“... The PPK was worthless. ...Took it to several gunsmiths and they couldn’t correct the problem. ...”
Common for PPK and PPK/S.
The initial model (PP) was designed around the 32 ACP cartridge. The 380 ACP is too large in diameter, and has the wrong taper, curvature, and surface intersection angles. No one can make them feed every time.
James Bond never had any problems...
Gunsmith (former Marine gunsmith) friend of mine mis-remembered that I was looking for a Sig P232 in stainless, and gave me a Christmas gift of a Walther PPK/S.
Jamming problems always. Sent back to Walther for repair, their repair SEEMED to fix the jams, but I just could never trust the weapon. Waited a few years, sold it with whole story, got my Sig P232 in stainless with Sig Night Sites and Hogue grips - Never a jam, and FAR more accurate.....love it....
No longer made, and the P238 (.380) and P938 (9mm) are great pistols, but I love the feel and handling of the P232 more than either....