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

Wilson Combat eXperior Elite
Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

Gun Locker: Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

Wilson Combat continues its fine tradition of making excellent guns even better with its new eXperior Elite design.

The Sako 90 Grizzly: Modernity Meets Tradition

Hunting remains a largely traditional activity, and some of us just like the feel of a nice wood stock. For those purists among us, Sako has introduced its new-for-2026 Grizzly.

The Armed Citizen® July 13, 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.

New Digital Surveillance Tools Threaten Gun Owner Privacy

Technology contained within new digital surveillance hardware recently introduced by defense contractor Leonardo could conceivably track who has recently purchased firearm and where they're taking it.

First Look: Shell Tech Ammo Dog Bowl

The materials used in your dog’s bowl matter for all the same reasons the materials in your own water bottle matter. That's why this dog bowl from Shell Tech Ammo is worth looking at.

Pony Power: Colt Launches Optics Division with VMR Riflescopes

Colt Optics grew out of a market where military, law enforcement and civilian customers increasingly expect a firearms manufacturer to offer a complete package that goes beyond just the firearm

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.