At least Bond got his: Walther Ends Production on PPK, PPKs, and PP Pistols
Firearms giant Walther this week announced it was beginning a “multi-year pause of production” on its most iconic pistol lines.
As part of Walther’s “long-term product vision,” the PPK, PPK/S, and PP models will no longer be produced as the company enters into a “multi-year reengineering and modernization program.” Walther officials stress this initiative aims to enhance performance, integrate advanced manufacturing technologies, and elevate the user experience – all while preserving the iconic look, feel, and spirit that have defined these pistols for generations.
“This is not the end of the PPK story,” said Tyler Weigel, VP of sales for Walther Arms. “It’s the beginning of a new chapter. Our goal is to honor the heritage of these iconic firearms by bringing them into the future without compromising what made them classics.”
Related: Home of the PDP and PPK: Factory Tour of Walther’s German Plant
The original PP (Polizeipistole or “Police Pistol”) was introduced in Weimar-era Germany by Carl Walther in 1929. Originally chambered in .32 ACP, the pistol has evolved over the years into more compact PPK and import-compliant PPK/s variants with other calibers such as .22 LR and .380 ACP added to the mix.
The Walther factory, shifted from Zella-Mehlis in Soviet-occupied East Germany to Ulm in West Germany after World War II, eventually resumed production on the PP/PPK just in time for it to become a staple of international espionage movies during the Cold War.
While Sean Connery’s Agent 007 was issued a Walther in the first 10 minutes of 1962’s “Dr. No” to replace his favored .25 ACP Beretta, it would continue as his standard through his six-film run and go on to be picked up off and on by successive generations of Bonds.
You can bet that collectors will now be moving in on the new old stock PP series pistols that remain on shelves – before they disappear like a spy into the mist.
Kust to point out that the Beretta used in the scene is either (and most probably) a M1934 (in .380 ACP) or a M1935 (in .32 ACP); in any case, certainly not a .25 ACP piece, as it is described in the book. And if my eyes don’t deceive me, I would say the Walther is actually a PP and not a PPK.
indeed, as confirmed by IMFDB. The book has a .25 Beretta and the PPK, which carried over to the screenplay. https://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Dr._No
You may want to edit the initial “K” to a “J” of my original comment. I most certainly do, but I don’t think I can.