Interarms vs S&W decision

[jcannady]

Let's say that you had the opportunity to buy a brand new S&W PPK/S and a new old stock (never fired) Interarms PPK/S. *Assuming that price was not an issue which would you buy and why?

Jim

[KJacques]

I've had both and I prefer the Interarms version. But I don't know if I've got any other reason that I prefer the look of the Interarms gun. I've had trouble with the S&W PPK grips, but not the PPK/s. In fact, functionally, I could tell no difference between the post recall S&W and the older Interarms. They both shot the same without any feed problems for me, but S&W made enough changes to the design that I just prefer the Interarms. Even tho, I think the extended beaver tail works, I just can't get behind the looks on the gun which really spoil it for me.

[autonut]

OP.....what caliber?

I have one of each, but can only make an "appearance" comparison. My Ranger is 380 and my Smith is post-recall 32. Some folks here simply can't stand the thought of a Smith PPK or PPK/S.....and that's fine...everybody has an opinion. I don't know how those people get past Interarms building the beloved German pistol, but the Ranger does not seem to get beat-on as badly.

I have three....the Ranger 380, the Ranger TPH 22LR and the Smith 32. For no reason whatsoever other than to get three that match....I would trade the Smith for a like-quality Ranger in 32 any day. I think the only advantage the Smith has over the Ranger (other than the beaver-tail) is there is an outlet for service and parts. (It's unclear to me whether-or-not Smith would service an Interarms weapon.)

I think if you will only be getting one.....get the Smith.

[searcher451]

The problem with the S&W models is that they don't always work, even after multiple trips to back to Houlten for servicing. And the recall didn't help the reputation of the model at all. Some forum members also don't like the changes that S&W made to its version, part of which (hammer block) contributed to the recall. The Interarms/Ranger version follows the original Walther design, which is the reason why many people here prefer it over the S&W model. Smith will work on Interarms pistols, we're told, although other well-qualified gunsmiths are around and available, with fine track records. I own one S&W model, several Interarms models, and several German and French versions. For me, in order: Walther, Manurhin, Interarms/Ranger, S&W. Your mileage may vary.

[Glenn-SC]

All mine (PP or PPK or PPK/S or .22LR or .32 or .380 or German or French or American) run fine.
No Jam-o-matics.
No hand-biters.
No breakages.
The S&W CS is a big plus if you are only going to get one.
I would get first what I found first then look for the other(s).

[AoxoMoxoA]

Originally Posted by jcannady

Let's say that you had the opportunity to buy a brand new S&W PPK/S and a new old stock (never fired) Interarms PPK/S. *Assuming that price was not an issue which would you buy and why?

Originally Posted by searcher451

The Interarms/Ranger version follows the original Walther design, which is the reason why many people here prefer it over the S&W model.

On top of the mechanical reasons that Searcher outlined, all you have to do is to handle the two pistols and inspect them for fit and finish. They are miles apart. If that alone doesn't make up your mind, I don't know what will...

[Iron Man]

I own a bunch of PPK, and PPK/S in German, French, and Interarms. I started with a S&W. It had three major failures and I sent it back and got a revolver to replace it. I have a German PPK/S on me right this minute. It or my engraved Interarms model goes with me everywhere.

[MGMike]

Oh, by all means, GO for the S&W. Think about how much forum activity you'll enjoy afterward.

Moon: That doesn't count as a negative remark, does it?

M

[autonut]

Boy-oh-boy....I could just smell the action as things heated-up here on this thread . Honest...if I could have found a Ranger 32 I would have bought it when I bought the Smith, but it did not work out that way. I may be blind, but the fit-n-finish on the particular Smith I have is every bit as good as either of the Rangers. We all know Smith recalled EVERY pistol they made from 2002 on through early 2009 and I would not own one of the first runs recalled or not.

Does anybody really know if the "reputation" of the later post-recalled Smiths is any better or worse than the recalled guns.....just asking, I don't know.

I'd only still say that if you plan to only get one....get the post-recall Smith.

[searcher451]

The post-recall Smith & Walthers seem to be hit and miss as well, sad to say. That observation comes from anecdotal evidence from forum reports, not from anything released from S&W. S&W doesn't issue such reports.