S&W Recall of Walther PPK(s)

Podunkadunk · Mar 7, 2009

To all effected:

Smith & Wesson is recalling Walther PPK and PPK/s Pistols Manufactured from March 21, 2002 until February 3, 2009.

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL NOTICE - February 20, 2009

PRODUCT: Walther PPK and PPK/S pistols
DESCRIPTION OF THE HAZARD: Smith & Wesson has identified a condition that may exist in certain PPK and PPK/S pistols which may permit a round to be discharged without the trigger being pulled. When the manual safety is disengaged, Smith & Wesson's Product Engineering Group has determined that the possibility exists in certain firearms that lowering the hammer may cause a chambered round to fire.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRODUCT INVOLVED: This recall applies to all Walther PPK and PPK/S pistols manufactured by Smith & Wesson from March 21, 2002 until February 3, 2009. The Serial Numbers of the pistol subject to this recall are as follows:

0010BAB - 9999BAB
0000BAC - 9999BAC
0000BAD - 9999BAD
0000BAE - 9999BAE
0000BAF - 9999BAF
0000BAH - 9999BAH
0000BAJ - 9999BAJ
0000BAK - 9999BAK
0000BAL - 5313BAL
0000BAM - 1320BAM
0000LTD - 0499LTD
0001PPK - 1500PPK
0026REP - 0219REP
0001WLE - 0459WLE
REMEDY/ACTION TO BE TAKEN: STOP USING YOUR PISTOL AND RETURN IT TO SMITH & WESSON AT ONCE.
Any unintended discharge of a firearm has the potential for causing injury, and we ask that you stop using your pistol immediately.

To facilitate the repair of your pistol, please contact Smith & Wesson's customer service department to receive instructions for the return of your pistol to Smith & Wesson.

When you return your pistol to Smith & Wesson, we will replace the existing hammer block feature with a new part at no cost to you. Your firearm will be returned as quickly and efficiently as possible.
VERIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION: When your pistol is returned, you should note a punch dot which appears at the back of the frame. See the photograph below.

This marking is verification that the new hammer block has been installed and that your pistol is safe to handle.
CONSUMER CONTACT: To receive a UPS pre-paid billable stamp and shipping instructions to arrange for the modification of your pistol click here or contact Smith & Wesson directly at 1-800-331-0852.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECALL, PLEASE CONTACT SMITH & WESSON AT
1-800-331-0852 or email us at PPK_S@smith-wesson.com.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...catalogId=10001&content=62303&sectionId=10506

Podunk

RonMar · Mar 7, 2009

My nephew got one of these, a PPKs about 3 months ago. It had a part break during the first trip to the range. The top edge of a little spring loaded spur in the hammer broke off(part of the DA mechanism). When you attempted to switch on the safety this little spur would catch on the back of the slide and the hammer would stop about half way down and not fully fall.

Overall the workmanship on this little gun did not impress me. A lot of the parts seemed way too sloppy for reliable long term serivce. I have never held an original walther so I have nothing to compare to as far as that particular design. My old S&W 59 however is still just as tight as the day it was made. IMO, This little Walther reproduction was pretty dissappointing... He is in town today, I will let him know about this recall. Thanks for posting it.

JB4310 · Mar 8, 2009

Thanks for the heads up,
I've got a PPK, I thought it was a little older than 2002 but I checked the numbers anyway and it must be older, mine still says INTERARMS on it and it has just one letter before the ser #. Must of bought this around 98-2000 not sure.

Bought this in an ever elusive quest for the perfect pocket pistol, mine has a perfect fit and finish in stainless but I have not been thrilled with it for carrying in a pocket

and .380 is kinda obsolete now with all the small frame poly guns in 9 and 40

I will trade this in eventually when I decide on a suitable replacement, was looking at the new PPS in 9 mm, looks well made with some nice features but have read about failures and guns having to go back to the factory for repair, which to me is unacceptable, you buy a tool that might be used in a life and death situation and it has a mechanical failure

A guy recently posted about his Kel Tec 9, I normally would only buy a carry gun from the top echelon of manufactures, but they are all about production now so maybe I'll have to take a good look at the Kel Tec, when they first came out years ago I thought "that's just what I want" but I didn't trust the off brand. they've been around for quite a while now, and have become more mainstream.