Walther announced this week that an iconic crowd favorite is returning to the catalog for 2024, more than a decade after it disappeared. 

When the Walther PPK was introduced in 1931, billed as a smaller version of the company's PP series meant for use by plain-clothed detectives (the PPK stands for Polizei Pistole Kriminal), it was in chambered in 7.65x17mm Browning Short, which we know over here on this side of the Atlantic as John Browning's .32 ACP. This was soon augmented with variants offered in .380 ACP, and by 2013, Walther discontinued the .32 version of both the PPK and PPK/S.

Now, with improvements in bullet and propellant design leading to the resurgence of 9mm over .40 caliber, and .380 seen as the new 9mm, and .32 seen as the new .380, the stubby little round is much more popular these days. 

So, it should be no surprise that Walther is bringing the "old" caliber back for both the PPK and the PPK/S, in stainless and black variants. All models have the classic Walther styling coupled with a hammer drop de-cocking safety, fixed sights, and a wave cut atop the slide to reduce glare.

The standard PPK, which is shorter at a pocketable 3.8 inches high, has a 7+1 shot capacity, while the taller (4.3 inches high) PPK/S has an 8+1 capacity. All models share the same 3.3-inch barrel length and 6.1-inch overall length. 

All models have an MSRP of $969. 

Another big up on the .32 ACP model of the PPK is its long-running connection to the James Bond franchise.

While the Walther PP series appeared on screen in films as early as 1938, it was the James Bond film franchise that kicked the pistol into the stratosphere. While Sean Connery's Agent 007 was first issued a Walther in the first 10 minutes of 1962's "Dr. No" to replace his favored .25 ACP Beretta, it would continue as his standard through his six-film run and go on to be picked up off and on by successive generations of Bonds. 

"Walther PPK. 7.65mm with a delivery like a brick through a plate-glass window," MI6 armorer Major Boothroyd, or Q, told James Bond in the film. "The American CIA swear by them."

Walther is aware of both the enduring relevancy and nostalgia of the design. 

"Few guns have withstood the test of time like the PPK,” said Jens Krogh, Walther's VP of marketing and product development. "To this day, it’s still one of the most sought-after concealed carry pistols on the market, which serves as a true testament to Walther’s long-enduring legacy. We have no doubt bringing back the historic PPK/S in .32 ACP will make our consumers, plus overall fans of the world’s most renowned secret agent, extremely excited, too."