Review: Walther PPQ 9mm Handgun

Among the most influential handguns of all time are the Walther PPK and the later Walther P38.

These double-action first-shot pistols with decocker action spawned myriads of imitators.

Initial Notes

The Beretta 92 pistol is basically a highly modified high-capacity Walther P38.

The Walther company, like many, has had its fortunes ebb and flow but maintained a good reputation for quality control.

Walther entered the polymer-frame market with the P99, a double-action first-shot pistol. The later PPQ is a striker-fired, double-action-only pistol.

The concept is similar to the GLOCK, like so many modern pistols, but represents what many feel is an improvement over the GLOCK pistol.

While comparison to other striker-fired pistols in inevitable, the pistol must stand on its own merits. 

Features and Specs

The Police Pistol Quick Defense or PPQ is a formidable handgun that many find superior to any other striker-fired handgun.

For some, the pistol isn’t worth the extra expense and they find the trigger isn’t a sweet spot.

For others, there is nothing quite as formidable a shooter among modern pistols.

First, the package — the pistol comes in a locking box with three backstraps, a manual, cleaning rod, lock, three magazines and a test target, a nice European touch.

There are features that are generally superior to the earlier P99. The gripping surfaces feature a good balance of adhesion and abrasion.

The finger grooves are well-designed and fit most hands well. Some like finger grooves, some don’t. Give the PPQ a chance.

These finger grooves are well-designed and are an aid in handling. Fieldstrip is almost ridiculously easy and maintenance is very simple.

The pistol is simple to operate. Load the pistol, holster it, draw and fire. There is no manual safety.

The pistol features the usual trigger lever set into the face of the trigger and a firing-pin block. The slide lock is unobtrusive, but very fast to operate.

The cocking serrations are well-designed. The magazine release is ideal for rapid manipulation.

The three-dot sights, tritium-insert night sights in the case of the test pistol, are outstanding combat designs.

The pistol is an excellent design when ergonomics are considered. It is arguably the best 9mm.

Advanced Features

Quite frankly, the occasional shooter who doesn’t push themselves to the limits of proficiency may not recognize the efficiency of the pistol.

The shooter that aims for the highest degree of proficiency and looks to be all they can be, will appreciate the advantage of the Walther PPQ M2 pistol.

Other features include a true loaded-chamber indicator.

When the pistol is loaded, a loaded-chamber indicator is visible, providing both visual and tactile indication that the chamber is loaded.

The hard finish has proven as durable as any handgun. 

Feel and Performance

The primary advantage of the pistol — and there are many including the ergonomics — is the trigger.

The Walther trigger operates in the same fashion as the GLOCK, but the reset is 0.1-inch with 0.4-inch pre-travel.

This is a tight, crisp trigger action. The barrel is four inches long. Weight unloaded is 22 ounces. This pistol isn’t a burden on the hip.

Even fully-loaded with 124-grain loads, the pistol weighs only 25 ounces. Range work is a joy.

I fired the pistol with a good mix of loads, ranging from inexpensive steel-case range loads to premium ammunition such as the Winchester SXT.

Reliability is faultless. There were no failures to feed, chamber, fire or eject during several range sessions.

The pistol is more than accurate enough for personal defense.

Settling into a solid benchrest firing position using the MTM firing rest, I fired several five-shot groups at a long 24 yards.

I was able to secure several two-inch groups with concentration on the trigger and sights.

The PPQ is a winner on every count and well worth its price. 

Holstering the Walther PPQ

This is a pistol designed for fast reaction. As such, a proper holster that keeps the pistol firmly in place and makes for a rapid draw is necessary.

At Cheaper Than Dirt! you will find a broad mix of holsters, from inexpensive range holsters to the finest leather available.

Blackhawk!, DeSantis and El Paso Saddlery are among my favorites. When you choose a holster, be certain to be realistic concerning concealment.

The inside-the-waistband holster is ideal for most uses. The holster rides inside the trousers and only the handle of the pistol is exposed.

A relatively short covering garment is all that is needed.

Some find the IWB uncomfortable, others, like myself, acclimate and find the inside-the-waistband holster ideal for concealed carry.

The Galco Summer Comfort features dual belt loops and makes for a sharp draw and good concealment.

When a covering garment may be worn, a strong-side high-ride belt holster such as the Galco Combat Master is quite the trick.

There should be a good reason for not using the strong-side holster and deeper concealment is among these.

A paddle holster is more useful than some would believe. A properly designed paddle offers easy on and off concealment and a truly sharp draw.

While offset from the body limits concealment,, if you are wearing a covering garment the paddle is useful.

The Galco Speed Master paddle is as good as it gets in this type of holster. 

For home defense, I recommend the TRUGLO TruPoint combat light.

This light may serve as a 200-lumen flashlight, but also features a 650mm red laser.

The TruPoint may be set for illumination only, laser only, or a combination of the two.

The TruPoint is not only affordable, but also reliable and useful.

What do you think of the Walther PPQ? Let us know in the comments section below!