What to Look For in a Used Walther PP/PPK

[D-Man]

Last weekend I came across a used Walther PP/PPK at a gun store for $200. I don't know if it was a .32 or .38 model. I do know it had the Interams marking on it - would that mean I should stay away from it entirely, or are there good models that came in through Interarms? I prefer if it was a .32, but would be OK if a .38 (as long as it's not the Super variety).

I am looking for a more compact handgun to shoot and keep by the bedside (my other guns are in a safe - easy to get to, but you never know). I am also looking at the newer PPK/S, but they run $200+ more, and I like the idea of getting a good classic model.

I did come across a Walther Forums site, but can't find the link now. If there are any sites/forums where I could research this, let me know.

 

[Wags]

www.p38forums.com

 

[D-Man]

Wags - thanks for that link, but it is either dead or temporarily down.

 

[Steve F]

For starters $200 sounds pretty good,at least in my neighborhood

 

[Majic]

Interarms was just an importer. There is nothing different in what they imported than any other Walther.

 

[ArmedBear]

I'd say, look for the Smith and Wesson logo, and avoid Interarms like you said...

Actually, I've handled a Manurhin P38 and it was a SMOOTH Walther, so Manurhin could be good. A lot of tool marks internally, a lot more than my German one, but the surfaces that count seemed to be polished and it was smoother than the German Walther.

So Manurhin (France) could be good, possibly best of breed for an old one, S&W for new.

 

[Onmilo]

$200.00 is a great buy for an Interarms marked Walther.
There are a bunch of .32acp Model PP ex police service pistols that came in surplus from several European sources on the market right now, both French Manhurin and German Walther manufacture.
All are dealer priced at least what you saw that PP for retail.

If the gun is a .380acp caliber buy it, it is way underpriced compared to market demand.

 

[D-Man]

Thanks for the input so far - hopefully the gun will be there tomorrow morning for me to get a better look at it.

And I found the Walther Forums at waltherforum.com. Think it helps to spell Walther correctly......

 

[......]

one that works everytime