[ppk765]

Hello guys,

I am new to this forum and I have a question.

A couple of days ago I had a chance to buy a new in box (!) PPK-L 7,65 (Duraluminum) Made in Germany (Since I'me living in Europe we have the German ones). I also have an all steel version PPK and have the following questions:

1) Which one is more durable: the steel version or the duraluminum one,
2) Is there any difference in maintenance,
3) Is Duraluminum more prone to error or maybe less prone,
4) What are your experiences with the light weight PPK-L,
5) Is there any difference in accuracy?
6) When did they start producing this Dural version and when did they stop with it (a little history).

You reactions will be highly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[P88]

I'll try to answer this as best I can:

1) The steel version will probably be more durable. Back when they built these the metalurgy wasn't as advanced as it is today. Most aluminum guns made today are more durable than steel, but back when your's was made it was still a little softer than steel.

2) No difference that I know of in maintenance

3) Rumor has it that the Dural PPK's were a little more prone to failures.

4) I don't have one.....yet

5) Shouldn't be any difference in accuracy

6) I believe that they started making Dural frames back in the 1940's. Stopped in the 1940's and then started again in the 1960's. I'll have to check for sure.

Devin

 

[ppk765]

Thanks for the info. Did they produce it till the end when they started it again in the 60's?

 

[ppk765]

Any idea on the durability? I mean can I shoot 50,000 times with a steel version and 25,000 times with the dural one or is the difference not that big?

Do you have info on what kind of failures? Feeding, extraction or breaking frames or whatsoever?


Thanks,

Henk

 

[P88]

What is the serial number? You can leave out a couple of middle digits if you'd like. Is there a K at the end of the serial number? Maybe an L? I can give you more history with a serial number. Any special markings on the pistol? Crown over N or Eagle over N?

I am not too experienced with the Dural, but the rumors I've heard are about cracked frames.

 

[ppk765]

The all steel version has serial number: 30xx33
The lightweight version has serial number: 52xx49

Both have the eagle over N and no special signs. The steel version has the Ulm proof marks. I don't have the lightweight version yet, so I can't tell what proofmark it has.

 

[P88]

ppk7,65,

It looks like both of your PPK's are post war. I'm still not sure on the durability of the Dural. I've heard both good and bad.

Is there a two digit number or two letters near the Ulm proof mark? This will give you the date made.

Devin

 

[ppk765]

The steel one has HH near the proof mark. I don't know about the other one, yet.

 

[P88]

HH mean it was made in 1977.

The letter, number system goes like this:
0 = A
1 = B
2 = C
3 = D
4 = E
5 = F
6 = G
7 = H
8 = J
9 = K

 

[ppk765]

Thanks, Devin,

Didn't realize it was that new.