Walther PPS

Operating mechanism The Walther PPS is a short recoil-operated locked breech semi-automatic pistol that uses a modified Browning cam-lock system adapted from the Hi-Power pistol. The PPS has a glassfiber-reinforced polymer frame and steel slide assembly. It can be broken down into its main parts or field stripped with a take down catch without the help of tools. Features The pre-loaded internal striker is a variant of the partially cocked striker system of the Walther P99 Quick Action model. When the trigger is pulled, the already partially cocked striker is fully cocked and released, firing the pistol. An indicator on the back of the slide shows if the striker is partially cocked. The 'QuickSafe' trigger variant main difference with the Walther P99 Quick Action trigger is that removing the PPS pistol's backstrap will disable the gun for safe storage by decocking and blocking the striker until the backstrap is reinstalled. The PPS has a trigger travel of approximately and a trigger pull of approximately . Unlike many other trigger systems preset internal strikers have a let-off point and trigger pull that remains unchanged from the first shot to the last and requires no decocker. Ergonomics were a key focus in the design of the firearm, and as a result, two interchangeable grip backstraps are included (medium and large) to accommodate various hand shapes and sizes; this feature permits most shooters a comfortable and efficient grip on the firearm The injection molded grip frame contains 4 steel guide rails for the slide: two at the rear of the frame, and the remaining pair above the front of the trigger guard. The polymer grip has a non-slip surface on the sides and both the front and rear straps and a slightly funneled magazine well to aid magazine insertion. Under the dust cover the grip frame has an integrated mounting MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rail for attaching accessories, such as a tactical light or laser pointer. The Tenifer process produces a matte gray-colored, non-glare surface with a 64 Rockwell C hardness rating (by comparison, an industrial diamond has a rating of 70 HRC) and a 99% resistance to salt water corrosion (which meets or exceeds stainless steel specifications), making the PPS particularly suitable for individuals carrying the pistol concealed as the highly chloride-resistant finish allows the pistol to better endure the effects of perspiration. Empty magazines are released by depressing ambidextrous magazine release levers incorporated into the trigger guard. ==Variants==

Currently four PPS models are available for purchase in the United States. Two are chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum with part number WAP10001 for the standard model and part number WAP10006 for the Massachusetts compliant model and two in .40 S&W with the part number WAP10002 and part number WAP10007 for the Massachusetts compliant model. Previously another was available in 9 mm which had "First Edition" printed on the slide and a blue-tinted frame (part number WAWAP10003FC). U.S. models are currently sold in plastic hard cases with both backstraps and two magazines (7 and 8 round capacity in 9mm, 6 and 7 round capacity in .40 S&W). M2 series In 2016 the PPS M2 chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum was introduced, and as of 2018, it has never been available in any other caliber. The PPS M2 general ergonomic design shares similarities with the Walther PPQ M2 series. Dimensionally the M2 series are similar to the original PPS variants. The PPS M2 features a push button magazine release, front and rear slide serrations and a redesigned grip. The PPS M2 has a trigger travel of approximately and a trigger pull of approximately . The PPS M2 is also available in an LE edition with phosphoric iron sights. The magazines are available in 6, 7 and 8 round capacity in 9×19mm Parabellum and 5, 6 and 7 round capacity in .40 S&W. Additionally, the PPS M2 magazines are not compatible with the original PPS magazines. The integrated mounting MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rail for attaching accessories, such as a tactical light or laser pointer found on the PPS is omitted on the PPS M2. == Slide stop modification ==

Walther modified the slide stop lever and an accompanying spring on the PPS pistols to improve reliability. Early PPS pistols can be modified but need an enlargement of a hole in the pistol gripframe before the new style slide stop and spring can be installed. For this the pistol has to be sent in to the Walther customer service. ==References==