PPK-S WALTHER vs S&W

[BigSkyBound]

PPK/S newbie here (shopping for one). These photos show lots of similarities, but a few minor differences. I have been told that the slide from a S&W will not interchange with an original Walther, but that the Interarms version's will. Is this true? What is the interchangability of parts on these all around? If I buy a German or French manufactured PPK/S can I get parts from a S&W or Interarms? Thanks!

[searcher451]

It's safe to say that the German, French, and Interarms pistols are made from the same design to the same standards, and the parts are pretty much interchangable as a result; you can use an Interarms slide on a German-made pistol, and it will work just fine. (I'm doing exactly that right now with a hybrid carry piece.) Whether each and every part will work in each and every gun is a matter of speculation, however. The likelihood is there, but you can't really say for certain unless you try it.

As for the S&W-made guns, as you have noted, there are some differences. I know that the firing pin on an Interarms pistol will work in an S&W-made pistol because I've done that, too. But I have my doubts as to any great rate of success for interchanging each and every part -- and beyond that, I'm not sure why you'd want to try it on a wholesale basis. But if parts-swapping is a deal-maker/deal-breaker for you, get yourself a Walther, a Manurhin, or an Interarms pistol and steer clear of the S&Ws.

Welcome to the forum, by the way. Enjoy your time here.

[BigSkyBound]

Thanks Searcher 451! I have read some bad things about the S&W. Too bad, as I generally S&W products. I am leaning toward either a 50s vintage German police pistol I can get for a good price or an Interarms. My main interest is not for swapping out, but for repair. Always concerned about availability of parts for the vintage guns I collect and shoot.

[searcher451]

I don't think that you will have any trouble at all finding parts for any of the four models. With Wolff making a variety of springs and Mec-Gar producing new magazines, the need for fresh parts in the German- and French-made pistols is fairly remote anyway, IMO -- unless, of course, you are shooting 10k rounds a month.