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

Women outside with rifle on rest
Women outside with rifle on rest

Three Hidden Joys of the Rifle

There is a particular jolt of joy when a shooter nestles behind a perfectly stable rifle and puts the ideal bullet exactly where intended.

New For 2026: Smith & Wesson M&P15 AXE

The new Smith & Wesson M&P15 AXE is not only the latest in the company's series of AR-style rifles, it marks the first S&W rifle to be chambered for the .300 Blackout cartridge.

The Armed Citizen® July 27, 2026

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

Skills Check: The Meltdown Drill

Our drill this month trains you to acquire a multi-round-durable grip from the start and continually pressure-test it under time and transition stress, holding you to an all-clean-hits standard.

EAA Corp. Acquires Manufacturing Facility in Tennessee

European American Armory’s recent acquisition of a large manufacturing facility in Mountain City, Tenn., is further evidence that the firearm importer plans to establish a domestic manufacturing presence.

Short & Classic: Auto-Ordnance M1 Carbine SBR

While many short-barreled rifles available today are based on the latest designs, there are a few classic models in the mix, too, such as Auto-Ordnance's M1 Carbine SBR.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.