[Bugs66]

I got my first PPK/S on a trade and had high hopes until I took it to the range. Unfortunately it jams frequently. I have tried all different ball ammo, tried holding it tightly, tried Wolff +5 springs, and polished the feed ramp a little. None of these worked. I would appreciate any advise on how to rememedy this problem. Seems to be the extractor is failing. See the image below.

http://www.sturmcity.net/images/ppkjam.jpg

[1911Tuner]

It could be the extractor spring is getting a little tired, or it may be
a short-cycle issue. If it's mainly happening on the last round in
the magazine, suspect extractor-related problems. If it occurs
at random anywhere in the magazine, short recoil could be at
work. It could also be a combination of both.

Try taking a good grip on the gun with your elbows locked to give
it the most solid mount that you can manage and see if it will
burp. If not, or the problem is less frequent, it's short cycle.
Hotter ammo will help...as will a little less recoil spring.

Check the recoil spring by loading one round in the magazine and
gripping the gun loosely in one hand. If the empty case kicks
well clear of the port, and the slide locks open, the spring is
probably okay. If it doesn't pass the test, clip a half-coil off the
recoil spring and try it again. If that doesn't solve the problem,
it's time for a smith to have a look.

These things are usually something simple. Good luck.

Tuner

[Southern Raider]

IMHO, the PPK suffers from insufficient extractor tension. The situation is solved by taking steps to both improve the tension and increase slide velocity. I did the following on mine and have no issues:

Replaced the extractor spring with a new Wolff unit. Unfortunately, I had to buy the entire service pack. This alone made a big difference in tension.
Went to the minimum mainspring and an XP recoil spring, also from Wolff. Not only does this do wonders for trigger pull, it seems to allow for an increased slide velocity.
Shoot hot European spec loads. The hotter the load, the less need there is for an extractor.

[Bugs66]

Thanks a bunch for your ideas! I will give them a try and post the results.

Bugs66

[Jesse H]

My Interarms PPK/S used to stovepipe just like that with Winchester white box. What ammo are you using?

Now that I mainly use S&B with it, it's been 100% reliable w/ball. Haven't tried HP's.

[B27]

What SR and Jesse said about the ammo. European 9mm Kurz is loaded hotter than most of our domestic .380 ACP.
My PPK/S runs best on +P ammo and will do the exact same thing you have pictured with Winchester USA or Remington UMC or Federal American Eagle.
I think they load it to low pressures because of all those Lorcins and assorted other cheap .380's out there.

[PzGren]

Try to get some Fiochii loads, I found them to be pretty hot, also Sellier & Bellot is affordable and powerful.

[Bugs66]

My Interarms PPK/S used to stovepipe just like that with Winchester white box. What ammo are you using?

I have tried Aguilla, Winchester, and UMC. It's a random problem and can happen on any round in the magazine.

I am going to try all of your suggestions. Thanks to all.

[oscar]

The Walthers were designed for European ammo which is hotter than most of our stuff. Try S&B or other European brands.

[Bugs66]

Update, some good news today! I started with the cheapest advise from 1911tuner, where I clip a half a coil from the spring. I definately was suspect of too much recoil spring tension (based on 1911s comments). Today I went back to the range and fired the rest of that Aguila (Mexican) ammo. Low and behold not one jam. Where before it would jam on the same ammo on every mag. I fired 5 mags (35 rounds). I ran out of daylight but will try the UMC ammo next. If that is good, then Winchester.

What a relief! I hope the problem is solved for good. I'd rather fire readily available ammo. Thanks again!

Bugs66