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By smittz On 10/28/2008
First off, I love my PPK as a carry piece. I had the chance to ‘test drive’ many guns (Glock’s, SIG’s, 1911’s) but this was the best concealed carry pistol for my needs. I carry it everywhere my CCW allows me and my closest of friends and family don’t even know if I am carrying or not. The size is perfect for concealed carry, the .380 is a good round and easy to find, when used properly it is a very accurate weapon, and it’s a sexy looking pistol. For a little extra grip and better feel I put on Pachmayr Grips (highly recommended). Defensive load: I recommend Hydra-Shock JHP. I usually holster it with a real simple and inexpensive “Gun Mate” IWB holster that with either an un-tucked shirt or tucked in shirt slightly bloused to prevent printing I’m the only one that knows it’s there (even with the black metal clip sticking out). Contrary to what some critics say, the weight on it is not really that bad. I’d rather have an extra pound because it’s made of quality materials than a light-weight junk gun. Plus, no matter what gun you buy, you will ALWAYS know you are carrying a gun. It is suppose to be comforting, not comfortable.
The people that say the PPK/S has a high rate of failure say that because they don't know anything about the pistol. It does need to be broken in like any other machine. Out of the factory the machining on the gun is VERY tight and for good reason. It's a precision weapon. You will want to take the gun to the range and put 200-300 rounds through it to loosen it up BEFORE you carry it for defense. It will probably jam brand new, clear or fix the jam, continue firing, and just keep working the gun. If after that initial break in you still have trouble, contact your dealer because S&W puts a LIFETIME warranty on the PPK. I actually had to take mine in after 150 rounds because the hammer spring was catching and it wasn’t hitting the firing pin fast enough. The turn around time was very quick (a few weeks) and there was no cost, not even shipping. Another 200 round break in after I got it back from the factory, and it doesn’t miss a beat and I go to the range about 1 hour every month. (Get asked about the gun every time I go to too.)
There are two common problems that some people have with their New PPK:
-Problem feeding new round into the chamber or jamming: Either not enough break in or they do need the free warranty work. The factory will simply polishes the ramp because by design it is very steep and the slide may be encountering too much friction driving the new round into the chamber.
-Tight safety lever – Again, if after thorough break in you still have a really tight safety lever sent it in and S&W will polish the cylinder for free.
**One more very important word of caution: Be sure to use proper hand placement when firing the gun (if you don’t know what I mean, ask a professional at the range) because the slide on the PPK moves VERY FAST and is incredible sharp and will leave these nice “train tracks” on your hand or thumb that may cut deep enough to require stitches if you don’t grip it properly. I have not had this problem myself but an uncle of mine did get bit when shooting my dad’s PPK and I have read other online stories.
It is a great gun though. Respect it. Practice with it often. Break it in well. And remember if you’re having trouble with it, you have a free lifetime warranty. Hope this helps.
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