Walther PPK issue

[bdhutier]

I have recently come to own a 1939 PPK. I have attempted to field strip it, and have a major problem. The slide won't lift off. At all. After searching for two days, I can't seem to find a single post or web page having to do with this issue, or why I may have it. Everything cycles fine and smoothly, it just won't come apart.

Any ideas, or additional information needed?

[iam4liberty]

Sounds like something is preventing the slide from going far enough to come off. I remember reading a post on one of the gun forums that if spring was installed backwards it would not compress all the way.  Solution was to use a chopstick to compress spring so slide could move far enough. If not the spring, then something else like debri is potentially keeping it from clearing rail.  So some shaking may dislodge it enough.

[Carl]

The rear of the trigger guard is hinged, you pull down on the trigger guard so the stop block allows the slide to travel back enough to lift off at the rear.

[bdhutier]

I did hinge the trigger guard down, but it won't lift up. It "appears" the slide extends all the way back, but I've never even shot one before, so I'm not sure just how far back it's supposed to travel. I'm banking on something blocking full travel. Thanks guys!

[iam4liberty]

Found thread:

http://www.waltherforums.com/forum/pp-tp-series/23941-jammed-ppk-s-slide.html

Read midway through as it has two seperate issues in play.

[Carl]

Found thread:

http://www.waltherforums.com/forum/pp-tp-series/23941-jammed-ppk-s-slide.html

Read midway through as it has two seperate issues in play.

The position of the safety affected some early models...and when pulling the slide back,don't be gentle as the recoil spring can also get in the way unless muscled.

[bdhutier]

Thanks everyone, finally got it! I drowned it in WD last night, and left it. It still wasn't lifting today, but I ran a junk brass rod piece up the barrell, and gave it a good push against the door jamb. That was enough to break the gunk or whatever binding the slide.

There are two springs to replace, but other than that, it's in perfect shape for an 80yo bring-back pistol.

[iam4liberty]

Thanks everyone, finally got it! I drowned it in WD last night, and left it. It still wasn't lifting today, but I ran a junk brass rod piece up the barrell, and gave it a good push against the door jamb. That was enough to break the gunk or whatever binding the slide.

There are two springs to replace, but other than that, it's in perfect shape for an 80yo bring-back pistol.

Awesome.  That is a rare and highly collectable firearm.  Enjoy it!

[Carl]

I had a Walther PP in 32 ACP of about the same pre-war vintage...wonderful little companion.
Glad you got frisky with it and it broke free,they have tight tolerances and well deserved reputations.

[archer]

cool... good job.