The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: twyacht on July 09, 2009, 04:46:27 PM
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I think my poor Walther PPK/S was violated. Just took it out of the box. The de-cocking lever has been changed. It is about as dirty as I've ever seen it. There is NO oil, lube, to be found anywhere.
There is now play between the upper slide and lower frame, where there was none before. Even with no lube anywhere, it feels as if it has been shot 5000 times.
The actual firing pin stop block is machined with larger "U" shaped tangs that slide up around the firing pin in a more substantial manner than the original. Solves the AD chance which led to the recall.
Service slip says polished feed ramp and barrel, but I won't be able to tell until I clean the damn thing. There are fresh machine marks on the frame under the barrel toward the forward portion of the slide, where it appears they put an ever so slight bevel.
And the slide rails for the upper have been made not so razor sharp.
With snap caps, the single action trigger take up seems more prevalent and "loose".
Double action seems like it always was.
My poor Walther.... :-\ (Actually, I hope they shot it up good), I need to trust it.
Well, I sticking to my previous post.... I'm going to clean it, and run the hell out of it. It feels more like the Interarms version, with its little bit of "slop/play". Good. Walther fans rave about their Interarms version, maybe S&W made it even better.
Range report this weekend with pics.
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Not knocking your little friend TW but it's just another reason to avoid S&W service issues. They seem to be getting worse, not better. My SIL has sworn off their auto's as have I.
Good luck with it. We know you've been waiting long enough...
;)
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Walther fans rave about their Interarms version, maybe S&W made it even better.
Sorry to hear about S&W's poor service. YAY however for Interarms! Can't wait to see your range pics.
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I don't know if it was poor service, they had to recall all PPK/S since 2002, that is a boxcar or 5 of pistols.
My other S&W pistols, a 1911, and an M+P have had NO issues to even involve customer service. They always return my emails, and am not knocking them at all.
My Walther was "tight" when I got it, but had NO problems. I think they acknowledged some of the customer feedback "issues" like the razor sharp slide edge, and the de-cocker feeling like bone on bone.
Like other pistols (that shall still stay unnamed), they made a bunch, realized a safety issue, and a couple of other things, and took care of it.
They got hats and mags,.....but if it runs like it did, I'll trust it, carry it, and feel comfortable in knowing the Cor-Bon DPX it holds will work if called upon..
I'll let you all know.
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I'm still waiting to get my 75th anniversary model back.
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I'm still waiting to get my 75th anniversary model back.
Sent it in late April, emailed response was 8 to 12 weeks. So that was a little less.
75th anniversary?
Nice...
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Yep. Engraved and gold inlaid. :) Number 11XX out of 1500. I sure hope they didn't screw it up.
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TW.............did S&W place a punch mark on the frame? The original recall explained that a single punch mark would be placed on the frame to clearly show that the recall had been done.
I always thought it was a bad idea for S&W to use a single punch mark and not a specific unique indicator, perhaps a small logo, as anyone who learns this information (which was published with a photo during the original recall) could just place the punch mark himself. It could make the gun more attractive to an unsuspecting buyer if he wanted to buy the Walther with the added "advantage" of having had the recall fix performed.... Just wondering what marking they ultimately went with, if any?
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TW.............did S&W place a punch mark on the frame? The original recall explained that a single punch mark would be placed on the frame to clearly show that the recall had been done.
With the hammer down, there is a small drill press mark on the top of the tang. on the frame. Considering the de-cocker, and "safety issue" were on the upper slide portion, there are no marks.
Theoretically, one could take an old upper to another frame with the mark, and still have a pistol with the same problem that led to the recall.
Granted, NO news of any AD's that I can find are documented. Kinda like the LCP or SR9, they just deemed it important enough to recall.
It has been "loosened up" as my previous posts stated, it was tight as a drum when first purchased. The mark is there and the test drive is coming.
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Please shoot it this week and let me know. I've got mine ready to ship...but had that SR9 experience and am reluctant to send in my PPK. What you just described...makes me more resolved not to send it in. The slack in the frame spooks me...I don't want slack. I don't want an AD...but I don't want something I am disappointed in that I can't even look at.
The AD...what was the condition(s) that cause an AD in the PPK?
Thanks,
Ken
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Simple solution.....when you use the decocker lever on a PPK or PPK/S, simply learn to place your thumb beneath the hammer before decocking and gently let the hammer down. I have a 1987 Interarms PPK and although not affected by the recall, has put enough doubt in my mind that I have now adopted this method.
A guy I work with has the new S&W PPK and he refuses to send in his for recall work, partly because he doesn't want to go several months without his daily CCW gun but also he is worried as to what they may do to it. He has adopted the thumb under the hammer technique and is not sending it in for the recall fix....Just a thought.
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Bummer TW. Hate to hear that. And you have an issue too Rastus? I never bought a PPK cause I thought they were too expensive for a .380. I could care less about them and their popularity in James Bond movies. Then again, I still think Sean Connery was the best James Bond, so what do I know??? ::)
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The AD...what was the condition(s) that cause an AD in the PPK?
Thanks,
Ken
According to S&W, "Using the de-cocker to lower the hammer, could cause the hammer to strike the firing pin with enough force to fire a round".
Literally bypassing the blocking mechanism. The new one is stout, totally envelopes the pin and has large machined points on either side to intercept the hammer as its de-cocked. It starts rotating into place as soon as the de-cocker is lowered.
I am optimistic, this is a Walther, made by S&W. They covered their butt, just like the others, and wouldn't lower the overall performance or expectations of this pistol.
The amount of fouling, with no lube to be found, makes me feel good about this weekend. They shot it more than a few times, (perks of the job I guess), and if it were to "mess up", do it at the one place to make it right.
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Sorry TW. Once I find a weapon to mess up or malfunction, that is when I get rid of it to upgrade. It has been that way since my Tec-9, may have been a ammo issue, misfired. But I got rid of it. Any weapon, with the exception fo the .22 LR Glenfield Model 60 that my father got me at the age of 10, that misfires I trade in and move up.
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Sorry TW. Once I find a weapon to mess up or malfunction, that is when I get rid of it to upgrade. It has been that way since my Tec-9, may have been a ammo issue, misfired. But I got rid of it. Any weapon, with the exception fo the .22 LR Glenfield Model 60 that my father got me at the age of 10, that misfires I trade in and move up.
Mine NEVER messed up or malfunctioned. Just subject to a recall.. If I had issues before the recall, I would have posted it, asked for advice, even from the Walther Forum, and dumped it if not resolved, but that was not the case.
Tec-9's were junk regardless of ammo, and a good one to get rid of.
My tweaked up Ruger 10/22 doesn't like American Eagle ammo, but shoots CCI all day with no cleaning. I'm keeping the Ruger and ditching the American Eagle.
Like I said, I'm running the hell out of it. Had NO issues before, and expect no issues this weekend.
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Well it sounds like you have one that was not made on Friday TW. Good deal. Won't bother you any further. But I did buy a recalled LCP and it shoots on the money. I even paid more for it used than for a new one. Money well spent with that Ruger. :D
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Please shoot it this week and let me know. I've got mine ready to ship...but had that SR9 experience and am reluctant to send in my PPK. What you just described...makes me more resolved not to send it in. The slack in the frame spooks me...I don't want slack. I don't want an AD...but I don't want something I am disappointed in that I can't even look at.
The AD...what was the condition(s) that cause an AD in the PPK?
Thanks,
Ken
Possible if dropped with a round in the chamber.
When was the last time you dropped a gun ? I never have, I would have got my ass kicked up around my shoulder blades.
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According to S&W, "Using the de-cocker to lower the hammer, could cause the hammer to strike the firing pin with enough force to fire a round".
Literally bypassing the blocking mechanism. The new one is stout, totally envelopes the pin and has large machined points on either side to intercept the hammer as its de-cocked. It starts rotating into place as soon as the de-cocker is lowered.
I am optimistic, this is a Walther, made by S&W. They covered their butt, just like the others, and wouldn't lower the overall performance or expectations of this pistol.
The amount of fouling, with no lube to be found, makes me feel good about this weekend. They shot it more than a few times, (perks of the job I guess), and if it were to "mess up", do it at the one place to make it right.
Well, I just won't carry it cocked. I'm too scared that I'll get something back I would not have bought in the first place.
Possible if dropped with a round in the chamber.
When was the last time you dropped a gun ? I never have, I would have got my ass kicked up around my shoulder blades.
10-4.
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I finally got mine back today. Man is it ever stiff. Racking the slide seems several times harder than a 1911 with a 18 pound recoil spring. I'm going to let it soak in cleaner overnight before I shoot it. I may burn up all the ammo and sell the gun. I don't need a .380 anyway.
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I finally got mine back today. Man is it ever stiff. Racking the slide seems several times harder than a 1911 with a 18 pound recoil spring. I'm going to let it soak in cleaner overnight before I shoot it. I may burn up all the ammo and sell the gun. I don't need a .380 anyway.
If yer gonna sell the gun, ammo is a nice incentive for the buyer.
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I finally got mine back today. Man is it ever stiff. Racking the slide seems several times harder than a 1911 with a 18 pound recoil spring. I'm going to let it soak in cleaner overnight before I shoot it. I may burn up all the ammo and sell the gun. I don't need a .380 anyway.
Ill give ya $100
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That sucks jumbofrank. The .380 ammo is like gold around here. Just started seeing boxes come in the past couple of weeks.
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Hey Jumbo, did the sheet come back with "polish feed ramp"? Mine did, but they also machined around the base of the slide, and under the barrel.
It came back with NO oil and dirty as hell.
Hope the soak helps, keep us posted.
I have read, the spring can sometimes be replaced with a 22 lb. version.
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Hey Jumbo, did the sheet come back with "polish feed ramp"? Mine did, but they also machined around the base of the slide, and under the barrel.
It came back with NO oil and dirty as hell.
Hope the soak helps, keep us posted.
I have read, the spring can sometimes be replaced with a 22 lb. version.
It says, polish ramp of bbl., and repair decock lever sys.
It looks like not much was done as the bluing is still intact except for some tiny spots but the slide hold back works way better.
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Well, I soaked it in gun cleaner about 2 days then let it drip dry for a day. It's still hard to rack the slide, but not as bad. I still haven't shot it.
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Well, I soaked it in gun cleaner about 2 days then let it drip dry for a day. It's still hard to rack the slide, but not as bad. I still haven't shot it.
Sounds like it needs some "quality time"....at the range...
Hope you get a chance soon, I know .380 ammo is "tight" I can donate a few mag fulls if you like..
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I think I have 2 boxes of FMJ and 2 boxes of JHP. I just need to find it. If that's not enough to break it in I'll see what the stores have in stock.
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I have 2 new walther aristocrats and walther I carry at times. I don't think I should send them in after reading all of these? What do you guys think?
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Since it's a safety issue I would do it. Check with S&W to see if yours is part of the recall.
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I have 2 new walther aristocrats and walther I carry at times. I don't think I should send them in after reading all of these? What do you guys think?
The recall will NOT affect performance. my previous range test on this thread is IMHO that S&W fixed what "they" were concerned about, machined the sharp edges down on the upper, evidently fired more than a "mag or two" through it, without lube, and sent it back.
As other brands have had recall's the Walther never had a trigger issue, it remains the same. If they bumped jumbo's Anniversary Edition spring up, they did it for a reason. If he has an issue with performance, there is NO doubt he would be the one to get S&W to get it right.
Mine came back dry and dirty, but S&W covered their concern with the recall and did a "fluff and buff" while they had it.
I would send yours back with a letter voicing your apprehension and concerns, that is totally acceptable. I'm sure S&W and the guys in Maine won't "f" them up...
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The recall will NOT affect performance. my previous range test on this thread is IMHO that S&W fixed what "they" were concerned about, machined the sharp edges down on the upper, evidently fired more than a "mag or two" through it, without lube, and sent it back.
As other brands have had recall's the Walther never had a trigger issue, it remains the same. If they bumped jumbo's Anniversary Edition spring up, they did it for a reason. If he has an issue with performance, there is NO doubt he would be the one to get S&W to get it right.
Mine came back dry and dirty, but S&W covered their concern with the recall and did a "fluff and buff" while they had it.
I would send yours back with a letter voicing your apprehension and concerns, that is totally acceptable. I'm sure S&W and the guys in Maine won't "f" them up...
You have A LOT more faith in those Mainiacs than I do ! The only other industries up there are Logging, Potato's and Blueberries.
A $9/hr I bet they got a LOT of experienced help.
I would suggest to Frank that he disassemble the pistol and give it a THOROUGH cleaning and relube it, BEFORE he shoots it. If it still isn't right call Customer service.
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You have A LOT more faith in those Mainiacs than I do ! The only other industries up there are Logging, Potato's and Blueberries.
A $9/hr I bet they got a LOT of experienced help.
I gave mine a very light lube, but no cleaning. Range trip went fine. I have several S&W's and Frank should have the same result.
I hope the Chief Maniac does the final inspection and firing line test, ( he should at least get more than $9) and S&W takes stock in their employees. Gun owners can be rather cantankerous and downright rowdy, if we're let down after a recall.. Ask Jay..
If my Walther was not "right" I would have shared it with everyone here, and Houlton, ME.
Jumbofrank has such diplomatic savvy, I'm sure after a range trip, if it's not right,, we'll all know the result..
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You have A LOT more faith in those Mainiacs than I do ! The only other industries up there are Logging, Potato's and Blueberries.
A $9/hr I bet they got a LOT of experienced help.
I gave mine a very light lube, but no cleaning. Range trip went fine. I have several S&W's and Frank should have the same result.
I hope the Chief Maniac does the final inspection and firing line test, ( he should at least get more than $9) and S&W takes stock in their employees. Gun owners can be rather cantankerous and downright rowdy, if we're let down after a recall.. Ask Jay..
If my Walther was not "right" I would have shared it with everyone here, and Houlton, ME.
Jumbofrank has such diplomatic savvy, I'm sure after a range trip, if it's not right,, we'll all know the result..
I'm just saying that except or a couple of engineers they are not "gun guys" as in gun smiths (most probably shoot and/ or hunt) and except for a very few "set up" people they are probably not "machinists" beyond loading parts and pushing the "go" button.
That judgment is based on my experience at T/C where they had a MUCH larger pool of skilled labor being laid off from the shipyard but they did not get them because the pay was so low.