Walther PPS: A powerful replacement for a venerable PPK

Walther PPS (Polizei Pistole Schmal – Police Pistole Slim) is a most recent offering from the famous German gun-making company Carl Walther GmbH. It was first shown publicly during IWA 2007 exhibition in Germany, and it is proposed as a more powerful replacement for a venerable Walther PPK pistol, which was designed more than 75 years ago. PPS pistol is based on the proven Walther P99 design, specially adapted for concealed carry. Thanks to its single-stack magazines, PPS is only 23mm (~0,9 inch) wide.

Design

Walther PPS is a short recoil-operated, locked-breech pistol that uses modified Browning-type locking with a tilting barrel. The frame of the gun is made from impact-resistant polymer. The trigger is of Double Action Only type, striker-fired, with pre-cocked striker system, similar to the QA system used in Walther P99 pistols.

This system requires a manual re-cocking (by partial slide retraction) in the case of a misfire. Gun is fitted with an automated trigger safety and firing pin block; additional “storage-type” safety is provided by removable backstrap of the grip; once backstrap is removed, the firing pin is automatically decocked and the gun is blocked until the backstrap is reinstalled.

This patented system is called QuickSafe by Walther. Magazines for PPS pistol are single-stack, and will be available in three sizes – 6-round (flush-fit), 7-round, and 8-round (extended). Sights are low-profile, with rear sight adjustable for windage.

Operating mechanism

The Walther PPS is a short recoil-operated locked-breech semi-automatic pistol that uses a modified Browning cam-lock system adapted from the Hi-Power pistol. The PPS has a glass-fiber-reinforced polymer frame and steel slide assembly. It can be broken down into its main parts or field stripped with a take down catch without the help of tools.

Safety

The PPS features three safeties (trigger safety, internal firing pin safety, and QuickSafe feature) of which the external integrated trigger safety inner lever mechanism contained within the trigger serves as an additional passive drop safety. The pistol has a loaded chamber indicator in the form of a witness opening at the top of the slide/ejection port. By looking into this opening the user can see if a cartridge is present in the chamber.

Concealed carry

It’s a fine pistol – lightweight, and far more accurate than a gun its size has any right to be. On the other hand, the PPS M2 has excellent accuracy and ergonomics. Considering it holds 6–8 rounds (which is nothing to sneeze at), I consider the little Walther to be a superior carry pistol.

Technical specifications: Walther PPS