Why is there no 9mm PPK/S?

[The Unknown User]

I've been thinking about this a lot. Why hasn't Walther chambered the PPK/S in 9mm? I mean, think about it:

- The .380 ACP is regarded as the minimum self-defense round
- Many consider the 9mm to be the minimum
- The jump from a 9x17mm round to a 9x19mm round isn't much
- There's enough space in the PPK/S currently for an extra 2mm
- A lot of people love the size and weight of the PPK/S, but don't want a .380

So why haven't they done it by now? I'd think this'd be a "no-brainer" for Walther; take one of the most popular handguns, chamber it in the most popular handgun round, and then sit back and look at the profit.

Any ideas why they haven't done it? Any ideas on how we could get them to do it?

Mass email campaign, anyone?

 

[Kenneth Lew]

The Walther PPK/s operate on a blowback system where slide and a strong spring retard the operation of the slide. A low pressure round is required because the principle operate on the fact that the breech is kept sealed by the cartridge case till the bullet leaves the barrel and the the gas pressure drops to a safe level. 9mm ammunition is regarded as high pressure ammunition and will not work in a PPK. 21,500 psi for .380 acp vs. 35,000 psi for 9mm.

Ever tried racking the slide of a PPKs vs. a 9mm pistol?

 

[Pilot]

Kenneth said it. The Makarov and the Walther Ultra project attempt to maximize the potential of the blowback action. The cartdridges are little more than a hot .380. After that you need a locked breech and a different pistol entirely.

 

[ugaarguy]

So why haven't they done it by now? I'd think this'd be a "no-brainer" for Walther; take one of the most popular handguns, chamber it in the most popular handgun round, and then sit back and look at the profit.

In a way they have done it. The PPS is pretty darn small and thin. I think Walther wisely decided to let Rohrbaugh keep the rather expensive tiny metal frame 9mm market and entered the very small poly frame 9mm market. The PPS is a nice alternative to a Kahr P9 or KelTec PF9. They're the only industry giant in the small single stack poly frame 9mm area. KelTec and Kahr are now well established, but they're still small manufacturers. for me Walther falls into the industry giant category with Ruger, Glock, etc. because of their partnership with S&W. I'm sure the poly frame design helps with profit margins and retail price.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

We already have one. (In terms of size.) It's called the Kahr K series.

They would not be able to contain the pressure and recoil of the 9mm Luger in a gun that size and still retain the blowback action. It could - in theory - be redesigned as a locked-breech and still retain substantially the same appearance/styling ... if anyone would actually buy it.

 

[makarovnik]

They would have to make it with a locked breech.

 

[Princi]

They would have to make it with a locked breech.

Well the Hi-Point isn't locked breech and they have it in 9mm. I have one, and I love it. It is probably the most useful gun that I have: it doubles as a handgun and as a hammer when I need one.

They could make the PPK/s in 9mm, but they would probably have to use some really heavy metal to make the slide much heavier. If you have ever noticed that the Hi-Point weighs a ton. If they added weight to the PPK/s then it wouldn't be nearly as handy as a pocket gun. Drop it in your pocket and it rips out the bottom of your pocket spilling your change all over the floor.

Incidentally, my PPK/s in in .32 ACP.

 

[rcmodel]

The slide on the Hi-Point weighs more then a PPK!

As you noted, it has to be humongous to handle the 9mm in a blow-back action.

rcmodel

 

[HeavyDuty]

They would have to make it with a locked breech.

Or a gas delay system ala P7.

 

[SuperNaut]

Walther P5 compact is as close as you'll get. Now a P5 sub compact would be cool, chop 1/2" off the grip and you'd be there. I'd buy a couple.

 

[Princi]

Or a gas delay system ala P7.

...or the Wilson Combat ADP.

Excellent point, I never thought of that.

 

[buttrap]

plus p smarts bad enough in a PPK try that with the gun flying to peices