Favorite Firearms: A Walther PPK/S Honeymoon

by
posted on September 23, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ppkff.jpg

On our honeymoon in 1980, my husband taught me how to shoot. He brought several firearms to learn with, but my favorite was the Walther PPK/S. It fit my hand, I could hit my target shooting either left- or right-handed, and it was lightweight enough for me to hold steady. Little did I know that six years later this firearm would be used to protect myself, my mother and two of my children.

On a bright, sunny Wednesday at about 10 a.m., we were exiting Wilson’s Shoe Store when a man, walking toward us, asked if Mr. Wilson was in the store. We didn’t think anything about it, and answered that we didn’t know; he’d have to go in and ask. He followed my mother around the car commenting on my daughter’s beautiful red hair. As my mother was leaning over to put the nine-month-old baby into her car seat, the man attacked her.

I spun around to assist but realized that wasn’t going to work. I turned around again and took my Walther PPK/S out of the glove box. Standing up out of the car, I ordered the man to stop and ordered his accomplice in the car parked behind my car to leave. They decided to leave and leave quickly—the man who was attacking my mother had to jump through the window of the moving vehicle.

From that day forward, my Walther PPK/S has always been by my side. I hope I never have to defend myself again, but I will if necessary. That is why my Walther PPK/S is my favorite firearm!

Windy Brinkman, Florida

Latest

Appendix-Carry
Appendix-Carry

An Appendix-Carry Primer

Although appendix inside-the-waistband carry of a defensive handgun has become increasingly popular, it remains controversial among some concealed carriers. Here, an AIWB practitioner outlines its pros and cons.

Favorite Firearms: A Hero’s War Trophy Returns

My father, Kenneth Cuddeback, graduated from high school in West Chester, Iowa, in 1942 and started at Iowa State University in the fall. When two of his high school friends were going to get drafted, he quit college to join the Army.

Remington Sporting Clays Fundraiser Raises Nearly $20K for Children’s Hospital

Remington Ammunition's fourth annual Shoot To Cure sporting clays fundraiser raised thousands of dollars for the Arkansas Children's Hospital, and the company's Gun Club Cure line of shotshells helps to raise even more.

“Every Marine A Rifleman”

Founded 250 years ago, in November of 1775, the United States Marine Corps has become one of the most elite fighting forces on Earth and has made use of a unique pantheon of arms befitting its status.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 10, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Gunsite To Celebrate NRA’s 154th Birthday

To celebrate the National Rifle Association’s 154th birthday on Nov. 17, 2025, the Yavapai Amateur Radio Club (YARC) of Prescott, Ariz., will continue its tradition of a special radio callout while operating from Gunsite Academy’s 3,000-acre campus north of the city.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.