Umarex Walther PPK/S BB pistol Review

Overall Rating

What a really cool looking firearm replica The Umarex Walther PPK/S CO2 pistol is. I had to have it because it is a copy of one of the sleekest little pistols ever created. So like everyone else here, I bought it and I shot it . . . when it would cooperate.

I thought that maybe my new PPK/S CO2 pistol might need some breaking in since it had some strange misfires out of the box. Surprisingly, I ended up having to deburr the slide in two locations as it was dragging on the barrel shroud and gas valve housing. It's too bad that the trigger guard is pinned because the slide on this gun really needs to be removed before operation to check and lube this pistol. Thanks to fellow reviewer ReginaPhalange for the fix on that problem!

Accuracy? Well this gun tries to deny you any of that. It kicks and bucks as the BB is leaving the barrel all due to that blowback going on at the same time you're pulling the trigger. If you want any accuracy, you have to hold this pistol firm. Really firm, as in two hand hold with a mega grip. My PPK/S shoots about a 3-1/2" group at 25 feet with two handed gorilla grip. Holding loosely at the same distance will open up a group to 7". Either way, this PPK/S shoots about 4" high at that distance with a 6 o'clock sight hold.

The PPK/S does shoot at a low velocity, but anyone that reads the specs, or any reviews, ought to know that. The blowback action with the slide lock open feature is still a big plus and lots of fun, even though I'm generally not a fan of blowback guns. It really does kick like a .22 rimfire pistol. Except with a rimfire, the bullet is out of the barrel before it kicks back the slide on you.

The grip fits my hand extremely well. The magazine is made of a flimsy plastic, but it does work. Too bad the safety cannot be on the slide like the real gun, that is probably due to the blowback feature I guess. It does have a really nice single action trigger for a BB air pistol, but it does not have double action capability like the real firearm.

I also own the Umarex Makarov CO2 pistol. Since the real Makarov is basically a copied design of the real Walther PPK/S, some comparisons are inevitable between the two air pistols. Both are metal framed with movable metal slides and have stick magazines. The Walther has a plastic barrel shroud, a plastic magazine, and a plastic bottomed grip frame while the Makarov has metal in these parts. The Makarov is not a blowback pistol which allows for a higher BB velocity.

What features are the best on each CO2 pistol?

Accuracy = Makarov (much tighter groups than the Walther)

Trigger = Walther (the Makarov's is heavier - but they both have indistinct release points)

Grip = Walther (Subjective, but the Walther really feels like part of my hand)

Safety = Makarov (Its on the slide like the real gun)

Magazine = Makarov (all metal with a hold down notch for the follower)

Fit and finish = Makarov (due to the internals not needing deburring like the Walther)

Both air pistols are really decent replicas of the real deal. The Makarov is a tad heavier with more weight at the barrel so it feels like a real firearm, except the grip feels like a misshapen block not meant for the human hand. The Walther's fun blowback action, that cocks the hammer with each shot, makes the Walther feel more real in that respect.

Overall, I like the Umarex Makarov better for its accuracy and construction. However, I like the Walther PPK/S CO2 better in all the other areas. Just beware that you may have to tinker with the Walther a bit to get it fully operational.

The Walther PPK/S CO2 pistol is a gun that challenges you to shoot well. You just have to decide if you are up to the task. If so, you are in for a lot of shooting fun.

Members' Comments onhfs's Review

• seerdet on 8th Sep 2009

  hfs - I own this pistol and it is very accurate for a smoothbore! I am a beginner / below average shot but on a good day I get 1/2 half inch groups at 6 yards firing twohanded standing up! Perhaps you are firing gamo lead BBs- these are much heavier than steel too much for the limited !ftlb power output and have a rapidly dropping trajectory - or more likely your gun has a defect that needs to be put right! UMAREX sells them with a years warranty get it fixed!

• hfs on 24th Nov 2009

  I was using Crosman Copperheads. They are not the best representative of a steel BB since they have many deformities.
  
  Perhaps with a better BB I would get better accuracy, but the Makarov air pistol that I compared it to was much more accurate with the same BBs.
  
  As much as I liked the Makarov, I gave it to a friend as a gift. I do still have and appreciate the Walther air pistol. Tons of fun!