Lots of discussion on this one at the Walther Forums .. here:
http://www.waltherforums.com/showthread.php?t=9414
... and here:
http://www.waltherforums.com/showthread.php?t=9924
You should spend time on the Walther America website as well, where the recall is discussed in detail, or at least in as much detail as S&W cares to divulge on the specific problem, which isn't much at the moment:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...catalogId=10001&content=62303§ionId=10506
Here's what they say:
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL NOTICE - February 20, 2009
PRODUCT:
Walther PPK and PPK/S pistols
DESCRIPTION OF THE HAZARD:
Smith & Wesson has identified a condition that may exist in certain PPK and PPK/S pistols which may permit a round to be discharged without the trigger being pulled. When the manual safety is disengaged, Smith & Wesson’s Product Engineering Group has determined that the possibility exists in certain firearms that lowering the hammer may cause a chambered round to fire.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRODUCT INVOLVED:
This recall applies to all Walther PPK and PPK/S pistols manufactured by Smith & Wesson from March 21, 2002, until February 3, 2009. The Serial Numbers of the pistol subject to this recall are as follows:
0010BAB - 9999BAB
0000BAC - 9999BAC
0000BAD - 9999BAD
0000BAE - 9999BAE
0000BAF - 9999BAF
0000BAH - 9999BAH
0000BAJ - 9999BAJ
0000BAK - 9999BAK
0000BAL - 5313BAL
0000BAM - 1320BAM
0000LTD - 0499LTD
0001PPK - 1500PPK
0026REP - 0219REP
0001WLE - 0459WLE
REMEDY/ACTION TO BE TAKEN:
STOP USING YOUR PISTOL AND RETURN IT TO SMITH & WESSON AT ONCE.
Any unintended discharge of a firearm has the potential for causing injury, and we ask that you stop using your pistol immediately.
To facilitate the repair of your pistol, please contact Smith & Wesson's customer service department to receive instructions for the return of your pistol to Smith & Wesson.
When you return your pistol to Smith & Wesson, we will replace the existing hammer block feature with a new part at no cost to you. Your firearm will be returned as quickly and efficiently as possible.
VERIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION:
When your pistol is returned, you should note a punch dot which appears at the back of the frame. This marking is verification that the new hammer block has been installed and that your pistol is safe to handle.
CONSUMER CONTACT:
To receive a UPS pre-paid billable stamp and shipping instructions to arrange for the modification of your pistol click here or contact Smith & Wesson directly at 1-800-331-0852. Please allow 2-3 weeks to receive the information packet from us.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECALL, PLEASE CONTACT SMITH & WESSON AT 1-800-331-0852 or email us at
[email protected].
