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Walther PP (Polizei Pistole)


Compact Semi-Automatic Pistol


Germany | 1929



"The Walther PP semi-automatic pistol was a hugely popular sidearm after its introduction in 1929, spawning the more-compact PPK line some time later."

Performance
Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Walther PP (Polizei Pistole). Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.
9
Rounds-Per-Minute
Rate-of-Fire
840 ft/sec
256 m/sec
Muzzle Velocity
Physical
The physical qualities of the Walther PP (Polizei Pistole). Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.
170 mm
6.69 in
O/A Length
98 mm
3.86 in
Barrel Length
1.47 lb
0.67 kg
Weight
Semi-Automatic; Straight Blowback; Double-Action
Action
7.65x15mm Browning SR; 9x19mm Short; .22 Long Rifle; 6.35x15mm Browning SR; 9x18mm Ultra
Caliber(s)
9-round detachable box magazine (.32 ACP)
Feed
Rear Notch; Front Blade.
Sights
Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Walther PP (Polizei Pistole) Compact Semi-Automatic Pistol family line.
PP - Base Series Designation; appearing in 1929
PPK - Concealed-carry compact form based on the PP; appearing in 1931.
PPK/S - PPK conforming to Gun Control Act of 1968 for US market; slightly heavier, taller and additional cartridge in magazine.
PP Super - All-steel version debuting in 1972; chambered for 9x18mm Ultra cartridge.
PPK/E - Blue steel model of 2000
PPK-L - Lightweight PPK of 1950s; aluminum alloy frame.
Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 05/15/2019 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

Founded in 1886, the Carl Walther GmbH concern designed and manufactured many small arms prior to World War 2 (1939-1945). In 1929, the Walther PP compact semi-automatic pistol was unveiled, its target customer being primarily police units and, to an extent, paramilitary type units requiring use of a highly portable, holstered weapon (indeed, the "PP" designation stood for "Polizei Pistole", translating to "Police Pistol"). In the end, the weapon found considerable use across both military and civilian markets and proved one of the most famous of its kind - really the first truly successful double-action semi-automatic pistol using an external hammer. The PP line was broadened with the introduction of the more compact Walther PPK in 1931 (detailed elsewhere on this site). The PPK was the sidearm of choice for fictional spy hero James Bond and was used by Adolph Hitler to commit suicide at the end of World War 2. Over 5 million Walther PP/PPK pistols were eventually produced with manufacture still ongoing today (2013).

The PP was a clean and handy pistol design utilizing the basic accepted form as semi-automatic handguns go. The design consisted of a metal slide covering the barrel, internals and recoil spring. The magazine was inserted into the integrated pistol grip in the usual way, the cartridges managed by a simple spring mounted in the magazine's design. The trigger sat within an oblong trigger ring and used to manage the action. A tang ensured a proper feel in the primary hand while the hammer lay exposed at the upper rear of the receiver. The PP utilized fixed iron sights for accuracy - a rear notch system aligned with a front blade, the sights being fitted over the slide in the usual way. The safety lever was set to the left side of the slide with the ejection port over the right side.

The pistol was originally chambered for the 7.65x17mm Browning SR (.32 ACP) cartridge but the line eventually grew to include 9x17mm Short (.380 ACP), .22 Long Rifle, 6.35x15mm Browning SR (.25 ACP) and 9x18mm Ultra (PP-Super) forms. In its 7.65mm chambering, the handgun was allowed eight cartridges from its single-column magazine. Magazine extensions proved popular which increased the surface area at the palm/finger grip when handling the pistol. A barrel extension could be added at the muzzle to increase accuracy to an extent though at the cost of compactness.

The PP utilized a basic "straight blowback" system of operation. Several safety features were incorporated into its design including a "signal pin" above the hammer used to visibly identify a loaded cartridge in the chamber (this safety featured was accordingly dropped during World War 2 wartime production for expediency). Another safety feature employed was a slide-mounted safety catch which forced a long trigger pull to ensure a deliberate action was required. As such, the PP could be carried, loaded and ready to fire, in relative safety by the operator - a strong quality for security- and military-minded personnel requiring fast reaction times.

During World War 2, the PP went on to see issuance to German civilian and military police and various military branches including the Luftwaffe, staff officers and Panzer tank crews. They proved reliable in service and valued for their portability in-the-field. Wartime variants were also produced with poorer finishes to help fulfill the expansive military demand. Manufacture of the PP continued throughout the war and beyond it, seeing licensed (and some unlicensed) production around the globe.

Content ©MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.
Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Walther PP (Polizei Pistole). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): Carl Walther GmbH Sportwaffen - Nazi Germany
National flag of Bangladesh National flag of Chad National flag of Denmark National flag of France National flag of modern Germany National flag of East Germany National flag of Hungary National flag of Indonesia National flag of Iran National flag of Malaysia National flag of Niger National flag of Pakistan National flag of Poland National flag of Portugal National flag of Romania National flag of Senegal National flag of South Africa National flag of Sweden National flag of Turkey National flag of the United Kingdom National flag of the United States

[ Bangladesh; Burkino Faso; Central African Republic; Chad; Republic of Congo; Denmark; East Germany; France; Guyana; Hungary; Indonesia; Iran; Madagascar; Malaysia; Mauritius; Nazy Germany; Niger; Pakistan; Poland; Portugal; Romania; Senegal; Seychelles; South Africa; Sweden; Turkey; United Kingdom; United States ]
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Image of the Walther PP (Polizei Pistole)

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