682 mm (post-1945 models)
RIFLING: 6 grooves, RH

Bookman · 12-20-2005, 06:57 PM

I bought a .32 PP auto a few years ago and I am quite satisfied with it. It's an earlier pre-war gun, too battered to ever be a real collector gun. Works great with Remington ammo.

ducktapehero · 12-20-2005, 07:27 PM

It worked for James Bond.

12-21-2005, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducktapehero

It worked for James Bond.

I thought he had a PPK

NRAJOE · 12-21-2005, 01:57 PM

No...got rid of mine for a Makarov....

12-21-2005, 04:08 PM

I'm tempted to buy one :target:

Bookman · 12-21-2005, 08:32 PM

NRA Joe - In truth, the Makarov is probably the better gun, taking into account initial purchase price and ammo cost.

DA pull with a PP is never smooth, and the sights are primitive.

12-22-2005, 04:59 AM

it would just stay in the safe anyway :target:

Vintovki · 12-22-2005, 05:30 PM

I voted YES; I am very happy with my Manurhin made Walther. The trigger pull in both DA and SA is very nice. The fit and finish are outstanding on the particulare pistol I have. The calibre leaves a bit to be desire but I don't carry it for self protection. I think it is a fine shootable arm that will increase in value in a short time. Here is a pic of the PP...

BIG"G" · 12-22-2005, 09:54 PM

well bulletproof I say go for it. Im not nearly as experienced with firearms as these other folks here but from the sound of it you just like the gun so go out and buy it. I buy guns just based on looks, of course performance also matters but when you just want to have it to show it off to friends or how you say just keep it in the safe, it will look way cooler sitting there.

12-24-2005, 09:20 PM

it's tempting because I remember back when a Walther PP was a very expensive pistol

fordruid · 12-24-2005, 10:20 PM

I just bought one friday for $350

12-25-2005, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordruid

I just bought one friday for $350

how do you like it ? would you recommend it ?

denfoote · 12-25-2005, 11:12 AM

fordruid · 12-25-2005, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bulletproof

how do you like it ? would you recommend it ?

Haven't shot it yet but the workmanship is great, fit is great, (wooden) grips are comfortable.

Plus it just looks cool

Teakwood · 01-01-2006, 04:28 PM

The Walther PP has a nice feel, especialy in one's pocket. The ones I have had have been fun to shoot, even if they were a little finicky about which brand of ammo I used.

I picked up two Manurhin versions last year for about $250 each.

In general, I would not pay a lot of money for one, especially since I have seen used SIGs for around $350.

01-01-2006, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teakwood

I have seen used SIGs for around $350.

I want one !:right:

cvixx · 01-10-2006, 09:00 AM

Bought 2 of the French made ones as C&Rs from private parties. One came with a SOB holster and the other with a Bianchi belt holster. FWIW,I carry mine on occasion, yes, even if it is a .32. Smaller in size than a Mak, of which I own several and a lot easier to conceal on the waist or back. Both pistols are in 99% condition and work flawlessly with the hotter European FMJ ammo. Good for everyday carry. However, I will admit that if working in a rougher neighborhood I take the heavier stuff, a Sigma 40.

12-20-2005, 06:11 AM	#1
Logansdad Guest Posts: n/a	Would you buy a Walther PP .32ACP ? German Walther PP Pistol .32 A.C.P. $279.00 Historic semi-auto pistol first introduced in 1928. There are many variations of the model PP (police pistol) that were manufactured by the German Walther plant during the Nazi Regime. These particular pistols were made for the commercial market and are a very desirable addition to any collection. They are surplus from a German government agency and have been in their warehouses since the late 1970’s. These are nice! Very good condition in box with 2 magazines, cleaning rod and manual. RETAIL: $495.00 #SHG-WALPP32 NOT FOR SALE IN CALIFORNIA Handpick: Add $20.00 from http://www.southernohiogun.com/surplushandguns.html

12-20-2005, 06:24 AM	#2
Logansdad Guest Posts: n/a	Walther PPH .32 ACP - Brief Article Well, we really have come full circle. There was a time when almost all Walther PP and PPK pistols were chambered for the .32 ACP (7.65 Browning). But that was in the days of World War II and in Europe where the diminutive cartridge was widely used by military and police agencies. In this country the .380 ACP (9mm Browning Short) was much more popular. In fact, with the notable exception of the Seecamp, no pistol chambered for the .32 ACP cartridge had been made in this country since the war. Until recently. The enormous popularity of the little Seecamp did two things. It encouraged the ammo companies to develop better loads for the .32 and it also spawned competition from Beretta, North American Arms and Autauga Arms. To that list we must now add again Walther. I can't begin to count the number of PP and PPK pistols I've owned over the years. It may well be a dozen, but when the American made PPK/S came along in 1980 I bought the 53rd pistol ever made. I have it still. Truthfully, the .380 version isn't a lot of fun to shoot. Even though nobody accuses the .380 ACP of being overly powerful, in a light blowback operated pistol, it is a modest handful. Combine that with the Walther's tendency to sometimes bite the hand that holds it and the end result is that mine spends most of its time in the safe. None of these complaints can be raised about the new American-made .32. It's nicely polished stainless steel, has been perfectly reliable, is amazingly accurate, and is simply a ball to shoot. Who could ask for more? The Power Question My initial response to the announcement that Interarms would offer the American PPK/S in .32 ACP was something like, "Why would they do that?" But after shooting it awhile, I know. Still, some will view it as a step down in power-- and they're right. But for someone who is extremely recoil sensitive, it's better than a .22 or .25. And the new ammo from Speer, Federal and Hornady, complimenting the old standby Silvertip, has some real potential. Some time ago I did a test of expansion and penetration of the new crop of .32 ammo in 10 percent gelatin using the North American Arms Guardian. It wasn't possible to repeat those tests with the Walther, but we can still make some important comparisons since the same ammo was fired in both pistols. The Walther's 3.3" barrel simply doesn't suffer the losses of the shorter barrels of the smaller pistols. Expansion was marginal in the 2.2" barrel of the NAA pistol, but I have no doubt that it would be improved significantly if the Walther were used. We should also make note of the longevity of the Walther design. It wasn't the first double-action autoloader, but dates back all the way to 1929. It would be accurate to say that it was the first widely successful double-action pistol. In fact, it was immediately popular with civilians and law enforcement in Europe and became an issue item for the German military as well. Collectors like the Walthers because of the great variety of models and markings that can be found. The original Walther was the PP (Polizei Pistole) which had a barrel 3.8" long, but it was quickly joined by a slightly shorter version called the PPK (Polizei Pistole Kriminal), intended for use by undercover officers, not crooks as we Americans might think. In 1968, in order to meet import size requirements, the larger frame of the PP was mated with the shorter PPK slide and the PPK/S was born. This is probably the best known Walther in this country. Easy To Shoot The new little .32 is every bit as nice as other American made Walthers and as easy to shoot. But when I put it in the Ransom Rest the results were anything but expected. Even though the other similar pistols I have tested have been more than accurate enough for their purpose, this one really shot well. Since I expected accuracy to be something around 4" to 5", I elected to shoot this one at 15 yards rather than the customary 25. It's probably stretching things a bit to shoot any small defensive pistol at 25 yards anyhow, so the shorter range seemed reasonable. Could have done it the standard way. Accuracy was exceptional. Early on the groups seemed to be really small, but it's hard to tell without measuring and I don't do that until I get home. When one of the first groups measured came in under an inch, it was a surprise. The other thing that was a bit of a surprise was the reliability. I can't begin to count the number of times someone has told me how unreliable the Walther family of pistols is. Strangely enough, my experience has been the opposite. Most of the older Walthers I've shot have been .32s and available ball ammunition worked just fine in them. My American-made .380 works with everything. So the new crop of hollow-point ammo would be a good test for the new .32. This is especially true since many of the new hollowpoints are a bit shorter than ball ammo and might present a feeding problem. They did not. Some people criticize the Walther as an old design. Well it is, but maybe that's a good thing. It surely must have lasted so long for some reason and that is simply because it works. (James Bond may have helped a little). This latest offering does a good job of upholding the tradition. COPYRIGHT 2000 Publishers' Development Corporation COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group

12-20-2005, 07:27 PM	#5
ducktapehero Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Southern Missouri Posts: 319 Trader Rating: (0)	It worked for James Bond. __________________ Is it Duck or Duct Tape? http://www.octanecreative.com/ducttape/duckvsduct.html "Me fail English? That's unpossible!!"----Ralph Wiggum

12-22-2005, 05:30 PM	#11
Vintovki Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 139 Trader Rating: (0)	I voted YES; I am very happy with my Manurhin made Walther. The trigger pull in both DA and SA is very nice. The fit and finish are outstanding on the particulare pistol I have. The calibre leaves a bit to be desire but I don't carry it for self protection. I think it is a fine shootable arm that will increase in value in a short time. Here is a pic of the PP... __________________ "Quemadmoeum gladius neminem occidit, occidentis telum est." - Seneca

12-25-2005, 11:12 AM	#16
denfoote Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Buckeye Arizona Posts: 156 Trader Rating: (0)	Here's mine!!! __________________ I traded my manners for a handgun!!!!! :assult:

View Poll Results: Would you buy a Walther PP .32ACP ?
yes	28	65.12%
no	15	34.88%
Voters: 43. You may not vote on this poll

12-20-2005, 04:18 PM	#3
Logansdad Guest Posts: n/a	The PP (POLIZEI-PISTOLE, "Police Pistol"), was intended as a service sidearm for german LE officers of the "Weimar Republic". It was preoduced in the KARL WALTHER facilities of ZELLA-MEHLIS, not ULM, from 1929 to 1945. New production came from the ULM facility from 1948 to 1956. It was chambered in both 7.65mm-Browning (.32ACP) and 9x18mm-Police. its design was taken as a basis for a NEW compact WALTHER sidearm, the world-famous PPK, in .32-ACP and .380-ACP, used in the first times by the infamous GESTAPO. The WALTHER PP saw police service even after WW2. A lot of designs are based on this pistol: the modern german WALTHER P5, the russian MAKAROVs and STECHKINs, and so on. TECHNICAL SPECS: CALIBER: 9x18mm-Police or 7'65mm-Browning (.32-ACP) CAPACITY: 8 rounds TOTAL LENGHT: 173 mm (.9x18) / 162 mm (.32) BARREL LENGHT: 99 mm (.9x18) / 85 mm (32) WEIGHT: 710 mm (pre-1945 models) / 682 mm (post-1945 models) RIFLING: 6 grooves, RH

12-20-2005, 06:57 PM	#4
Bookman Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: 10 paces south of Canada Posts: 738 Trader Rating: (0)	I bought a .32 PP auto a few years ago and I am quite satisfied with it. It's an earlier pre-war gun, too battered to ever be a real collector gun. Works great with Remington ammo.

12-21-2005, 01:57 PM	#7
NRAJOE Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Toledo,OH Posts: 19,013 Trader Rating: (0)	No...got rid of mine for a Makarov....

12-21-2005, 04:08 PM	#8
Logansdad Guest Posts: n/a	I'm tempted to buy one :target:

12-21-2005, 08:32 PM	#9
Bookman Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: 10 paces south of Canada Posts: 738 Trader Rating: (0)	NRA Joe - In truth, the Makarov is probably the better gun, taking into account initial purchase price and ammo cost. DA pull with a PP is never smooth, and the sights are primitive.

12-22-2005, 04:59 AM	#10
Logansdad Guest Posts: n/a	it would just stay in the safe anyway :target:

12-22-2005, 09:54 PM	#12
BIG"G" Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: SOUTHERN CALI Posts: 10 Trader Rating: (0)	well bulletproof I say go for it. Im not nearly as experienced with firearms as these other folks here but from the sound of it you just like the gun so go out and buy it. I buy guns just based on looks, of course performance also matters but when you just want to have it to show it off to friends or how you say just keep it in the safe, it will look way cooler sitting there.

12-24-2005, 09:20 PM	#13
Logansdad Guest Posts: n/a	it's tempting because I remember back when a Walther PP was a very expensive pistol

12-24-2005, 10:20 PM	#14
fordruid Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 156 Trader Rating: (0)	I just bought one friday for $350

01-01-2006, 04:28 PM	#18
Teakwood Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: New Mexico Posts: 46 Trader Rating: (0)	The Walther PP has a nice feel, especialy in one's pocket. The ones I have had have been fun to shoot, even if they were a little finicky about which brand of ammo I used. I picked up two Manurhin versions last year for about $250 each. In general, I would not pay a lot of money for one, especially since I have seen used SIGs for around $350.

01-10-2006, 09:00 AM	#20
cvixx Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 12 Trader Rating: (0)	Pp Bought 2 of the French made ones as C&Rs from private parties. One came with a SOB holster and the other with a Bianchi belt holster. FWIW,I carry mine on occasion, yes, even if it is a .32. Smaller in size than a Mak, of which I own several and a lot easier to conceal on the waist or back. Both pistols are in 99% condition and work flawlessly with the hotter European FMJ ammo. Good for everyday carry. However, I will admit that if working in a rougher neighborhood I take the heavier stuff, a Sigma 40.