Video: Walther PPK/S Pistol

by
posted on October 26, 2015
** 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 Walther PPK/S is a pistol we owe entirely to the Gun Control Act of 1968, which prohibited the importation of guns that didn’t meet a certain “point” requirement. The minimum number of points required to pass the test was 75, and was determined by assigning various attributes of the gun, such as height, a certain number of points. After all the measurements were counted, the Walther PPK fell just short of legal at 74 points.

However, the existing Walther PP frame, which dates back to 1929, successfully met the height requirement, so the idea to match that pistol’s frame with the short slide of the PPK was born. That handgun became the PPK/S, which is still in high demand today.

Watch the above “I Have This Old Gun” segment from a recent episode of American Rifleman TV to learn the complete history of the Walther PPK/S.'

To learn more about Walther pistols, please enjoy the following articles:

Walther. Carl Walther.

Walther PP Pistol

Walther PPK/S .22LR Review

Walther PPX Review

Latest

Gotw Traditions G3 Pro Web
Gotw Traditions G3 Pro Web

Gun Of The Week: Traditions Outfitter G3 Pro

Join American Rifleman staff in this video to get a close look at a single-shot rifle design oriented toward today’s modern hunter, particularly those in states where straight-wall cartridges have been legalized for hunting.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 12, 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.

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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.