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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21540 Posts |
 Posted - 08/29/2007 : 16:31:53
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history: i purchased a walther PPS first edition that sufferend a catastrophic failure after 20 rounds. CLICK HERE for the thread with pictures and explanation of the failure. i sent the weapon to walther for repairs and when i got it back the failure was repaired, but the weapon and case were beaten up. CLICK HERE for a description of the damages as well as pictures. i called "Larry" at walther america customer service who told me that he would make it right by sending me a new weapon.
update: i recieved my new PPS from walther america. initially i was a bit apprehensive when i saw damage on the cardboard box that it arrived in. obviously the hole had been punched in the box during shipping, and considering the luck i had thus far i opened the package expecting the worst.
i was pleasantly surprised to see that my gun case was actually packaged inside another box that was not damaged. i was also surprised to see a walther hat and patch included in the box. it was a nice gesture that is appreciated. funny how the little aspects of customer service can make such large differences. happy about the hat, but anxious to get my hands on my weapon i continued to dig.
the walther case was as perfect as the original. highly polished, and flawless. its impressive that walther went to such lengths to provide such a well built case. i own pistols costing literally three times as much as this weapon that came in cheap plastic cases.
considering the awful luck id had to this point, i was overly critical when i opened the box. as hard as i look however, i simply cannot find fault anywhere on this weapon.....not even machine or tooling marks.
this picture has nothing of substance to add, only that i thought it looked pretty cool. this is what the PPS looks like laying next to a 9 month old german shepherd.
range report: once satisfied with the condition of the weapon, it was time to see how it performed. i field stripped the weapon, cleaned and lubed it. i carefully inspected all mating surfaces, reassembled it, and headed to the range. my intention was to run at least 300 rounds of corbon 9mm +P with whatever combination of 115 grain and 125 grain loads i could find. after three stops i could only come up with 200 rounds of ammunition and i never pull from my cache (except for emergencies, which is why i cache ammunition to begin with) so i also picked up some WWB.
click image above to view video
the above featured video is not formal training, but simply an effort to become familiar with all aspects of my new weapon. im still experimenting with different stances for shooting from behind cover, trying to find a happy balance of comfort with agility. since nobody (i care to purchase from) makes a holster for the PPS at this time i could not begin each drill by drawing the weapon so i began each drill from holding the weapon angled down with my trigger finger in the ready position. my testing in the past has shown this to be pretty comparable to the time it takes to draw the weapon from an IWB holster under an untucked shirt.
what i like about the PPS:
- flawless peformance. not a single failure of any kind, no hint of hesitation. feeding is as smooth as anything ive ever fired.
- the trigger smoothed out quite nicely after about 100 rounds, and breaks clean at somewhere around 6 pounds.
- sized perfectly for deep concealment.
-POA/POI are consistant at typical defensive ranges. i didnt test beyond 7 yards because i purchased the weapon for CQC.
- recoil is very controllable, followup shots, controlled pairs, and even "double taps" were fast, consistant, and notably accurate.
- every aspect of the entire package is asthetically pleasing. certainly that is insignificant in combat weapons, but i do like it and felt its worth nothing here.
what i dont like about the PPS:
- i wish the trigger reset point was a little more crisp and obvious, perhaps this will improve with my familiarity. it wasnt "bad" by any means, just not as crisp as the 1911s that have spoiled my trigger finger.
- 2 of the 300 ejected cases hit me in the forehead, one stuck between my safety glasses and my forehead giving me a nice burn. both were within the first 50 rounds so i think perhaps my extractor loosed up a little as it worked.
....and that pretty much sums up what i dont like about the PPS. i do wish there were more holster choices but this is the case with any new design.
bottom line: i can highly recommend this weapon with confidence to anyone seeking a small, truly compact 9mm capable of +P loads. the 3 different magazine choices allows you to choose between capacity and overall level of concealment. with the shorter 6 round magazine the weapon absolutely disappears most anywhere. i found the 7 round to be my best carry choice because it gives me a pinky rest resulting in slightly better control as well as 1 additional round. the 8 round magazine is the most comfortable and i will use the 8 round magazine once i find an IWB holster for the weapon. for now it slides in my front pocket nicely with the 7 round magazine. i do not yet carry this weapon but i definately will once it reaches with 500 round mark (using the type of ammunition i plan to carry) without failure.
despite the trouble i had initially, in the end it was well worth it. this weapon is as great as any other walther ive ever owned or fired.
Update:
I ultimately sold this weapon after it started to develop more reliability issues. |
Nathan In Montana, carrying a Gen4 Glock 19 loaded with Federal 147 grain +P JHPs carried in a Galco King Tuk thats worn on a Wilderness Instructor's belt.
NRA Certified Instructor, Rifle, Shotgun and Pistol
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rngerdv
Average Member
578 Posts |
Posted - 08/29/2007 : 17:14:07
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Nice
ballsy move with the camera behind the targets!
Ive put a camera under my Jeep before on an climb, but stessed the entire time :D |
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amfinkelstein
Starting Member
USA
34 Posts |
Posted - 08/29/2007 : 18:21:46
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| nice video... i wish i had some where to go like that to shoot looks like fun!!!! |
amfinkelstein
NRA Life Memeber |
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Papogator24
Starting Member
USA
11 Posts |
Posted - 08/29/2007 : 21:28:34
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| great range report! Only time will tell when I will get my hand on one. |
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21540 Posts |
Posted - 08/30/2007 : 07:34:43
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quote:
Originally posted by rngerdv
ballsy move with the camera behind the targets!
....you should have seen how nervous my 10 year old camera man was.
 joking!  |
Nathan In Montana, carrying a Gen4 Glock 19 loaded with Federal 147 grain +P JHPs carried in a Galco King Tuk thats worn on a Wilderness Instructor's belt.
NRA Certified Instructor, Rifle, Shotgun and Pistol
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BlackBirdCD
Junior Member
USA
103 Posts |
Posted - 08/30/2007 : 13:11:13
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| Great music too, btw. Thanks for the report and the extra effort here! |
There's a big difference between free speech and cheap talk... |
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rngerdv
Average Member
578 Posts |
Posted - 08/30/2007 : 13:39:00
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quote:
Originally posted by Nathan
quote:
Originally posted by rngerdv
ballsy move with the camera behind the targets!
....you should have seen how nervous my 10 year old camera man was.
joking!
Very Funny! |
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Bruce
Senior Member
USA
1481 Posts |
Posted - 08/30/2007 : 14:05:43
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Good report, Nathan - you have me thinking now. BTW - same targets we used in the NYPD. My aiming point was always the left fist:)
Is that all your property you're on there? If so I'm super jealous!
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ront
Starting Member
USA
16 Posts |
Posted - 08/30/2007 : 18:39:33
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I just saw this report over on the DefensiveCarry forum. This is an awesome review. Nathan, you did an excellent job here!!
Ron |
Kel-tec P3AT
M&P .40c
K&D Cochise Defender |
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bckpack
Starting Member
1 Posts |
Posted - 08/31/2007 : 16:10:31
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Thanks for the great review Nathan.
Anyone have any idea how long it will be before the "normal" editions start showing up? I think the PPS would be perfect for me but I'm not crazy about the First Edition frame.
By the way, I came across this forum from the original PPS review posted elsewhere. Nice place you got here. |
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21540 Posts |
Posted - 08/31/2007 : 17:41:17
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| thank you sir, and welcome to the forum. |
Nathan In Montana, carrying a Gen4 Glock 19 loaded with Federal 147 grain +P JHPs carried in a Galco King Tuk thats worn on a Wilderness Instructor's belt.
NRA Certified Instructor, Rifle, Shotgun and Pistol
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hurk
New Member
62 Posts |
Posted - 09/05/2007 : 15:57:11
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Purchased one of these thanks to Nathans excellent report and for the same reasons. Nice size and fits in the pocket. Just picked it up at Cabela's this AM and went straight to the range. 80 rnds and one FTF in the first 20, all fine after, got hit by a couple of ejects and the trigger is a bit tight...all should be fine after more broken in. Great little gun.
Rob |
 Whenever it is least expected, Concealed Carry Works! |
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21540 Posts |
Posted - 09/05/2007 : 16:35:17
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| it will smooth out as it wears in. |
Nathan In Montana, carrying a Gen4 Glock 19 loaded with Federal 147 grain +P JHPs carried in a Galco King Tuk thats worn on a Wilderness Instructor's belt.
NRA Certified Instructor, Rifle, Shotgun and Pistol
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fossten
Senior Member
1573 Posts |
Posted - 09/05/2007 : 20:42:35
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Sig40,
If you haven't already thought of this, have her rack the slide across her body so both arms can push against themselves. Makes it easier for those with a little less strength. |
-- David
http://www.jpfo.org/pdf/nraletter.pdf |
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Bill in Ohio
Senior Member
USA
1008 Posts |
Posted - 09/06/2007 : 05:00:34
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Can you describe across her body? I don't understand.
Thanks, David |
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fossten
Senior Member
1573 Posts |
Posted - 09/06/2007 : 07:37:26
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| You hold the gun in your right hand, index finger along the barrel, grip in firing position. Point it to your left across your body, so the barrel is perpendicular to the direction you are facing. Then reach over the top of the gun with your left hand and grasp the slide. Push with both arms in opposite directions, keeping the gun close to your torso. This allows you to use the strength of both arms instead of just one arm. |
-- David
http://www.jpfo.org/pdf/nraletter.pdf |
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Bill in Ohio
Senior Member
USA
1008 Posts |
Posted - 09/06/2007 : 07:39:58
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David,
By God, I like that!!! Makest total sense and it would have to help.
Thanks!!! |
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amfinkelstein
Starting Member
USA
34 Posts |
Posted - 09/06/2007 : 15:37:36
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| nathan what caliber is the pps and the going price on one of those and is it small enough for a carry weapon? |
amfinkelstein
NRA Life Memeber |
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21540 Posts |
Posted - 09/06/2007 : 15:44:21
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| its about $650, its the smallest service caliber i own (perfectly suited for deep concealment), and its available in 9mm (rated for +P) and soon in .40. |
Nathan In Montana, carrying a Gen4 Glock 19 loaded with Federal 147 grain +P JHPs carried in a Galco King Tuk thats worn on a Wilderness Instructor's belt.
NRA Certified Instructor, Rifle, Shotgun and Pistol
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hurk
New Member
62 Posts |
Posted - 09/06/2007 : 16:03:33
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| Cabela's price was $599 (First Edition) when I bought mine Wednesday, also had Grand Opening Cash Card (got it in the mail) they activated for $150 ($500 purchase required) at the time of purchase. That gives me $150 in free ammo or what ever else at Cabela's. Not a bad deal. Got serial 039 of only 999 in the first edition. |
Whenever it is least expected, Concealed Carry Works! |
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Reapo
New Member
USA
54 Posts |
Posted - 12/27/2007 : 12:45:34
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Nathan,
I was reading a thread on PPS Talk, were they were talking about how the PPS ejects the shells forward and causes brass nicks on the slide! Have you noticed this with your PPS?
I'm looking to purchase one of these but, would like to know what to expect! thanks for any info you could provide. |
Anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice. Ammo is cheap - Life is expensive. |
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21540 Posts |
Posted - 12/27/2007 : 12:55:09
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| no marks on mine as of yet, but will be looking for them. |
Nathan In Montana, carrying a Gen4 Glock 19 loaded with Federal 147 grain +P JHPs carried in a Galco King Tuk thats worn on a Wilderness Instructor's belt.
NRA Certified Instructor, Rifle, Shotgun and Pistol
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Tommie
Junior Member
USA
192 Posts |
Posted - 12/27/2007 : 17:38:27
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Great report Nathan! You da man.....!  |
"Laws that forbid the carrying of arms....disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes....Such laws make things worse for the assualted and better for the assailants;they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides,for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man."
Thomas Jefferson |
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joepa1234
Starting Member
USA
4 Posts |
Posted - 06/02/2008 : 18:57:36
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| I bought the first PPS in the Philadelphia area, and although I do like the gun and it shoot extremely well, I do not see it replacing my 340pd as my constant companion. It should be an enormous success as there are so few quality manufacturers who realize that there are three components to a guns concealability (Height width and length). |
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n/a
deleted
604 Posts |
Posted - 06/02/2008 : 23:11:37
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quote:
Originally posted by joepa1234
there are so few quality manufacturers who realize that there are three components to a guns concealability (Height width and length).
I respectfully disagree. I don't know of any handgun manufacturer that doesn't offer a compact line with concealment appropriate height, width, and length, or that doesn't realize physical size dictates concealability. |
Don't Tread on Me.
Or My friends. |
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strider72
Average Member
USA
695 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2008 : 06:48:36
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| Stupid question but is it that much handier tahn a Glock 26... Like my capacity to be a little more than the PPS but hey that's me.. |
Glock 19/FEG HiPower/Keltec P32/NAA .22Mag for me...til I can get my 870 or Marlin 336 of course.
WOLVERINES!!
Long Live the U.S. Constituition!
"Choose you this day whom ye serve." Joshua 24:15
Ahh, man... they locked the Nothing thread.. |
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Topic |
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Review - Walther PPS
