Walther PP or PPK?

[Stickfigure21]

For what it is worth, I would go with a Walther P38 for your display unless you already have the Luger. The Walther PP would not be considered a front line pistol. Having owned both, the PP or PPK is much smaller in size and caliber.



Mike

No, I currently have no pistols in my collection. Thanks for the input, very nice 2. Panzer logo as a pic, a man with a similar interest as I [emoji1303]

[robert]

In general, there is a lot of leeway. The rule of thumb was the higher ranking the officer, the smaller the pistol. That being said, anything is possible. A general could have a bigger pistol if he liked or a Leutenant could have a smaller pistol. General Guderian carried a Luger. That was his preference. A lieutenant or NCO or machine gun crew would probably have a 9mm like a Luger, P38 Radom or HiPower. Would be fine for a higher officer too but a 32 like PP, PPK, Sauer, HSc, CZ27 etc would be fine for a Major thru colonel. Browning 1922s and Astra 300 mostly went to the Luftwaffe. Also some early PPs and PPKs. In general, officers had to buy their own sidearms but could get guns from supply or PX which may have had waffenamts, but a commercial gun (with no waffenamts) could have been bought at a sporting good store or gun shop etc. Also you see some WWI Lugers and 1914 Mausers with WWII capture papers and they could have been given to a young officer by his father who carried it in WWI for tradition or to save money having to buy a pistol. The father could have come home with his WWi pistol and not turned it in when he mustered out. - hope that helps.

[robert]

Or a WWi officer could have continued in service with his WWi Luger into WWII.

[Stive]

Here are two photographs of officers on the Eastern Front (pictures of the Bundesarchive) Some officers have Walter Р-38.

[Douglas Jr.]

I would never keep a gun, for a long time inside a leather holster as it can damage the finish in the long term. Leather can hold moisture and alse release chemicals that are harmful to the bluing of most guns.
If you are not a "gun guy" and do not intend to pursue this area, I would buy a "shooter grade" pistol - something that you could take to the range ocasionally and have the feeling of shooting a historical gun, without of of damage your pistol and its value.Besides that, shooter grade pistols are more cheaper than a collector grade gun. P38s and PPs can be found at a good price within shooter category (starting at $350-450 I guess); Lugers tend to be more expensive. But if you are considering to follow this niche, then get the best unmessed example you can.
Douglas.

[Stickfigure21]

No, I don’t intend on buying a pistol, just a holster


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[Douglas Jr.]

No, I don’t intend on buying a pistol, just a holster


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Then get a hardshell holster for a P08 or a P38 pistol, as it displays better even if empty.
Smaller holster or softshell versions may look too flattened while on display.

[Kripo73]

This thread prompted me to pull some items for a size comparison. Having done so, I can well appreciate how a "rear area" officer would want something very small and compact . . . . given the overwhelming odds that he would never see combat.

When I acquired the Walther Model 6 pictured, the seller was insistent that such pistols "were used by high-ranking officers." Quite frankly, I paid no attention to the seller's sales pitch; I just thought it was a nice pistol at a nice price so I bought it. I is, however, readily apparent how something really small like the Walther Model 6 would be attractive to someone who wanted a sidearm (but not the inconvenience caused by daily carry of a full-sized combat pistol).

Alan,

You own a Walther Model 8. Model 8 in your hand and the ground dug Norwegian is also a Model 8.

[Alan Smith]

Kripo,

You are correct - it is a Model 8! Not sure how I got "Model 6" in my head, as it clearly states "Model 8" on the slide.

Also, the holster shows that it is for a "Walther VIII" . . . so a silly mistake on my part!

[Rylan]

I don't think there are any wrong answers, the Germans used a variety of pistols made in different countries. But I would say a P.08 or P.38 holster looks more mean. You could even go for something a bit different like a Radom holster.

[BrunoH]

Kripo,

You are correct - it is a Model 8! Not sure how I got "Model 6" in my head, as it clearly states "Model 8" on the slide.

Also, the holster shows that it is for a "Walther VIII" . . . so a silly mistake on my part!

Hi Alan,

Mod. 6 exists too even if it's smaller

Regards