NRA Gun of the Week: Walther PP

by
posted on May 20, 2017
** 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. **

The first double-action pistol that really worked, the Walther PP (for Polizei Pistole) changed how semi-automatic triggers would operate. Originally a police and pocket pistol, the double-action trigger mechanism would translate to other designs, as would its decocker. Oh, and the James Bond thing with the later PPK doesn't hurt either.

But not all Walther PPs were made for Polizei or personal protection. No, the beautifully made Walther PPs were also made as a training and plinking guns in .22 Long Rifle not long after the .32 ACP was introduced, and the rimfires went back into production after World War II.

Although the diminutive .22 TPH would come later, full size PPs with 3.86” long barrels and well-polished blued steel slides and barrels and 10-round-capacity magazines were imported by Interarms in Alexandria, Va., starting in 1963, and for a time (before the fall of the Iron Curtain) they were actually marked “Made in W. Germany.” This is one classy vintage rimfire pistol.

Latest

Sellmark Ranch Entrance
Sellmark Ranch Entrance

Sellmark Ranch Opens, Offers Hunting & Shooting Opportunities To The Public

Sellmark Corporation, the parent company of several notable firearm industry brands, opened its 6,800-acre ranch to the public, which provides dedicated hunts, mile-long shooting ranges and more.

CZ Recalls All-American Trap Combo Shotguns

CZ-USA has identified a manufacturing defect affecting the barrel of certain CZ All-American Trap Combo shotguns.

I Have This Old Gun: Japanese Type 94 Pistol

Among the pantheon of World War II military sidearms, the Japanese Type 94 stands out for a number of undesirable reasons. Aside from its ungainly look, many regard it as one of the most dangerous firearms ever made.

New For 2025: GForce Arms 12Hammer

The latest option in the diverse lineup of GForce Arms shotguns is the 12Hammer, an AR-style platform chambered for 12-ga. shotshells that feeds from detachable box magazines.

Tips & Techniques: DIY Fire Bluing

Is there anything prettier than fire bluing? This bright, “peacock” blue color is one of the world’s oldest firearm finishes and can be found on guns dating back as early as the 16th century and is still used on some of today’s high-end custom arms.

Rifleman Q&A: Eddystone Bayonets

"I recently started collecting World War I U.S. military firearms. I want to obtain a Model 1917 rifle made by each contractor—Winchester, Remington and Eddystone—along with bayonets for each. However, I can only locate bayonets made by Winchester and Remington. Why are bayonets made by Eddystone so hard to find?"

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.