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

muzzle blast
muzzle blast

Here for the Boom: How I Learned to Love the Big-Bores

A fear of recoil can turn into a longing for more kick. The author is proof of that.

Steiner Optics Debuts Overwatch Program to Support First Responders

With its new Overwatch Program, Steiner Optics now offers special pricing on select products for qualified military members, law-enforcement officers, first responders, corrections personnel and court officials.

Review: Taurus RPC

Taurus’s RPC brings a large-format pistol to the company’s lineup of revolvers and affordable semi-automatic pistols.

Old Meets New: The Springfield Armory Kuna Tri-Lug and .40 S&W Models

The iconic tri-lug muzzle of the H&K MP5 is now available on the Springfield Armory Kuna, allowing it to more closely match the original HS Produkt design while also allowing for easy mounting of suppressors.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 7, 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.

Review: High Desert Cartridge Company Ammunition

Ammunition brands like High Desert Cartridge may not be as well-known as larger makers, but they can still offer excellent bang for your buck.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.