All aluminum frame 1954-1986 PPKs have a separate serial number range starting with 5XXXXX. When Walther re-assumed complete production in 1986 they discontinued the alloy framed pistols, which were only made in 22lr and 7.65 calibers. The German word for lightweight is 'Leicht', hence the 'L' on the slide legend. The only PP and PPK series pistols made with aluminum frames (called Dural by Walther) made during this era and are marked with an L (ie: PP-L and PPK-L) on the left side of the slide denoting the German word for lightweight). The Manurhin PPKs have the A after the serial number, but the post 1986 PPKs completely made in German don't have the A suffix. It is merely a serial number thing.įrom 1954-1986, all Walther PP and PPK series pistols and parts were made for Walther by Manurhin in France, about 40 miles from the Ulm, Germany factory. No, the A does not indicate an alloy frame.
