[Vladimir Berkov]

I know the PP was in production prior to WWII, but was it ever imported to the US during that time, and if so, when did importation start? Thanks.

[denfoote]

The PP was introduced in 1929. I have no information on importation, but one would assume that it was shortly thereafter, by Walthers importing agent at the time, FG Stoeger.

Here is a web site that explains much about Walthers.
http://www.whog.org/

A good referance text is "The Walther handgun story". The author's name escapes me at the present moment!!! :banghead:

[Cawdor]

Take a look at the Walther Unofficial Home Page (http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/Quarters/2188/index.html).

[Nick96]

I seem to recall reading that the PP was produced first in 7.65MM (.32) around 1927. The PPK in 7.65MM came along in 1928. The 9MM Kurtz (.380) showed up in 1929. A variety of subcontractors produced them during the war years (as was the case in the U.S. with the Colt 1911A .45). Production in Germany stopped for all Walthers in 1945. The PP's & PPK's were produced under the Walther banner in France by Manurine (sp) up to the 1980's. A U.S. contractor also made the PPKS's in the 1980's. They are now being made again by Walther in Germany and by S&W in the U.S. The PPKS was produced in response to the U.S. Gun Control Act of 1968 (basically a PPK slide & barrel on a PP frame).

Exportation likely took place from the late 20's to late 30's for the pre-war models - and no doubt by countless GI's following the war. There seems to be a flood right now of the French made 7.65MM PP's hitting the market (Police trade in's). These are likely 1960's vintage pistols. I bought such an example in the late 1980's that was made in the mid 1950's. The one I had was a very nice gun. I got a new U.S. made PPKS in the late 80's that ended up being junk though.

These were cutting edge technology for their time, but have been eclipsed by the SIG's and Beretta's for the same size gun (IMHO). And, many feel those are being ecliped now by the new crop of ultra small & light 9MM's. The point being, the PP's & PPK's are good looking nostalga guns - but there are better "shooters" available for the price.