Calling S&W Model 29 and Pre-S&W Walther PPK experts...

AliasNeo07 · Aug 19, 2018

Hello all,

I haven't bought anything new in a while, and I have been itching after both of these guns since I was young. I think it might be time to get one (or both) depending on what I can find.

My question is, which versions of each should I get?

The Model 29 as I understand it had at least 8 variants (29-2, 29-3, etc). I am looking for a blued 6.5 inch model. However, none of my guns are safe queens, and I will be shooting this. I'm not going to be shooting 2k full power .44 mag per year or anything...maybe 200 year and a couple hundred .44 specials a year. So, because it won't be a safe queen, durability is important, and if one of the variants is more durable and longer lasting than others, I would prefer one of those.

As for the PPK, it needs to be pre-S&W and blued. I hate the S&W beavertail, and I don't believe they produce blued ones anyway. I suppose it can be either .32 or .380, but I would prefer .32. Any suggestions on which era, country, or particular version I should be looking for? This will also be shot, maybe 200 rounds per year.

Thanks all!

Combloc · Aug 19, 2018

For shooting, a post-war is what you want. It's a hair bigger than the PPK being built on the PP frame (called the PPK/S). Even though it will be marked "W. Germany" it's actually built by Manurhin in France for Walther. The Manurhin marked ones are a little less expensive but are the EXACT SAME pistol. Manurhin was never supposed to sell them in the US but there were legal issues involved. It's a little complicated but you can look it up with little effort. Anywho, if you want a true post-war PPK, they can be had but be prepared for sticker shock. That leaves a wartime PPK. Be prepared to spend there too. The difference in length between a PPK and a PPK/S is about .6 inches so, unless you just HAVE to have a PPK, the /S is the way to go. Don't buy US made crap, stick with European, you will be more satisfied. My example was made in 1970 IIRC and is .380:

In this condition, with the box, concealment magazine and extras, figure around 900-1000, slightly less for a .32. No box or extra bits and/or diminishing condition and the price should drop markedly but, unfortunately, no matter what the condition, most idiots think they have gold and want too much for them.

Czechnologist · Aug 19, 2018

AliasNeo07 said:
The Model 29 as I understand it had at least 8 variants (29-2, 29-3, etc). I am looking for a blued 6.5 inch model.

S&W stopped building the 6.5" barrel on the Model 29 around 1979-1980. That means you'll want a Model 29-2 or older. Good luck.

LGood48 · Aug 19, 2018

S&W currently has the Classics series. The 29 is available in several barrel lengths, including 6 1/2". Not cheap, $1169. Quite sure a LGS can do better. I got almost $200 off my Model 25-15 recently.

Link: http://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/model-29-sw-classics-6-12-blue

Huckleberry · Aug 19, 2018

“Walther PPK, 7.65 millimeter, with a delivery like a brick through a plate-glass window. The American CIA swear by them.”

Major Boothroyd Approves

Bob A · Aug 19, 2018

PPK in 32acp is probably the best semiauto ever made in that caliber. I have 2, both pre-WWII. Paid less than 800 apiece. I'd trust my life to them. Not so much in 380. Pistol was designed around the 32acp and is accurate and a joy to shoot. 380 is susceptible to limpwristing problems, not something you want to worry about in a defensive situation.

If you go that prewar route be aware that original grips are pricey and fragile. I put aftermarket grips to shoot. If you don't care about originality you can sell the old grips for serious money and reduce the cost of the pistol to yourself.

I would avoid any "Walther" not made in Europe, though I lucked out with my Interarms TPH. Many of them are picky about ammo but mine ate everything I fed it.

Biggfoot44 · Aug 19, 2018

OR , if you are willing to squint just a little , and accept a 6.0in bbl , get a M29-3E , with the Endurance Package .

Jimbob2.0 · Aug 19, 2018

Im a fan of the WWII and earlier guns, they fit so well in the hand and function great. .32 is a great match. I am lucky to have 2. Looking for a post-war gun in "James Bond" configuration to round out the collection.

Downside of the pre-war/wartime guns is the grips the phenolic cracks, seconding Bob's comment. Not easy to come by replacements. I actually fit some postwar grips to my shooter.

I had a S&W PPK/S...……...glad its gone nothing but trouble and .380 just isn't the right cartridge for these guns.

AliasNeo07 · Aug 22, 2018

Thanks everyone, you have been an enormous help!

byf43 · Aug 23, 2018

Many years ago, I inherited a Walther PP in 7.65 (.32 acp) with those dreaded Nazi markings on it.

When I got it, it had been stored in it's holster since the war, and the finish is just terrible. About 99.995% of the bluing is gone, and is now has a "brown patina" (I hate that word, "patina").

IF memory serves me, it was built in/around 1943.

Hasn't been shot since it was "liberated".

wingsfan · Aug 23, 2018

Beware of PPK slide bite. I had a couple and had to sell them because my hands are too big. I would say at least pick one up and handle it before buying.

Pinecone · Aug 25, 2018

This ^^^. And your hands do not have to be that large.

I have PPK/S in .22 and .380. The .22 is a joy and a pleasure.

The .380 is a beast. I used it when teaching to show people that they really did not want a .380.

Combloc · Aug 25, 2018

That's strange. I bought a .380 PP for my honey years ago and it's her favorite pistol to shoot. And I used to have a .380 PPK/S that I shot a bunch and never minded it a bit. I guess what works for some will not work for others.

Mike OTDP · Aug 30, 2018

Combloc is right. For a shooter, a PPK/S is your best bet. Get a German or French-made gun. I personally like the 7.65 guns, .380 can be nasty in recoil. A .22 PPK/S is a delight...but I would not touch one of the new Umarex pot-metal pieces.

The other thing to keep an eye out for are refinished guns. I've got two prewar PPKs...both were refinished guns. Lousy for collectors, but great for shooters.

dreadpirate · Sep 8, 2018

I love my PPK/s.

Biggfoot44 · Sep 8, 2018

I actually prefer the PP sized grip on the PPK/s , to better fit my hand .

dreadpirate · Sep 8, 2018

Biggfoot44 said:
I actually prefer the PP sized grip on the PPK/s , to better fit my hand .

ok here you go. 32acp. Would love to have one in 380.

Biggfoot44 · Sep 8, 2018

Yes , I would like to have a .32 PP . Just never came together of reasonably priced examples when I had disposable $ .

Bafflingbs · Sep 8, 2018

I know I’m comparing apples to oranges, but I have a S&W PPK/S. I agree with everyone’s assessment’s of the initial quality. When I bought mine, I had horrible feed issues, and the beavertail was sharp, and would cut into my hand. I sent it back to WALTHER, and they opened up the throat and feed ramp. It’s 100% now. I also used jewelers files and a polishing wheel to smooth out the sharp edges. It looks professional and is a joy to shoot,... now. Very accurate! My buddies Interarms PPK still feels much better.

dreadpirate · Sep 9, 2018

Bafflingbs said:
I know I’m comparing apples to oranges, but I have a S&W PPK/S. I agree with everyone’s assessment’s of the initial quality. When I bought mine, I had horrible feed issues, and the beavertail was sharp, and would cut into my hand. I sent it back to WALTHER, and they opened up the throat and feed ramp. It’s 100% now. I also used jewelers files and a polishing wheel to smooth out the sharp edges. It looks professional and is a joy to shoot,... now. Very accurate! My buddies Interarms PPK still feels much better.

That's interesting; I thought the newer Walthers were less likely to bite. I think any of the PP* variants are fine. I have not yet met a Walther I did not like, new or old. The only reason I have these is I was in Germany years ago and had the opportunity to buy them.

Calling S&W Model 29 and Pre-S&W Walther PPK experts...

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