My First Firearm!

[Xyas]

I just purchased my first firearm, a Walther PPS last week! I got it primarily for carry use. I have a couple of questions about the firearm though.

First, on the striker indicator on the back, I'm seeing a lot of websites have it colored red. Mine isn't red, it's just black. Is there a reasoning behind this?

Second, what type of ammunition does everyone use in their pps? I was looking at speer gold dots or Federal HST but I'm unsure whether to get 124 gr, 124+P, or 147 grain ammunition. I'm kind of worried about full expansion with such a short barrel (3.2'').

Otherwise, I only put 50 rounds through it so far, no jams or anything. I am finding it aims low and to the left, but I'm unsure if it's me or not. I'll take it out to the range one more time and see how I do with it then.

I did notice that while cleaning it, on the right side of the firearm where the rail is, there seems to be like a copper color wear or something, it's not black like the rest of the firearm. I'll take a picture of it later but I just thought it was weird.

Any and all help is greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

[RichSenecal]

Congratulations Xyas! I cannot answer your questions about your new Walther, but congratulations on your first gun. Now go out and buy a dozen more.

 

[KyJim]

Congratulations on your purchase! I don't own a PPS so can't answer anything specific to that firearm. As far as shooting low and to the left, you first need to find out if it is you or the gun. The best way to do this is to use a rest. For example, you can rest the barrel on a sandbag and your wrists on the shooting bench. If you still aren't sure, have an experienced and capable shooter shoot a few rounds through it.

My feeling is that you probably don't need +P ammo with good, modern hollow points like the Gold Dots you mentioned, I sometimes carry a 9 mm with a three and a half inch barrel with modern hollow points.

 

[Xyas]

Thanks for the help so far!

RichSenecal - Yes...I already want to go out and buy 5 more...

KyJim - Thanks for the input! I've read other PPS users have had to get a #3 sight to help with that problem instead of the number 2 (i think?) that it comes with. But I'll try shooting from a rest to see if that solves my problem!

Thanks again!

 

[BillH]

Can't tell you about the indicator, but go here:
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=23598&d=1174915880
and check the chart for probable causes.

 

[Guillermo]

While the gun may in fact be shooting low and to the left, it also may be you. As Ky Jim says, shoot from a sandbag.

If it is you and you are right handed; shooting low and to the left is normal. It is an overcompensation from the natural action of pulling the trigger. Try using the last joint of your index finger and pull on the bottom of the trigger. Also note that taking a deep breath and letting half of it out steadies you.

 

[Xyas]

Here's the pictures I promised! Sorry about the image quality, my camera stinks and I am not a photographer. And how do I make my pictures smaller using photobucket/this website?

The striker without the red dot.



On the underside of the upper.



The weird copper spot.




And finally, the Walther PPS (unloaded for the picture).

 

[scurtis_34471]

Those are nice guns. A range buddy of mine has one and let me shoot it. In return, I let him shoot my Kahr P9 Covert, which is almost exactly the same size and weight. Recoil between the two was very similar, but the triggers were really different. I prefer the Kahr trigger, but the PPS trigger was certainly nothing to gripe about. Congratulations on a great little carry gun.