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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21561 Posts |
 Posted - 07/30/2007 : 23:29:46
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for a long time now ive sought a "deep cover" gun that i could carry with confidence, and conceal with relative ease on light dress days. many weapons came close to being exactly what i wanted, but none fit all my needs. the closest i had come was the springfield EMP, but that it wont cycle +P loads ruled that one out. the g26 is a great weapon, but to thick for a pocket gun. many manufacturers build fine sub-compacts (and i own an XD sub-compact) but just like the g26 the dang things are thick as bricks. i was elated when i learned of the new walther PPS and i did a mad search trying to find one. about a week or so ago a dealer in missoula montana found three at a distributor and i promptly placed my order. i got a call today from my local dealer telling me that my new PPS had arrived. i dropped everything and left work with high hopes. 
i was quite surprised when i opened the shipping box to find what i believe to be the nicest factory carry case ive seen. the bright aluminum case is well constructed.
the weapon comes complete with three magazines, an eight round, a seven round, and a six round with the only difference being the size of the finger rest. the eight round felt best in my hand, and the seven round was pretty decent too. i dont much care for the 6 round since it offers no finger support and i prefer a full grip, but i can see how it would be convenient for slipping into the front pocket. the weapon also comes with two backstraps. the smaller one fits smaller hands and gives you a more american grip angle. the larger one for larger hands gives you more of a european grip angle somewhat similar to glocks. the weapon also comes with an owners manual, a lock, a spent shell casing, and the target that the weapon was tested into.
xd9 sub-compact beside the PPS
glock 19 beside the PPS
the PPS stands for "Police Pistol Slim and as you can see from the pictures, it is indeed slim. the weapon is so slim in fact that it felt awkward at first. the size is more closely comparable to a walther P22 than it is other sub-compact 9mms.
at the range: i left the dealer where i picked up my weapon and headed to another dealer for some defensive ammunition (dealer #1 only stocks somewhat over-priced target ammunition). i got 80 rounds of corbon 115 grain +P (holy smokes this stuff sizzles at 1350 fps!) and 20 rounds of corbon 125 grain +P (dang respectable at 1250 fps!). i then headed over to walmart to pick up 400 rounds of 115 grain WWB. i raced to the range to beat dusk, and loaded up all three magazines with 115 grain corbon +P jhp. i selected my target and began shooting. the first thing i noticed was how hot the corbons were! i own several 9mms but typically shoot 125 grain corbons. this was my first time shooting the 115 grain versions and they almost remind me of 125 grain .357 sig corbon loads. once i got used to the recoil (wasnt bad) the weapon settled in nicely....until my 21st. round. after the 20th round the slide locked back and the slide lock wouldnt release. i put a mini-screwdriver in to leverage it a little and it released. i loaded up some WWB and after my first shot the slide again locked back on the slide lock and it would not release again. i unloaded it and inspected it and saw no damage. at this point i decided that its not a break-in issue and have decided to ship my new weapon back to walther for repairs. upon closer inspection it appears that the spring popped off the slide stop and is sitting underneath the slide stop lever preventing it from going down far enough to disengage. i could pop the spring back on, but if it came off after only 20 rounds it will surely come off again eventually and id rather walther make a real fix.
what i like:
- fit and finish appear perfect on this weapon. there is no visible flaw anywhere and i can usually spot something even if its a simple machine mark.
- the size is perfect for concealed carry. you could stick this weapon dang near anywhere comfortably. the thickness (or lack thereof) is exactly what i was looking for.
- the different size magazines make this weapon adaptable to any style of dress
- asthetically this weapon is beautiful, although this doesnt matter at all to me.
- the oversize magazine release works great.
- the weapon feeds very smooth. no "clunk-clunk" when you release the slide.
- recoil is almost non-existant. i expected the hot corbons to recoil more severly in such a little weapon, but the dual recoil spring did a great job soaking it up.
what i dont like:
- it broke! i know that any manufacturer can make mistakes on production weapons....even walther....and with this being an all new design growing pains are to be expected. still, im quite disappointed.
- i dont much care for the backstrap safety. when you remove the backstrap it renders the weapon unusable. while this sounds great in theory, to me it seems like over-complicating the weapon, giving it an unnecessary failure point.
bottom line: its to early to tell. ill ship the weapon off to walther for repairs and try again. ill update once i have my weapon back. |
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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Carmen
New Member
USA
93 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2007 : 09:50:45
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| Thanks for the review:) how long does it usually take to get a gun back? Does Walther normally have issues where you need to send it back, or is it just a fluke? I'd hate to buy something that expensive just to send it in, but man is it slim! Very nice. |
PS..I am a woman. Please take that into account with relevant advice. |
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Bulldog
Whiney [img]smileys/censored.gif[/img]er
USA
3154 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2007 : 10:37:57
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| HI NATHAN YOU FAILED TO MENTION WHAT THIS GUN GOES FOR IN PRICE WISE COMPARED TO OTHER BRANDS I ALSO TAKE IT THAT WALTHER'S PPS ARE MADE HERE IN THE GOOD OLD U.S.A. OR ARE THEY IMPORTED, IF I AM NOT MISTAKEN I BELIEVE THAT SMITH & WESSON ARE DISTRIBUTING THE WALTHER'S NAME AND PRODUCT, LIKE I SAID I MAY BE WRONG BUT THATS WHAT I HEARD FROM OTHER GUYS THANKS NICE LOOKING GUN THOUGH |
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21561 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2007 : 11:02:59
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carmen its very unusual to have a problem with any walther. this is the first failure of any kind ive ever had with any walther, and honestly its the first ive ever heard of.
bulldog the weapon was $615 + shipping. |
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 - 07/31/2007 : 11:12:14
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| Thank you for that report, Nathan. In spite of the malfunction, this is really looking like an attraction option. |
There's a big difference between free speech and cheap talk... |
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Bulldog
Whiney [img]smileys/censored.gif[/img]er
USA
3154 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2007 : 11:16:53
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| THANKS NATHAN BUT ARE THEY MADE IN THE USA OR OVERSEAS JUST WONDERING |
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Barry in IN
Advanced Member
3178 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2007 : 07:44:53
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Excellent report, Nathan.
I've wanted a slim 9mm for a long time, and can't see why there aren't more than a couple around. I've kept my eyes open for an older Star BKM just because they are slim nines, but have had no luck.
I usually don't care that much about a handgun's looks, but I have to say that when I saw pictures of the PPS from a European gun show, I thought it looked just plain foul. Maybe it's growing on me, because it doesn't look quite so bad now.
Now that that's off my chest...
How does the trigger work? I'm guessing it's a Glock-like trigger, or maybe like the Walther P99 in DA mode? Is it a "semi-cocked" pull like the Glock, or more of a straight through Kahr-type pull?
How easily do you think that mag release could be accidentally tripped?
I'm not picking on it- any of them can be accidentally dumped, and I guess we never know until we carry them a while. I thought the small, stiff, mag catch on my Kahr would be secure, but it popped the mag a couple of times in my pocket before I stitched a U-shaped leather "shield" around it. And everybody told me I'd be dropping mags all over with my P7M8 (it's mag catch is like the USP) but it never has.
Did you like those 115 CorBons? Different breed, aren't they?
The funny thing is- They almost always shoot small little groups! I was almost shocked when I first shot them in a HiPower years ago. I remember thinking that these would be great if they would hit anything, then checked the target and was very pleased. |
"I like marksmanship and think it is a good judge of character. A good shot is almost always a good man, because shooting calls for self-control, and self-control is one of the important aspects of a good man."
-Col. Jeff Cooper |
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cincinnatijim
Starting Member
USA
11 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2007 : 17:36:33
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| Excellent range report, Nathan. Sorry to hear there was a problem with your PPS. I started getting interested in the pistol after I checked the dimensions and found that it was smaller than my wife's Bersa 383 DA in every dimension, and not a lot larger than her Kahr MK-9. I'll be interested in the type of treatment you get from Walther. |
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21561 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2007 : 22:04:20
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quote:
Originally posted by Bulldog
ARE THEY MADE IN THE USA
im thinking theyre made in germany. i say this because customer support at walther america told me that they didnt know how long it would take to return my weapon to me because they didnt even have parts here (in the US) yet. |
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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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21561 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2007 : 22:13:28
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quote:
Originally posted by Barry in IN
Excellent report, Nathan.
thank you sir.
quote:
How does the trigger work? I'm guessing it's a Glock-like trigger, or maybe like the Walther P99 in DA mode? Is it a "semi-cocked" pull like the Glock, or more of a straight through Kahr-type pull?
its a partially cocked trigger just like the glock, only the reset isnt quite as crisp and the reset point is just a little forward of the release point (unlike the glock which is the exact same point). it reminds me more of the m&p trigger than anything else.
that said, i purposely left the trigger out of my review because 20 rounds is hardly time for it to wear in any. ive found a world of difference in the trigger on my s&w99 .45 from new to after a few hundred rounds...same thing with my m&p, so i want to give this one a few hundred rounds before forming any opinions on the trigger.
quote:
How easily do you think that mag release could be accidentally tripped?
i dont think it would be easy to accidentally drop the magazine. while the lever is oversize it is countoured nicely into the trigger gaurd, and it takes a purposeful press to disengage the magazine catch.
that said however, ive dropped the magazine accidentally from my m&p and my glock 31 so it can happen with any design. i fell asleep wearing the g31 and the magazine fell out while i was rolling over. the m&p magazine fell out on me as i exited my truck once.
quote:
Did you like those 115 CorBons? Different breed, aren't they?
holy smokes those suckers were hot!  almost thought i was shooting a 357 sig.
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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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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21561 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2007 : 22:14:35
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quote:
Originally posted by cincinnatijim
I'll be interested in the type of treatment you get from Walther.
thank you sir. i expect nothing but the best from walther america, since theyre smith and wesson and in the past ive found that s&w has the absolute best customer service and fastest turnaround times. |
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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Jim56455
New Member
52 Posts |
Posted - 08/09/2007 : 06:31:18
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| There is an article in Guns and Ammo on the Walther PPS. The writer gives it a good review. For anybody who's interested, it might be worth reading. |
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21561 Posts |
Posted - 08/09/2007 : 09:30:18
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| many tanks bill, im still waiting on its return so i can finish the dang review. |
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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Carmen
New Member
USA
93 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2007 : 20:30:55
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| I saw an article on the PPS in a magazine recently..I didn't read the whole thing but dang it's a spiffy looking gun. I like:D |
PS..I am a woman. Please take that into account with relevant advice. |
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21561 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2007 : 21:03:53
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| carmen i think my failures were just a one of a kind type thing. overall i believe the weapon to be as dependable as all other walthers, but cant say for sure just yet because mine is still broken. |
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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Wings
Junior Member
USA
110 Posts |
Posted - 08/12/2007 : 09:39:42
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From everything that I could find, the PPS is made in Germany.
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NRA Life Member
Live Free or Die |
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21561 Posts |
Posted - 08/12/2007 : 11:40:08
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| neat picture. i like the largest magazine best. |
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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nacfever50
Starting Member
1 Posts |
Posted - 11/18/2007 : 09:27:16
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| That's a very interesting review. I took my new Walter PPS First Edition to the range yesterday for the first time. After 40 rounds, the slide locked back just as you described. I'm beginning to think this may be a design flaw. |
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21561 Posts |
Posted - 11/18/2007 : 13:35:34
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| hello, welcome to the forum. since your number is so low im thinking it was a defective batch of springs. my current PPS (#260) has been flawless. |
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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KS_Pancake
Starting Member
35 Posts |
Posted - 11/19/2007 : 12:30:32
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| Just a second-hand note here from info elsewhere. If you call Walther or even Smith or Glock reps and ask about +P ammo, you will find that they do not reccomend it. As far as warranty goes, they generally waffle about repairs, probably depends on the amount of damage. Knowing this, I don't shoot +P ammo. By the way, if you buy a used Glock .40 cal, have a gunsmith take a good look at it within 3 days of getting it. (Many states have a 3 day return period by law.) There were a lot of issues with frame cracking and the moulded in metal structures getting distorted on many Police .40 cal Glocks. Glock fixed them for the "bulk order" buyers, but you have to ask nice and hope they say yes if you just have the one gun. These were weapons bought new several years ago. Word is that the problem was traced to a stamping machine for the metal inserts at the factory. |
Self defense is nature's oldest law. - John Dryden
A laser painted on the chest removes all language barriers. - unknown |
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21561 Posts |
Posted - 11/19/2007 : 13:57:45
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quote:
Originally posted by KS_Pancake
Just a second-hand note here from info elsewhere. If you call Walther or even Smith or Glock reps and ask about +P ammo, you will find that they do not reccomend it.
your info is incorrect sir. i discussed this issue with walther america at length when my first PPS fialed. they do not recommend +P+, but +P is just fine. the pistol is designed as a police pistol for 9mm NATO which is slightly hotter than +P loads. the 9mm uses the same recoil spring as the .40 version. 9mm +P loads will not hurt the PPS at all. |
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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soloban
Junior Member
USA
201 Posts |
Posted - 11/22/2007 : 09:49:57
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| Thats a good looking gun. Too bad other makers don't include nice cases like that. |
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dmcnev
Starting Member
USA
9 Posts |
Posted - 11/22/2007 : 10:52:19
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| Also, Glock used to use the +p issue as a selling point. They were also designed for use with the NATO ammo and used the fact that they were one of the first pistols rated for constant use of +P ammo as a selling point. |
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peteatude
New Member
USA
56 Posts |
Posted - 11/24/2007 : 01:04:38
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| Is that a custom grind on the frame of your PPS? Other than giving it a great custom look, does it make it thinner? lighter? |
NRA lifetime member
GOA lifetime member |
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KS_Pancake
Starting Member
35 Posts |
Posted - 11/24/2007 : 12:11:24
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OK .. I have spoken to the Glock distributor here in KS and his word is .. There was a period of time, around 5-6 years ago (about the time of the .40 cal. frame problems) when Glock stopped reccomending +P. They just said +P is no longer reccomended. That jibes with the time that I was present when the call to a Glock rep was made by my police supply room buddy. After Glock figured out the .40 cal problem was cause by their own manufacturing process, they resumed support of using +P. Soo I am wrong about Glock not reccomending +P. They do now. Sorry & I apologize for my lack of follow-up before my previous post. The info about Walther and Smith was old also, soo Nathan (having current info) would be correct. I will make sure I have current info from now on.
Nathan: If you wish, please remove my previous post regarding this issue.
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Self defense is nature's oldest law. - John Dryden
A laser painted on the chest removes all language barriers. - unknown |
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21561 Posts |
Posted - 11/24/2007 : 12:54:41
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| its a non-issue sir. we all live and learn. heck, i own a PPS and was corrected recently (CLICK HERE). it happens. |
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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walther PPS
