Walther PPQ (Polizei Pistole Quick defense)

History

Walther engineers leveraged the market's reaction to their earlier P88 and P99 semi-automatic pistols to design a successor to the existing base, incorporating improved trigger action into an improved grip, frame and slide combination. The result is the Walther "PPQ," a solid and reliable polymer sidearm worthy of the Walther name if it fits the budget.

The back straps are interchangeable (small, medium and large available) to suit user comfort, and the ribs on the front and rear of the rails provide the shooter with options when erecting. Flat sights (3-point polymer, adjustable on the rear side) are mounted on the front and rear of the slide rails, metal self-illuminating sights are optional.

The handle is sturdy and well contoured for a firm grip. The various controls common to semi-automatic pistols are located in the intended location on the gun side - doubled on either side of the frame for two-handed operation. A section of Picatinny rail below the muzzle allows for a tactical flashlight or sight to be mounted.

Three fuses are installed - two for drops and a striker block for safer carrying.

The new product was praised for its improved trigger feel (5.6 lb trigger, 0.4 inches of travel and 0.1 inches of trigger travel). Both ergonomics and reliability are a plus, with shooters giving positive reviews for the gun's weight and firing action, the latter being described as "fun." The PPQ is mainly available in 9mm and .40S&W molds with magazine capacities of 11 and 5 rounds respectively.

Several variants have emerged since this product was introduced - the PPQ "Tactical Navy" is a maritime model with an improved launch mechanism. The PPQ "Tactical Navy SD" follows this example, but with a longer barrel and a threaded muzzle. PPQ "First Edition" is a tactical Navy SD for the US market.

The PPQ Simulation FX and Red Gun models are training models with various differences.

The PPQ M2 released in 2013 shifted the design to a push-button magazine release rather than the more European-oriented trigger ring "paddles". Released in 2014, the PPQ M2 5" Sport has a 5" barrel length with a bolt replacement for competition shooting.

The Taiwan National Police Agency is a well-known active operator of the Walther PPQ M2 series.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes