Walther PP and PPK Magazine Variations | WW2 Pre-war and Wartime

Published on January 29, 2020
Duration: 48:08

This guide details the safe disassembly of Walther PP and PPK magazines, focusing on the technique for removing and replacing base plates. It emphasizes using a tool to depress the base plate and manage spring tension, a crucial step for collectors and owners of these historical firearms. The instruction comes from an expert with high authority in collectible German firearms.

Quick Summary

Walther PP and PPK magazines have distinct variations between pre-war and wartime production. Pre-war models often featured only the Walther banner, while wartime versions added caliber and model markings for clarity. Rare types include RZM-marked, colored finger extension, and .25 ACP variants, with specific numbering for SS and Luftwaffe contracts.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Magazine Variations
  2. 02:44Pre-war PP Magazine Details
  3. 09:53Wartime PP Magazine Details
  4. 13:45Pre-war PPK Magazine Details
  5. 16:47Wartime PPK Magazine Details
  6. 23:06Rare Commercial Box Magazines
  7. 25:15Specialty & Presentation Magazines
  8. 29:08Identifying Numbered Magazines (SS, Luftwaffe, Police)
  9. 33:579mm Kurz (.380 ACP) PP & PPK Magazines
  10. 37:20.22 Caliber PP & PPK Magazines
  11. 40:59.25 Caliber PP & PPK Magazines
  12. 44:47Maintenance: Swapping Magazine Bottoms

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between pre-war and wartime Walther PP magazines?

Pre-war Walther PP magazines typically featured only the Walther banner logo. Wartime magazines, however, introduced model and caliber markings (e.g., 'PP 7.65mm') to prevent confusion and often adopted flat bottoms for military and police contracts.

How can collectors identify rare Walther PPK magazines?

Rare PPK magazines include those with unique finger extension colors (like grey), RZM markings for political contracts, numbered magazines for specific military branches (SS, Luftwaffe), and extremely rare .25 ACP variants constructed from Model 8 parts.

What is the significance of caliber markings on 9mm Kurz (.380 ACP) Walther magazines?

9mm Kurz (.380 ACP) Walther magazines are always marked with the caliber and feature solid followers. They lack the side notch found on 7.65mm magazines because the 9mm pistols utilized a bottom magazine release mechanism.

How should one safely disassemble a Walther PP or PPK magazine base plate?

To safely disassemble a magazine base plate, use a small wooden dowel or similar tool to depress the base plate. This manages the spring tension, allowing the base plate to be slid off without the spring ejecting forcefully.

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