Walther PPK/L
Carl Walther GmbH Sportwaffen · Pistol · Discontinued · 1957
Also known as: Walther PPK-L, PPK Leichtmetall
Overview
The Walther PPK/L is a lightweight variant of the Walther PPK semi-automatic pistol, produced from the late 1950s and through the 1960s. It replaced the standard steel frame with an aluminium alloy frame, cutting roughly 170 grams from the weight of the all-steel PPK to make it easier to carry concealed. Because the reduced mass increased felt recoil, the PPK/L was offered only in the lighter-recoiling .32 ACP (7.65mm Browning) and .22 LR chamberings rather than the .380 ACP. It otherwise retained the blowback action, double-action trigger, loaded-chamber indicator and 7-round magazine of the postwar PPK.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 480 g (16.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 155 mm (6.10") |
| Barrel Length | 83 mm (3.27") |
| Height | 100 mm (3.94") |
| Width | 25 mm (0.98") |
| Sight Radius | 111 mm (4.37") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 300 m/s (984 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 200 J (148 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Plastic |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .32 ACP · primary — also known as .32 Automatic, 7.65x17mm Browning SR, 7.65mm Browning
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Decocker, Loaded Chamber Indicator
- Features: Double Action Trigger, Fixed Barrel, Lanyard Loop, Loaded Chamber Indicator, Lightweight Alloy Frame
Base model
Production
Production years: 1957-1960s
Produced in relatively small numbers compared to the steel-framed PPK; exact figures not published
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Fritz Walther
Notes
The 'L' denotes Leichtmetall (light metal), referring to the aluminium alloy frame. Only chambered in .32 ACP and .22 LR because of the sharper felt recoil of the lighter frame. Now a rare and sought-after collector variant.
Background
The PPK (Polizeipistole Kriminalmodell) family gained lasting fame as the fictional sidearm of James Bond; the lightweight PPK/L was a niche alloy-framed offering aimed at plainclothes and concealed carry where every ounce mattered.