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To: Ramius; g'nad; osagebowman; Lost Dutchman; Squantos; Corin Stormhands; JenB; TalonDJ; ExGeeEye; ...
I stumbled another gem the other day, and this one seems to be a natural-born champ. What else except the compact handgun that started it all, the Walther PPK?

Because of all the twists and turns of the GCA68, German PPKs cannot be imported into the USA. But this one, made under license by Smith & Wesson in the free state of Maine (take that, MA), is available to the American market in the free states, but is still hard to find, and pricey, because of vey limited production.

But with the first magazine of six shots, I was able to produce this decent group with the .380ACP cartridge. One nice "figure 8" by the "5" on the target, and one enlarged hole consisting of two rounds overlapping by about 50% on the "7" ring. Even the two "flyers" were better than I've done with some out-of-the-box handguns.

After I finish my limited tinkering, this will be my EDC weapon, with my faith resting on always having it on me, the accuracy and comfortable shooting of what is usually a nasty, bitey caliber in tiny handguns, the wonders of modern bullet design, and the overall genius of Carl Walther. My custom CZ75B Compact-L is a wonder of accuracy and easy shooting, but I wonder how much I'd appreciate it if I was carrying at all times that I have a pocket on me? The gun writers may sneer at "poodle guns", generally anything under .40 caliber, but this toy Doberman isn't lacking anything except a lot of powder to launch the bullet.

Because my list of mods, at present, is so small, the most time-consuming item will be 200 rounds of break-in with ball ammo, and choosing the best defensive ammo after that. The hideous grips will be replaced by earlier plastic ones, or checkered walnut custom ones. The extra-large beavertail was not present on the originals, but seems to appear only on models for the American market. A bit homely, but it will save my hand from slide rash.

And I have to go around everything with a fine-tooth eyeball to see where I have to break the "razors" that come from machining stainless steel. There's a reason razor blades are made of stainless having nothing to do with rust resistance. Unlike other steels, where chips are heated and tempered as they're cut off the workpiece, stainless can withstand the temperatures and stresses of machining, and leave finished parts with an invisible "razor edge" that the eye can't see, but the hand can sure feel.

Finally, I'll have the fun of matching custom spring weights with my chosen defense ammo, because the factory 20-pound springs are just "over-spring" for this weapon, even as a blowback.

4,267 posted on 02/09/2014 2:08:53 AM PST by 300winmag (Whatever CAN go wrong has already happened. We just don't know about it yet.)
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To: 300winmag

Very interested in this project poodle..... Have one that has been on house gun duty for a very long time and as you say, spring rates are horrific.

Very much needed refinement and tuning .

Great project I HAVE to follow... Thanks !

Stay safe !


4,268 posted on 02/09/2014 6:37:28 AM PST by Squantos ( Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everyone you meet ...)
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To: 300winmag

Nice target, just drift the rear sight an ooch and you are home free. It’s nice when one that looks that good also shoots that good. Polish and nano-lube upcoming.

What load were you shooting in this one?

Again, good shooting.


4,269 posted on 02/09/2014 10:55:29 AM PST by osagebowman
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To: 300winmag

Also in studying your picture, your PPK, the Walther banner on the grips on mine are on top of the checkering versus embossed into the grip is that makes sense.

Also no beaver tail on my version....

The word Modell on mine is with two “L’s” .....

Looking forward to this as the little Walther is well made and good quality, just stiff as a coil spring on a old Ford.

About 300 rounds thru it as I carried it as a backup in my body armor and department policy, when I was a sheriff deputy made me qualify with it each time .

Round of choice is Hydra Shok’s 90gr.

Stay safe !!


4,273 posted on 02/09/2014 4:08:15 PM PST by Squantos ( Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everyone you meet ...)
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