View source for Walther PP

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = Walther PP
| image              = 1972 Walther PP.jpg
| caption            = Original Walther PP pistol
| type               = [[Semi-automatic pistol]]
| service            = 1929–present
| wars               = {{ubl|[[Chaco War]]<ref name="Chaco">{{cite magazine |first=Jean |last=Huon |title=The Chaco War |magazine=Small Arms Review |volume=17 |issue=3 |date=September 2013 |url=http://www.smallarmsreview.com/display.article.cfm?idarticles=1976 |access-date=20 July 2019 |archive-date=19 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819120502/http://www.smallarmsreview.com/display.article.cfm?idarticles=1976 |url-status=dead }}</ref>|[[Spanish Civil War]]|[[World War II]]|[[Cold War]]|[[The Troubles]]|[[Vietnam War]]|[[Rhodesian Bush War]]|[[Lebanese Civil War]]<ref name="Arabs2">{{cite book |title=Arab Armies of the Middle East Wars (2) |url=https://archive.org/details/arabarmiesmiddle02katz |url-access=limited |series=Men-at-Arms 128 |first=Sam |last=Katz |date=24 March 1988 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |isbn=978-0-85045-800-8 |page=[https://archive.org/details/arabarmiesmiddle02katz/page/n45 47]}}</ref>|[[Gulf War]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/events/crisis_in_the_gulf/forces_and_firepower/237905.stm |publisher=BBC News |series=Forces and Firepower |title=The airman's guide to survival |date=18 December 1998}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/what-we-do/centre-for-air-and-space-power-studies/documents1/air-power-review-vol-19-no-2-first-gulf-war-25th-anniversary-special/ |title=Reality of War: Tornado GR1 1,000lb GPB Low-Level Loft Delivery |first=Mike |last=Toft |date=Summer 2016 |journal=Air Power Review |issue=First Gulf War 25th Anniversary - Special Edition |publisher=[[Royal Air Force]] |pages=130–133}}</ref>|[[Iraq War]] ([[Operation Telic]])<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.alamy.com/royal-air-force-harrier-gr7-pilot-flt-lt-scott-morley-puts-his-personal-walther-ppk-pistol-into-his-flying-suit-as-he-prepares-before-his-mission-over-iraq-from-their-base-in-kuwait-march-21-2003-us-and-british-forces-invaded-iraq-overnight-crossing-the-desert-border-from-kuwait-under-cover-of-an-intense-artillery-barrage-as-a-second-air-raid-pounded-targets-in-baghdad-reutersrussell-boyce-pp04020020-rus-image380916835.html |title=Stock Photo - Royal Air Force Harrier GR7 pilot FLT Lt Scott Morley puts his personal Walther PPK pistol into his flying suit as he prepares before his mission over Iraq from their base in their base in Kuwait, March 21, 2003 |work=[[Alamy]] |access-date=24 July 2021 |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406045828/https://www.alamy.com/royal-air-force-harrier-gr7-pilot-flt-lt-scott-morley-puts-his-personal-walther-ppk-pistol-into-his-flying-suit-as-he-prepares-before-his-mission-over-iraq-from-their-base-in-kuwait-march-21-2003-us-and-british-forces-invaded-iraq-overnight-crossing-the-desert-border-from-kuwait-under-cover-of-an-intense-artillery-barrage-as-a-second-air-raid-pounded-targets-in-baghdad-reutersrussell-boyce-pp04020020-rus-image380916835.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.fourfax.co.uk/galleries/1971-2012-harrier/2003-op-telic/nggallery/page/4 |title=2003 Op Telic |date=7 October 2017 |website=Fourfax.co.uk}}</ref>|[[Syrian Civil War]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.calibreobscura.com/jihadi-rebel-and-militants-use-of-supressors/ |title=Keeping it Quiet: Suppressor Use by Jihadis, Militants & More |date=19 July 2018 |website=CalibreObscura.com}}</ref>}}
| designer           = [[Carl Walther GmbH|Carl Walther Waffenfabrik]]
| number             = 
| length             = {{convert|170|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| width              = {{convert|30|mm|abbr=on|1}}
| height             = {{convert|109|mm|abbr=on|1}}
| action             = [[Blowback (arms)|Straight blowback]]
| image_size         = 300
| origin             = Weimar Republic<ref name="Bishop2002"/>
| is_ranged          = yes
| used_by            = See ''[[#Users|Users]]''
| design_date        = 1929
| manufacturer       = [[Carl Walther GmbH|Carl Walther GmbH Sportwaffen]]
| production_date    = 1929–present
| variants           = See ''[[#Variants|Variants]]''
| weight             = {{ubl|{{convert|675|g|abbr=on}} (.22 LR)|{{convert|660|g|abbr=on}} (.32 ACP)| {{convert|665|g|abbr=on}} (.380 ACP)| {{convert|850|g|abbr=on}} (9×18mm Ultra)|}}
| part_length        = {{ubl|{{convert|98|mm|abbr=on|1}}}}
| crew               = <!--Ranged weapon specifications-->
| cartridge          = {{ubl|[[9×18mm Ultra]]|[[.22 Long Rifle]]|[[.25 ACP]]|[[.32 ACP]]|[[.380 ACP]]|}}
| velocity           = {{ubl|{{convert|305|m/s|abbr=on|1}} (.22 LR)|{{convert|320|m/s|abbr=on|1}} (.32 ACP)|{{convert|256|m/s|0|abbr=on}} (.380 ACP)|{{convert|320|m/s|0|abbr=on}} (9×18mm Ultra)|}} {{cn|reason=Ambiguous. Particulars of the round are no stated.|date=February 2025}}|
| feed               = [[Magazine (firearms)|Magazine]] capacity:{{ubl|10 (.22 LR)| 8 (.32 ACP)| 7 (.380 ACP and 9×18mm Ultra)}}
| sights             = Fixed [[iron sights]], rear notch and front blade
}}

The '''Walther PP''' ({{langx|de|Polizeipistole}}, or police pistol) series pistols are [[Blowback (arms)|blowback-operated]] [[semi-automatic pistol]]s, developed by the German [[weapon|arms]] manufacturer [[Carl Walther GmbH|Carl Walther GmbH Sportwaffen]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.waltherarms.com/about-walther/ |title=About Walther |publisher=Walther Arms |access-date=5 June 2014 |archive-date=5 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605213907/http://www.waltherarms.com/about-walther |url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Design ==
The Walther PP series feature an exposed hammer, a [[double-action]] trigger mechanism,<ref name="Janes-Infantry-Weapon">{{cite web |date=28 February 2012 |title=Walther PP and PPK self-loading pistols (Germany) |url=http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Infantry-Weapons/Walther-PP-and-PPK-self-loading-pistols-Germany.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110322035701/http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Infantry-Weapons/Walther-PP-and-PPK-self-loading-pistols-Germany.html |archive-date=22 March 2011 |access-date=7 November 2012 |website=Jane's Infantry Weapons |publisher=Janes.com}}</ref> a single-column [[Magazine (firearms)|magazine]], and a fixed barrel that also acts as the guide rod for the recoil spring.

The PP series incorporates a number of design features which were rare at the time it was first produced, but were in common usage by the late 20th Century.  These include double to single action operation, a rounded hammer spur to avoid snagging when drawing the pistol, a loaded chamber indicator and a safety which, when activated, decocks the pistol.

== Variants ==
The Walther PP series includes the Walther PP, PPK, PPK/S, and PPK/E models. 

{{See also|Walther TPH}}

=== PP ===
[[File:Pp wicki.jpg|thumb|left|Walther PP .32 made in Germany in 1968]]
The original PP was released in 1929<ref name="Bishop2002">{{cite book |last=Bishop |first=Chris |title=The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MuGsf0psjvcC |year=2002 |publisher=Sterling Publishing Company, Inc. |isbn=978-1-58663-762-0}}</ref> and is, as of 2025, re-introduced with modern enhancements.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theoutdoorwire.com/releases/c98f6ec8-4478-46cb-83b5-a00337bf6dd9 |title=Walther Arms Announces the Return of a Legend: The New Walther PP |publisher=The outdoor wire|access-date=1 October 2024}}</ref> It was designed for police use and was used by police forces in Europe in the 1930s and later.<ref name="Bishop2002" /> The semi-automatic pistol operated using a simple [[blowback (firearms)|blowback]] action.<ref name="Bishop2002" /> The PP was designed with several safety features, some of them innovative, including an automatic hammer block, a combination safety/decocker and a [[Safety (firearms)#Loaded chamber indicator|loaded chamber indicator]].<ref name="Bishop2002" />

=== PPK ===
The most common variant is the Walther PPK, a smaller version of the PP with a shorter [[Pistol grip|grip]], barrel and frame, and reduced magazine capacity. A new, two-piece wrap-around grip panel construction was used to conceal the exposed back strap. The smaller size made it more concealable than the original PP and hence better suited to plain-clothes or undercover work. It was released in 1931.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Walker |first=Robert E. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SJYjP_tJ9_wC |title=Cartridges and Firearm Identification |date=2012 |publisher=CRC Press |isbn=978-1-4665-0206-2 |pages=274 |language=en}}</ref> PPK" is an abbreviation for ''Polizeipistole Kriminal'' (literally "police pistol criminal"), referring to the [[wikt:Kriminalamt|''Kriminalamt'']] crime investigation office. While the K is often mistakenly assumed to stand for ''kurz'' (German for "short"), as the variant has a shorter barrel and frame, Walther used the name "Kriminal" in early advertising brochures and the 1937 GECO German catalog.<ref>p. 115.</ref>{{full citation needed |date=February 2021}}

=== PPK/S ===
The PPK/S was developed following the enactment of the [[Gun Control Act of 1968]] (GCA68) in the United States, the pistol's largest market.<ref>Hogg (1945), p. 164.</ref> One of the provisions of GCA68 banned the importation of pistols and revolvers not meeting certain requirements of length, weight, and other "sporting" features into the United States. The PPK failed the "Import Points" test of the GCA68 by a single point. Walther addressed this situation by combining the PP's frame with the PPK's barrel and slide to create a pistol that weighed slightly more than the PPK.<ref name="Janes-Infantry-Weapon" /> The additional ounce or two of weight of the PPK/S compared to the PPK was sufficient to provide the extra needed import points.

Because U.S. law allowed domestic production (as opposed to importation) of the PPK, manufacture began under license in the U.S. in 1983; this version was distributed by [[Interarms]]. The version currently manufactured by [[Walther Arms]] in [[Fort Smith, Arkansas]] has been modified (by Smith & Wesson) by incorporating a longer grip tang (S&W calls it "extended beaver tail"),<ref name="S&W">{{cite web |url=http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=13152&storeId=10002&productId=58946&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=43802&isFirearm=Y |title=PPK/S Pistol .380ACP |website=Smith & Wesson |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080911090509/http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10002&catalogId=13152&langId=-1&productId=58946&tabselected=over&isFirearm=Y&parent_category_rn=43802 |archive-date=September 11, 2008}}</ref> better protecting the shooter from [[slide bite|hammer bite]], i.e., the rearward-traveling slide pushes the hammer rearward pinching the web between the index finger and thumb of the firing hand, which could be a problem with the original design for people with larger hands or an improper grip. 

The PPK/S is made of [[stainless steel]].<ref name="Janes-Infantry-Weapon" /> There are also blued examples.

The PPK/S differs from the PPK as follows:
* Overall height: {{convert|104|mm|in|abbr=on}} vs. 100&nbsp;mm (3.9&nbsp;in)
* Weight: the PPK/S weighs {{convert|51|g|abbr=on}} more than the PPK
* The PPK/S magazine holds one additional round, in both calibers.<ref name="S&W"/>

The PPK/S and the PPK are offered in the following calibers: [[.32 ACP]] (with capacities of 8 for PPK/S and 7 for PPK); or [[.380 ACP]] (PPK/S: 7; PPK: 6). The PPK/S is also offered in [[.22 LR]] with capacity of 10 rounds.

=== PPK-L ===
[[File:Walther PPK-L.jpg|thumb|right|A Walther PPK-L manufactured in 1966]]
In the 1960s, Walther produced the PPK-L, which was a lightweight variant of the PPK. The PPK-L differed from the standard, all steel PPK in that it had an [[aluminium alloy]] frame. These were only chambered in 7.65mm Browning (.32 ACP) and .22 LR because of the increase in felt recoil from the lighter weight of the gun. 

All other features of the postwar production PPK (brown plastic grips with Walther banner, high polished blue finish, lanyard loop, loaded chamber indicator, 7+1 magazine capacity and overall length) were the same on the PPK-L.
{{clear left}}

=== PP Super ===
First marketed in 1972, this was an all-steel variant of the PP chambered for the [[9×18mm Ultra]] cartridge. Designed as a police service pistol, it was a blowback operated, double-action pistol with an external slide-stop lever and a firing-pin safety. A manual decocker lever was on the left side of the slide; when pushed down, it locked the firing pin and released the hammer. 

When the [[9×19mm Parabellum]] was chosen as the standard service round by most of the German police forces, the experimental 9mm Ultra round fell into disuse. Only about 2,000 PP Super pistols were sold to German police forces in the 1970s, and lack of sales caused Walther to withdraw the PP Super from their catalogue in 1979.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg148-e.htm |title=Walther PP Super |website=Modern Firearms |access-date=7 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100902000721/http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg148-e.htm |archive-date=2010-09-02 |url-status=dead}}</ref> 

=== PPK/E ===
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = Walther PPK/E
| image              = WaltherPPK-E.png
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = 
| type               = [[Semi-automatic pistol]]
| service            = 
| wars               = 
| designer           = 
| number             = 
| length             = {{convert|155|mm|abbr=on|1}}
| width              = {{convert|30|mm|abbr=on|1}}
| height             = {{convert|113|mm|abbr=on|1}}
| action             = Straight blowback
| origin             = {{flag|Hungary}}
| is_ranged          = yes
| used_by            = 
| design_date        = 2000
| manufacturer       = [[Fegyver-és Gépgyár]]
| production_date    = 
| variants           = 
| weight             = 
| part_length        = {{convert|83|mm|abbr=on|1}}
| crew               = <!--Ranged weapon specifications-->
| cartridge          = [[.22 Long Rifle|.22 LR]], .32 ACP, and .380 ACP
| velocity           = 
| feed               = 
| sights             = Fixed [[iron sights]], rear notch and front blade
}}

At the 2000 ''Internationale Waffen-Ausstellung'' ([[IWA & OutdoorClassics|IWA]]{{snd}}International Weapons Exhibition) in [[Nuremberg]], Walther announced a new PPK variant designated as the PPK/E.<ref>{{cite web |title=If Reliability Counts...The New Walther PPK/E |website=Carl Walther Sportwaffen GmbH |url=http://www.carl-walther.info/dev2/files/pdf/PPKE%20klein.pdf |access-date=4 May 2008 |archive-date=9 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081209100043/http://www.carl-walther.info/dev2/files/pdf/PPKE%20klein.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> The PPK/E resembles the PPK/S and has a blue steel finish; it is manufactured under license by [[Fegyver-és Gépgyár|FEG]] in Hungary. Despite the resemblance between the two, certain PP-PPK-PPK/S parts, such as magazines, are not interchangeable with the PPK/E. Official factory photographs do not refer to the pistol's Hungarian origins. Instead, the traditional Walther legend ("Carl Walther Waffenfabrik Ulm/Do.") is stamped on the left side of the slide. The PPK/E is offered in [[.22 Long Rifle|.22 LR]], .32 ACP, and .380 ACP calibers.[[File:Ranger PPK -Interarms.jpg|thumb|Stainless steel PPK made under license by Ranger Arms]]

==Production==

=== Walther ===
Walther's original factory was located in [[Zella-Mehlis]] in the state of [[Thuringia]]. As that part of Germany was [[Soviet occupation zone|occupied by the Soviet Union]] following World War II, Walther fled to West Germany, where they established a new factory in [[Ulm]]. 

=== Manurhin ===
For several years following the war, the Allied powers forbade any manufacture of weapons in Germany. As a result, in 1952, Walther licensed production of the PP series pistols to a French company, [[Manufacture de Machines du Haut-Rhin]], also known as [[Manurhin]]. Manurhin made the parts but the pistol was assembled either at [[Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Étienne|Saint-Étienne arsenal]] (marked "Made in France") or by Walther in Ulm (marked "Made in West Germany" and having German proof-marks). The French company continued to manufacture the PP series until 1986.<ref name="popenker">{{cite web |last=Popenker |first=Maxim |date=22 October 2010 |title=Walther PP & PPK |url=http://modernfirearms.net/en/handguns/handguns-en/germany-semi-automatic-pistols/walther-pp-i-ppk-eng/ |access-date=7 November 2012 |website=Modern Firearms}}</ref> 

=== In the US ===
In 1978, Ranger Manufacturing of [[Gadsden, Alabama]] was licensed to manufacture the PPK and PPK/S; this version was distributed by [[Interarms]] of [[Alexandria, Virginia]]. Ranger made versions of the PPK/S in both blued and stainless steel and chambered in .380 ACP and only made copies chambered in .32 ACP from 1997 to 1999.{{citation needed|date=November 2025}} This license was eventually canceled in 1999. 

Walther USA of Springfield, Massachusetts briefly made PPKs and PPK/Ss directly through Black Creek Manufacturing from 1999 to 2001. From 2002, [[Smith & Wesson]] (S&W) began manufacturing the PPK and PPK/S under license at their plant in Houlton, Maine until 2013. In February 2009, S&W issued a recall for PPKs it manufactured for a defect in the hammer block safety.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category4_750001_750051_757981_-1_757978_757978_image |title=Walther PPK PPKS Safety Recall |website=Smith & Wesson |access-date=7 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104065408/http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category4_750001_750051_757981_-1_757978_757978_image |archive-date=4 November 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> 

In 2018, Walther Arms began producing them again at their new US manufacturing plant in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and new ones are being shipped as of March 2019.<ref>{{cite web |title=Customer Support |url=http://www.waltheramerica.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CustomContentDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10002&catalogId=13153&content=43307 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091117084022/http://www.waltheramerica.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CustomContentDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10002&catalogId=13153&content=43307 |archive-date=2009-11-17 |access-date=7 November 2012 |publisher=Walther America}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=About Walther |url=http://www.waltherarms.com/about-walther/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605213907/http://www.waltherarms.com/about-walther |archive-date=5 June 2014 |access-date=2 June 2018 |publisher=Walther Arms}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Walther PPK |url=http://www.waltherarms.com/handguns/ppk/ppk/ |access-date=2 June 2018 |publisher=Walther Arms}}</ref>

[[File:MKE Kırıkkale pistol, Istanbul Military Museum, 2024.jpg|thumb|A pistol produced by MKE Kırıkkale, inspired by the Walther PP.]]

=== In other countries ===
The PPK and PP are still manufactured by Walther and have been widely copied. The Walther PP design inspired other pistols, among them the [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] [[Makarov PM|Makarov]], the Hungarian [[FEG PA-63]],<ref name="popenker" /> the Czechoslovakian [[Vz. 50]], the American Accu-Tek AT-380 II, and the Argentine [[Bersa Thunder 380]]. 

Close copies were produced by the following countries:
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Model
!Origin
!Reference
|-
|Type 51
|{{Flag|China}}
|{{citation needed|date=November 2025}}
|-
|Zella Mehlis P1001
|{{Flag|East Germany}}
|<ref name="popenker" /><ref>{{cite web | title=East Germany Calling: Zella Mehlis P1001-0 | url=https://www.guns.com/news/2021/09/27/east-germany-calling-zella-mehlis-p1001-0 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028005350/https://www.guns.com/news/2021/09/27/east-germany-calling-zella-mehlis-p1001-0 | archive-date=28 October 2021 }}</ref><ref>https://www.forgottenweapons.com/east-germanys-secret-walther-clone-the-pistole-1001-0/</ref>
|-
|WALAM 48
|{{Flag|Hungary}}
|<ref>https://www.forgottenweapons.com/a-walther-copied-by-hungary-for-egypt-the-walam-48/</ref><ref>http://www.hungariae.com/Walam.htm</ref>
|-
|Model 74
|{{Flag|Iraq}}
|{{sfnp|Mikko|Bailey|2019|p=7}}
|-
|MKE Kirikkale
|{{Flag|Turkey}}
|<ref name="popenker" /><ref name="Wiener 1987">{{cite book |last=Wiener |first=Friedrich |title=The armies of the NATO nations: Organization, concept of war, weapons and equipment |publisher=Herold Publishers |year=1987 |series=Truppendienst Handbooks Volume 3 |location=Vienna |page=428}}</ref><ref>https://royalarmouries.org/collection/object/object-279044</ref>
|-
|[[Pistol Carpați Md. 1974]]
|{{Flag|Socialist Republic of Romania}}
|<ref name="popenker" /><ref>https://museumofcommunistterror.com/pistol-as-used-by-the-romanian-secret-police/</ref>
|}

== Adoption ==
The PP and the PPK were among the world's first successful double action semi-automatic pistols. 

=== Warfare ===
During [[World War II]], they were issued to the German military, including the [[Luftwaffe]], as well as the uniformed [[Ordnungspolizei]], plainclothes detectives of the [[Kriminalpolizei (Nazi Germany)|Kriminalpolizei]]<ref name="Bishop2002" /> and [[Nazi Party]] officials.<ref name="Bishop2002" /><ref>Fischer (2008) p. 47, "...Günsche stated he entered the study to inspect the bodies, and observed Hitler ...sat...sunken over, with blood dripping out of his right temple. He had shot himself with his own pistol, a PPK 7.65."</ref> The PP and PPK variants were privately bought and used by members of the Latvian [[Aizsargi]] national guard.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Valsts policija |date=2018-03-06 |title="Walther" policijas pistole |url=https://www.facebook.com/Valsts.policija/photos/a.159258540836726/1610208749075024/ |access-date=2021-02-06 |website=Facebook |language=lv}}</ref> The PPK was used by the [[MACVSOG]] recon skydiver team, equipped with detachable suppressor.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Association |first=National Rifle |title=An Official Journal Of The NRA {{!}} Behind Enemy Lines: Guns of Vietnam's SOG Warriors |url=https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/behind-enemy-lines-guns-of-vietnam-s-sog-warriors/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=An Official Journal Of The NRA |language=en}}</ref> 

==== L66A1 ====
In 1974, the British [[Royal Army Ordnance Corps]] purchased some thousand .22LR caliber Walther PP pistols for members of the [[Ulster Defence Regiment]].<ref name="Walter63">{{cite book |last=Walter |first=John |title=Walther Pistols PP, PPK and P 38 |date=2022 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |isbn=978-1472850843 |page=63}}</ref><ref name="Janes-Infantry-Weapon" />

They were issued as [[sidearm (weapon)|sidearm]]s to be carried by off duty soldiers for personal protection during [[The Troubles]].<ref name="Walter63" /> They had military markings unlike standard Walther PPs.<ref name="Walter63" /> They had black plastic grips and were [[Parkerizing|parkerized]]. In the 1980s, the guns were coated with a lacquer called Suncorite,<ref name="Walter63" /> which was later found to be toxic and is no longer in use.

=== Law enforcement ===
The PP and PPK were popular with police forces, alongside their specialised departments worldwide. [[Australia]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Weapons used by NSW Police |url=https://www.australianpolice.com.au/chronology-of-policing-nsw/weapons-used-by-nsw-police/ |website=Australian Police |date=3 March 2021 }} Retrieved 26 January 2023.</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Slee |first=Max |title=Service arms of the South Australian Police : 1838 to 1988, the first 150 years |publisher=Antique & Historical Arms Association of South Australia |year=1988 |isbn=0731640780 |location=Norwood |page=98}}</ref> [[Austria]],<ref>{{Cite book |last=Urrisk |first=Rolf M. |title=Die Bewaffnung des österreichischen Bundesheeres, 1918-1990 |date=1990 |publisher=H. Weishaupt Verlag |isbn=978-3-900310-53-0 |edition=1. Aufl |location=Graz}}</ref> [[Brazil]],<ref>{{cite web |date=25 June 2017 |title=O Museu de Polícia Militar de São Paulo |url=https://armasonline.org/armas-on-line/o-museu-da-pm-de-sao-paulo/ |website=Armas On-Line |language=pt-BR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-06-02 |title=wiw_sa_brazil - worldinventory |url=https://sites.google.com/site/worldinventory/wiw_sa_brazil |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602220038/https://sites.google.com/site/worldinventory/wiw_sa_brazil |archive-date=2 June 2016}}</ref> [[Denmark]],<ref name="Danish Police firearms">{{cite web |title=The use of police firearms in Denmark |url=http://www.politi.dk/NR/rdonlyres/20DE43AF-33F4-48C5-A710-6A58457E35D2/0/Engelskresum%C3%A9afendeligrapport.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104121157/http://www.politi.dk/NR/rdonlyres/20DE43AF-33F4-48C5-A710-6A58457E35D2/0/Engelskresum%C3%A9afendeligrapport.pdf |archive-date=4 January 2015 |access-date=21 February 2015 |website=Politi.dk}}</ref> [[Sweden]],<ref name="Pancho Gun">{{cite web |title=Walther PP, Swedish Contract |url=http://www.panchogun.com/FV-Walther-PP-Sweden-Page.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030413130116/http://www.panchogun.com/FV-Walther-PP-Sweden-Page.html |archive-date=13 April 2003 |access-date=7 November 2012 |website=Panchogun.com}}</ref><ref name="Jakt & Jägare">{{cite web |date=25 January 2008 |title=Walthers udda studsare |url=http://www.jaktojagare.se/kategorier/vapen-och-utrustning/walthers-udda-studsare/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018221148/http://www.jaktojagare.se/kategorier/vapen-och-utrustning/walthers-udda-studsare/ |archive-date=2016-10-18 |access-date=16 October 2016 |website=Jakt & Jägare |language=sv}}</ref> [[United Kingdom|the United Kingdom]] and [[United States|the United States]], alongside other countries, have issued PP and PPK as their officers' sidearms. 

A PPK carried by [[Anne, Princess Royal|Princess Anne]]'s personal police officer [[James Wallace Beaton|James Beaton]] infamously jammed during a kidnapping attempt on the princess and her husband.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Low |first=Valentine |title=Princess Anne's bodyguard relives night he was shot foiling her kidnap |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/royal-family/article/princess-annes-bodyguard-relives-night-he-was-shot-foiling-her-kidnap-9qdwbmg79 |access-date=2022-09-13 |newspaper=[[The Times]] |language=en |issn=0140-0460}}</ref>

The [[Kentucky State Police]] issued the stainless PPK/S as a backup gun with the agency logo engraved on the slide.<ref name="marchington2004">{{cite book |last=Marchington |first=James |title=The Encyclopedia of Handheld Weapons |publisher=Lewis International, Inc. |year=2004 |isbn=1-930983-14-X}}</ref>

=== Others ===
A Walther PPK .32 (gun number 159270) was used by [[Kim Jae-gyu]] to kill South Korean leader [[Park Chung Hee]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-11-02 |title=The inside story of the Park Chung Hee killing |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2015/11/02/politics/The-inside-story-of-the-Park-Chung-Hee-killing/3011054.html |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=koreajoongangdaily.joins.com |language=en}}</ref> 

==Users==
[[File:Walther PP Users.png|thumb|A map with nations who use the Walther PP in blue]]<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries to this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->

{{refimprove section|date=November 2025}}

* {{flag|Bolivia}}<ref>{{cite book |title=Uniforms of the Soldiers of Fortune |date=1985 |isbn=978-0-71371-328-2 |first1=Leroy |last1=Thompson |first2=Ken |last2=MacSwan |publisher=Blandford Press |place=Poole |pages=[https://archive.org/details/uniformsofsoldie00thom/page/111 111–112] |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/uniformsofsoldie00thom/page/111}}</ref>
* {{flag|Burkina Faso}}<ref name="jones2009">{{cite book |title=Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010 |editor-first=Richard D. |editor-last=Jones |year=2009 |edition=35th |publisher=Jane's Information Group |isbn=978-0-7106-2869-5}}</ref>
* {{flag|Central African Republic}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Chad}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Republic of the Congo}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Guyana}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Indonesia}}<ref name="idnvojnik">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.hrvatski-vojnik.hr/hrvatski-vojnik/1612007/ind.asp |title=Kopassus & Kopaska - Specijalne Postrojbe Republike Indonezije |language=hr |magazine=[[Hrvatski vojnik]] |access-date=12 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100822145526/http://www.hrvatski-vojnik.hr/hrvatski-vojnik/1612007/ind.asp |archive-date=22 August 2010}}</ref>
* {{flag|Iran|1925}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://silahreport.com/2019/11/12/5-iranian-firearms-seen-in-december-2019-rock-island-premier-firearms-auction-catalog/ |title=5 Iranian Firearms Seen in December 2019 Rock Island Premier Firearms Auction Catalog |date=12 November 2019 |website=Silah Report}}</ref>
* {{flag|Madagascar}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Mali}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Mauritius}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Germany}}<ref name="popenker"/>
* {{flag|Niger}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{flag|Peru}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-05-29 |title=wiw_sa_peru - worldinventory |url=https://sites.google.com/site/worldinventory/wiw_sa_peru |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529045615/https://sites.google.com/site/worldinventory/wiw_sa_peru |archive-date=2016-05-29  |access-date=2022-10-26 }}</ref>
* {{flag|Senegal}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Seychelles}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Togo}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|United Kingdom}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Low |first=Valentine |date=2020-02-10 |title=Princess Anne's bodyguard relives night he was shot foiling her kidnap |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/royal-family/article/princess-annes-bodyguard-relives-night-he-was-shot-foiling-her-kidnap-9qdwbmg79 |access-date=2025-10-29 |website=www.thetimes.com |language=en}}</ref> 

=== Former users ===
* {{flag|Australia}}
* {{flag|Austria}}
* {{flag|Argentina}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-11-24 |title=wiw_sa_argentina - worldinventory |url=https://sites.google.com/site/worldinventory/wiw_sa_argentina |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124203421/https://sites.google.com/site/worldinventory/wiw_sa_argentina |archive-date=24 November 2016 |access-date=2023-02-28}}</ref>
* {{flag|Brazil}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Military and police handgun cartridges of Brazil. - Free Online Library |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Military+and+police+handgun+cartridges+of+Brazil.-a0248661694 |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=www.thefreelibrary.com}}</ref>
* {{flag|Denmark}}
* {{flag|East Germany}}
* {{flag|Nazi Germany}}
* {{Flag|Latvia}}
* {{flag|Sweden}}
* {{flag|Turkey}}
* {{flag|Romania}}
* {{flag|United States}}

== Cultural references ==
The fictional secret agent [[James Bond]] uses a Walther PPK in many of the novels and films. [[Ian Fleming]]'s choice of Bond's weapon directly influenced the popularity and notoriety of the PPK.<ref>{{cite book |last=Hartink |first=A. E. |title=The Complete Encyclopedia of Pistols and Revolvers |publisher=Rebo |year=1996 |isbn=978-9-03661-510-5 |location=[[Lisse]] |page=368}}</ref><ref name="CIA">{{cite web |date=8 November 2007 |title=James Bond's Walther PPK |url=https://www.cia.gov/about-cia/cia-museum/spy-fi-archives/item19.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080109124624/https://www.cia.gov/about-cia/cia-museum/spy-fi-archives/item19.html |archive-date=9 January 2008 |access-date=15 January 2015 |website=CIA Museum}}</ref> Fleming had given Bond a .25 [[Beretta 418]] pistol in early novels but switched to the PPK in [[Dr. No (novel)|''Dr. No'']] (1958) on the advice of firearms expert [[Geoffrey Boothroyd]].<ref name="BBC">{{cite web |date=16 September 1964 |title=Time Out: The Guns of James Bond |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/archive/james_bond/12603.shtml |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130419201541/http://www.bbc.co.uk/archive/james_bond/12603.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 April 2013 |access-date=16 January 2015 |website=BBC}}</ref> Although referred to as a PPK in [[Dr. No (film)|the film adaption of 1962]], the actual gun carried by actor [[Sean Connery]] was a Walther PP.<ref name="CIA" /><ref name="BBC" /><ref name="Macintyre2012">{{cite book |last=Macintyre |first=Ben |author-link=Ben Macintyre |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=48C1MDVL_RcC&pg=PA114 |title=For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming and James Bond |date=2012 |publisher=A&C Black |isbn=978-1-4088-3064-2 |page=114}}</ref> Actor [[Jack Lord]], who played [[Felix Leiter]] in ''Dr. No'', was presented with a gold-plated PPK with ivory handgrips, given to him by his friend [[Elvis Presley]]. Presley owned a silver-finish PPK, inscribed "TCB" ("taking care of business").<ref>{{cite news |date=6 September 1999 |title=Entertainment: The King of all auctions |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/439771.stm |access-date=16 January 2015 |website=BBC News}}</ref> 

==See also==
* [[Bersa Thunder 380]]
* [[FEG PA-63]]

==References==
'''Footnotes'''
{{notelist}}

'''Citations'''
{{Reflist}} 

===Bibliography===
* {{cite book |last=Fischer |first=Thomas |year=2008 |title=Soldiers of the Leibstandarte |location=Winnipeg, Canada |publisher=[[J.J. Fedorowicz Publishing]], Inc. |isbn=978-0-921991-91-5}}
* {{cite book |last=Hogg |first=Ian V. |author-link=Ian V. Hogg |year=1979 |title=Guns and How They Work |location=New York |publisher=Everest House |isbn=0-89696-023-4}}
* {{cite book |last1=Mikko |first1=Don |last2=Bailey |first2=Steve |year=2019 |title=Battlefield Forensics for Persian Gulf States: Regional and U.S. Military Weapons, Ammunition, and Headstamp Markings  |location=New York |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-0429765544}}
* {{cite book |last1=Josserand |first1=M. H. |last2=Stevenson |first2=J. A. |year=1972 |title=Pistols, Revolvers, and Ammunition |location=New York |publisher=Bonanza Books (A division of Crown Publishers, Inc.) |isbn=0-517-16516-3}}
* {{cite book |last=Henrotin |first=Gerard |year=2017 |title=Walther PP pistol explained |location=Belgium |publisher=HLebooks.com}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Walther PPK}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.carl-walther.info/files/pdf/PP%202479125.pdf |title=Walther PP spare parts drawing |website=Carl Walther GmbH |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401004513/http://www.carl-walther.info/files/pdf/PP%202479125.pdf |archive-date=2010-04-01}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.carl-walther.info/files/pdf/PPK,%20PPK-L%202479117.pdf |title=Walther PPK/PPK-L spare parts drawing |website=Carl Walther GmbH |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401013243/http://www.carl-walther.info/files/pdf/PPK,%20PPK-L%202479117.pdf |archive-date=2010-04-01}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.carl-walther.info/files/pdf/PPK-S%202602601.pdf |title=Walther PPK/S spare parts drawing |website=Carl Walther GmbH |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401004911/http://www.carl-walther.info/files/pdf/PPK-S%202602601.pdf |archive-date=2010-04-01}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.carl-walther.info/files/pdf/PPK-E.pdf |title=Walther PPK/E exploded view |website=Carl Walther GmbH |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401011853/http://www.carl-walther.info/files/pdf/PPK-E.pdf |archive-date=2010-04-01}}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.forgottenweapons.com/british-l66a1-a-pistol-for-northern-ireland/ |title=British L66A1: A Pistol for Northern Ireland |date=November 18, 2020 |first=Ian |last=McCollum |website=[[Forgotten Weapons]]}}

{{Walther}}
{{.38 Calibre}}
{{WWIIGermanInfWeapons}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Walther PP}}
[[Category:.22 LR pistols]]
[[Category:.32 ACP semi-automatic pistols]]
[[Category:.380 ACP semi-automatic pistols]]
[[Category:9×18mm Ultra firearms]]
[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1929]]
[[Category:Semi-automatic pistols of Germany]]
[[Category:Walther semi-automatic pistols]]
[[Category:World War II infantry weapons of Germany]]
[[Category:Manurhin]]