Walther’s new PPS M2 is an excellent example of the refinement Walther brings to conceal carry pistols. The original PPS Classic ushered a 9mm conceal carry pistol that was thin, polymer framed with modular backstraps, and a striker fire trigger. The M2 does the Classic one better by using all the great features of the Classic and combining it with features found on the Walther PPQ series such as the ergonomic grip shape and grippy texture.
The PPS M2 is still plenty slim—only one-inch thick—but it deep sixes the accessory rail and modular back strap while adding forward slide serrations, a 6.1 pound trigger, and a push button magazine release. The ambidextrous paddle-style magazine release on the PPS Classic as well as Walther’s P99 and PPQ Classic seemed a bit “foreign” to American shooters. With the PPS M2, Walther made the features simple and intuitive, so the pistol is easy to carry and shoot.
The first thing I noticed when picking up the PPS M2 was the ergonomic Walther grip. It did not feel like a small, compact gun. Instead, it filled my average-sized hand giving me the confidence I could control this pistol even in rapid fire. The grip incorporates a slight palm swell and shallow finger grooves to give the pistol a big gun feel without giving it big gun bulk. The grip texture is similar to the Walther PPQ style that ensures a solid grip. Where the bottom of the trigger meets the front strap, a ridge is formed for the trigger finger and the thumb of either a right- or left-handed shooter that channels your trigger finger toward the trigger during the draw.
This is the PPS redefined.
I carried the PPS M2 in appendix carry and performed dry fire exercises. I found it easy to grasp the grip and draw. In time, I increased draw speed dramatically. The polymer frame also seamlessly mates up with 6-, 7-, or 8-round magazines. The higher capacity magazines feature an extended grip further making the PPS M2 handle like a larger gun.
The 6-round magazine is a flush fit magazine. The M2 does not have an accessory rail and that works fine in my opinion for a pistol designed for deep conceal carry. No rail translates into less bulk and allows ease in re-holstering. The muzzle also has radiused leading edges to aid in holstering.
The PPS M2 thumb-operated magazine release is intuitive. The checkered button is flush with the edge of the finger channel and releases empty magazines freely for fast reloading. Since Walther’s engineers opted for the thumb-operated magazine, the design allowed them to use an under cut at the rear of the trigger guard that gives the user a higher grip to manage recoil and lessen muzzle flip.
What is also new to the M2 is the wide trigger, which gives the shooters a better feel for the trigger. The trigger pull measured 5.9 pounds on my PPS M2. The trigger pull was smooth with a bit of take up while the rest of the press was clean at the break. Reset was also short—allowing a user to get off a faster follow-up shot.
I gathered four types of 9mm ammo in a variety of bullet weights. Winchester Defend features a 147-grain JHP, Aguila a 115-grain FMJ bullet, and Hornady American Gunner with its 115-grain XTP bullet. Granted the flush-fit magazine is harder to shoot since I needed to curl my little finger under the floorplate, but I was able to get off-hand groups that were tight at 25 yards. The 7-round extended magazine with the fuller grip allowed me to shoot more precisely. Many 5-shot groups at 15 yards were nearly one ragged hole. With all the different ammo types, I averaged groups under two inches. I liked the trigger press, and during close rapid fire drills, the PPS M2 was easy to control. The pistol performed flawlessly.
The PPS M2 has truly redefined the conceal carry weapon.
Performance: Walther PPS M2 |
||||
| 9mm | Velocity (FPS) | Energy (ft-lbs.) | Best Accuracy | Average Accuracy |
| Hornady American Gunner 115-grain XTP | 1064 | 289 | 0.7 | 1.9 |
| Winchester Train 147-grain FMJ | 919 | 276 | 1.3 | 1.6 |
| Aguila 115-grain FMJ | 1088 | 302 | 0.4 | 0.7 |
| Winchester Defend 147-grain JHP | 889 | 289 | 1.6 | 2.1 |
* Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in fps, and average accuracy in inches for best five-shot groups at 15 yards.
i have this weapon and the “tuck this 2” works awesome. i think its made by DeSantis. it’s a really nice weapon very comfortable to carry. the “6” mag sucks. the only thing is i kind of “invented” the size fit grip for the it because they don’t have any yet. i used the hogue’s ruger LCP because when firing the recoil was banging my Thumb-palm knuckle. That’s the only thing i didn’t like, but its a $10 fix
Is the magazine rease reversible? I’m a Southpaw so that release would be right where my trigger finger would rest.
Should read release not rease sorry Autocorrect
No, the magazine release is not reversible, nor is it ambidextrous.
I have one Beretta nano wich is very similar to the Walter ,a Glock 26 ! And a Glock 42. ,380 ,Im left and very picki with the holsters ,Im using a custom Kydex made holster in an appendix,you can use it in the right side when driving or on left normally.
Uncle Mikes
Size 16
Perfect fit, on my second for my pps
I cannot help but think that “appendix” carry is inherently dangerous. If by chance something goes wrong during the draw and you have a negligent discharge, well, there goes your “package!” My aunt and uncle personally witnessed a man do just that. He blew his own penis and one testicle into the floor. He also almost bled to death from the wound.
IMO, it’;s only dangerous if you put your finger near the trigger when drawing your gun. I’m left-handed & I use an appendix-carry (right-side IWB) cross-draw (right-to-left)
My holster (Uncle Mike #12) prevents me from putting my finger inside the trigger guard until the gun has cleared the opening.
I am still anxiously awaiting the release of the .40 S&W version with night sights. The review was good but did not mention the LE version with night sights and extra magazine.
Love mine, rear sigh need a slight adjustment. It was set to the left. But my question is conceal holsters. What holster portions in the pants do you recommend
I have and highly recommend the Stealth Gear IWB holster for mine. It is very comfortable and lightweight.
Loving my PPS M2. I purchased a TALON grip to add a bit more stability at the range and the rubber version doesn’t tug much at all when carrying.
As for Scott’s question about holsters, I did a lot of forum surfing and I decided on the Vedder LightTuck IWB. It’s rather humid here in Florida and I’ve found that leather-backed holsters get pretty hot. I’m carrying at 2:30 with about a 15 degree tilt.