When one hears the word "spy," they might envision a suave gentleman donning a perfectly tailored tuxedo or an expensive sports car outfitted with smoke screens and missiles. But the image that stands out more than any other is that of an iconic handgun carried by the world's most famous secret agent - the sleek, uber concealable Walther PPK. 

The Iconic Walther PPK Pistol

A Brief History Of The Walther PPK

The Walther PPK was introduced in 1931 as a smaller, more concealable version of the Walther PP. Chambered in .32 ACP, it was used extensively by plainclothes police as well as intelligence officers during World War II before catching on with firearms enthusiasts seeking a dependable concealed carry pistol. 

After the Gun Control Act of 1968 banned the importation of the PPK, it became a highly sought after collector's piece due to its military service and prominence in pop culture. The initial run of James Bond films starring Sean Connery as 007 depicted the main character using his PPK to great effect, prompting many moviegoers to purchase one used.

Closeup of the Walther PPK in .380 ACP

Closeup of an Interarms PPK in .380 ACP.

Domestic manufacture would commence in the 80s and 90s, with .22 LR and .380 ACP models distributed by Interarms before Smith & Wesson took over production. Smith & Wesson also modified the frame of the gun to incorporate a larger grip tang which reduced slide bite, a feature which has carried over to current production models sold by Walther. 

A black Walther PPK (top) and a stainless version produced by Interarms (bottom)

A current production Walther PPK (top) and a stainless model produced by Interarms (bottom).

The Walther PPK In 2023: Still Relevant?

Obviously, firearms technology has evolved quite a bit since the 1930s when the PPK was first released. There are many more compact, lightweight pistols available in .22 LR or .380 ACP - so why does the Walther PPK still see use as a concealed carry pistol in 2023?

The pistol's status as one of the most iconic handguns in history certainly doesn't hurt, but there are also a few features unique to the PPK that (for some shooters) make it the superior choice over alternatives like the Ruger LCP or the PPK's less good-looking twin brother, the Bersa Thunder.

Walther PPK/S .22 - 22LR Pistol 3.35" 10+1 Capacity Model # 5030320 by Walther Arms - New
Walther PPK/S .22 - 22LR Pistol 3.35" 10+1 Capacity Model # 5030320 by Walther Arms - New
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Why You Should Carry The Walther PPK

First and foremost, the Walther PPK is a hammer-fired double action / single action pistol with a frame-mounted safety / decocker. This affords the shooter second strike capability and allows the pistol to be safely carried in an off body or deep concealment rig. By contrast, the Beretta Cheetah (also a DA / SA chambered for .380 ACP) is slightly chunkier and therefore does not conceal quite as well as the PPK. 

The Walther PPK is incredibly sleek and ergonomic, with clean lines and no wasted space. Controls are minimal and the pistol lacks a slide stop lever which helps mitigate risk of snagging during the draw stroke. Moreover, the PPK's stainless steel construction offers a much softer shooting gun when compared to its polymer contemporaries.

Walther Arms PPK/S Semi-Automatic .380 ACP 7rd Pistol - Stainless Steel with Walnut Grips - 4796004WG
Walther Arms PPK/S Semi-Automatic .380 ACP 7rd Pistol - Stainless Steel with Walnut Grips - 4796004WG
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A Classic Concealed Carry Pistol

While some shooters may consider the added weight and relatively low capacity of the PPK as dealbreakers, we think it is still a perfectly viable choice for concealed carry in 2023. It's incredibly concealable and offers decent firepower provided you select an adequate defensive round. For a slim summer carry option, it's tough to beat the iconic Walther PPK.

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Need help choosing between a .380 ACP or a 9mm pistol? Watch our video to discover which round is best for concealed carry!