Losing the gun would be a relatively minor problem in the event of a shooting, even if you are 100% in the right. My $0.02

 

Utterly puzzled as to why you would think that. You would probably kiss it goodbye as evidence and then “lost” somewhere, there’s nothing illegal as such about the gun.

 

A pre 1968 PPK is perfectly legal. As are post 1968 PPK that were made here by Interarms, or ones imported for use by law enforcement, and the new ones from Walther USA. You are worried about a non issue.

 

Yes, there is nothing inherently illegal with that pistol or possessing it for personal protection. The comments should reflect that, if you are a felon not legally allowed to own a firearm and you use it in even a self-defense situation, you could be in trouble. Also, if this pistol is listed as stolen, even from many years ago, it may be an issue. Just pointing out things to consider with your question. Look at every detail from all angles.

Also, learn the laws around concealed carry and definitely, without a doubt, shoot it enough to become proficient with it. You need to remember that every bullet you shoot in any incident has a lawyer attached to it. Great advice!

 

Thanks for your feedback everyone. I'll probably get something else for personal protection. The PPK has sentimental value so I wouldn't want to lose it. You both make good points. I'd hope to never need to use it, and it's likely gone anyway if I do. I'll have the PPK professionally cleaned, not just field stripped and use it only at the range, because it wouldn't be right to have it and never use it. I'll also look into joining USCCA.

 

I'll have the PPK professionally cleaned, not just field stripped and use it only at the range, because it wouldn't be right to have it and never use it.

If you have the money and inclination to do it right, you might consider sending it to Mike McClellan at M&M in Alabama. He is expert with vintage Walthers. Something is likely to need replacing, unless the pistol has been well cared for, and Mike has everything in stock to get your PPK running like new. Hopefully, it is chambered in .32/7.65, these pistols are very snappy in .380 (i.e., not much fun at the range).

 

USCCA magazines are fantastic reading. Great articles to learn from. Good choice!

 

You can never have too much information!

 

Don’t take a chance. Too many variables. This is why they made Glocks.

 

Yeah, kinda what I'm thinking.

 

Ignore him. Good thread and discussion overall.

 

Thanks. He's not a problem. Just being polite.

 

As far as a professional cleaning unless the gun is really in super bad shape simply removing the slide and grips and then using a squirt bottle of kerosene and perhaps a couple of cue tips should do the trick. If you can get the serial number and are worried about the legality of the pistol, a police check of the serial number should be done. Otherwise if you were ever stopped going to the range or if you carried it and it was formerly stolen you would be in big trouble. That is why carrying a used gun can sometimes be a very bad idea. Throwing the gun down in a shootout may also get you into more trouble than if you just contacted the Police and explain that you were attacked and feared for your life. Trying to get away only denotes guilt in a shootout.

 

I'd like to get it deep cleaned if I'm going to keep it as a collectible. I'm likely going to join USCCA so I can have some guidance on how to handle any legal issues whether I ever have to use it for self defense or not.

 

Just another reason I'll be joining USCCA. I'd like to have some input locally on how to get some legal direction. I'm really not a big chance taker myself. I'm tying to take slow deliberate steps.

 

Having legal backup, in today's world, is money well spent.
As regards using the pistol for self defense (especially if there is the slightest question of its provenance), there could be a can of worms.
Also, if the family history attached to this particular pistol is important to you, a 'use of deadly force' event may be the last you see of it, for years.
IMHO, never carry an irreplaceable gun.
Moon

 

The more I hear, the more I'm convinced.