(This is a reader gun review contest entry, click here for more details – enter by December 19th!)
By Nick Oetken
Walther Arms has always been a gun company that’s taken higher steps in innovation with each new firearm. In 1886, they were a simple German manufacturer of target and hunting rifles. Twenty-two years later, the company had produced their first pistol, the Model 1 in 6.35mm. In 1929, Walther released the inventive PP in .32 ACP and a year later the even more concealable PPK, which we should all know as the signature weapon of James Bond, 007. Eight years after that, the P38 9mm was adapted as the standard service pistol of the German Army and saw decades of service in numerous countries following World War II. In the 1970s and 80s, Walther produced two less-widespread but still highly respected 9mm pistols, the P5 and the P88 . . .
Walther took perhaps its biggest step forward in 1997 with the pioneering P99. Yes, the P99 was only the latest installment in the polymer-pistol world that GLOCK had established, and yes, it did notoriously (though temporarily) replace the timeless PPK as James Bond’s sidearm to the polarized reactions of 007 fans. But the P99 built a well-deserved reputation for its advanced ergonomics, ambidextrous controls, and proven reliability. In many ways, the P99 is everything the GLOCK is…and then some.
Nonetheless, a couple of compelling criticisms exist with the P99. The trigger pull, especially on the first shot, is quite heavy. Many American shooters also voiced their discontent with the European-style paddle magazine release on the trigger guard. The P99 may have found noteworthy success among militaries and police departments around the world, but it just didn’t catch on in the good old USA when compared to some other pistols.
Then in 2011, Walther changed the game again. They unveiled a new pistol that they claimed would not only fix the P99’s few faults, but would update its already advanced features and appeal to the American market: the Police Pistol Quick Defense, a.k.a, the Walther PPQ.
Did Walther succeed and raise the bar yet again? Let me put it this way…after six months of owning, carrying and shooting this pistol, I can safely state that the Walther PPQ M2 is everything the P99 is…and then a whole lot more.
The Box
In all my shooting life, I don’t think I’ve ever come across a pistol that would be as hard to speak ill of as the Walther PPQ. A very modern and fine looking pistol, it arrives in a black Walther box, complete with the gun, two magazines, three interchangeable backstraps, a speed loader, safety lock, instruction manual, and a test target from Germany showing the gun has been sighted in at 15 yards.
This particular PPQ is the M2 model, which was released in 2013. It differs from the earlier M1 in that there’s a reversible mag-release button instead of a paddle, and it accepts different magazines as well.
Ergonomics
Walther has enjoyed a reputation for producing some of the most ergonomic pistols on the market, but I’d definitely say they’ve broken new ground with the PPQ. When I hold the PPQ, it melts in my hand. This is easily the most comfortable pistol I’ve held yet.
For one, the grips are textured much more aggressively than the P99. This isn’t just for looks. It gives me a very secure grasp on the pistol. The three finger grooves on the grip also contribute to the excellent ergonomics.
Now listen, just because the PPQ fits so well for me doesn’t mean it will for you too. Every person is different, so that’s why the PPQ comes with three different backstraps. Simply pop the pin out with an Allen wrench or a screwdriver and the backstrap will pull right off. Place in a new backstrap, push the pin back in, and you’re good to go! I prefer the medium backstrap that comes fitted on the gun myself, though I assume people with larger or smaller hands will favor the large and small backstraps respectively. Whatever works for you is what you should go with, so try out all three before making your decision.
The front and rear flat-bottom slide serrations allow for a secure hold when pulling back the slide.
Controls
The PPQ is a very simple design in the vein of GLOCKs, and the few controls on the pistol are right where you need them to be. Something I love in particular is the long, flat, slide stop/slide release lever, which is larger than the GLOCK, but completely ambidextrous. My thumb easily reaches the release without having to alter my shooting grip at all. Even though I’m right handed, I practice shooting with my left as much as I can. Sure enough, my left thumb can release the slide just as effortlessly as my right.
The magazine release is also handy; Walther switched from the paddle release in order to appeal to the American shooting market, and by all means I feel they made the right choice. This release is also reversible; in a number of seconds, it can be refitted to accommodate a lefty.
A MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail comes standard on the dust cover. While I’m personally not a fan of adding lights or lasers to my pistols, I know some other people are. It’s especially a nice advantage if this is going to be your nightstand gun.
It also has a loaded-chamber indicator: When there is a round in the chamber, a red marking appears on the slide due to the extractor being pressed. It certainly beats having to manually pull back the slide and check the chamber each time!
‘Quick-Defense’ Trigger
The PPQ’s trigger is in the same style of a GLOCK; the pistol will not fire unless the drop safety is pulled. “Eh, just another GLOCK copy,” you say? Not so fast. The moment I first fired the PPQ, I knew the trigger was in a league of its own. If there’s only one novelty of the PPQ that can without question set it apart from other pistols on the market, this is it.
Walther calls it the quick-defense trigger. The pull is so light and smooth at only 5.6 pounds, with a .1-inch reset (awesome!) and .4-inch travel. Trust me, with this kind of trigger travel, you can’t only shoot the PPQ fast, you can shoot it accurately too. It’s a marked improvement over any other pistol I’ve ever fired, and it’s what I look forward to the most when I shoot the PPQ on the range.
Finish
The PPQ has a Tenifer finish applied to the barrel and slide. Tenifer is a ferric nitro carburized hardening that diffuses carbon and nitrogen. It’s one of the most corrosion/wear resistant finishes you could ask for on a production pistol.
To give you an idea of how well the Tenifer finish held up, this past summer and fall I packed the PPQ as my carry sidearm on everything from rough motorcycle/ATV trips in heavy dust to elk and deer hunting in torrential downpours up in Idaho’s wind chilly mountains. Several times, the PPQ went back into its case grimy, dirty and/or wet before I had the chance to wipe it down and clean it. Yet it still looks just as good as when I first bought it. There are only a couple of light scratches on the slide and no sign of rusting or corrosion anywhere at all. Wow.
Accuracy
The PPQ may be exceptionally ergonomic and have the smoothest trigger pull I’ve encountered on a production pistol, but how does that transition to what’s most important in any handgun — accuracy?
Equipped with standard three-dot, polymer sights, the PPQ has accompanied me on almost every shooting day since I purchased it, and for good reason. It has proven to be a very accurate pistol at 20 feet. I attribute this to many qualities of the pistol: the ergonomics, trigger, and good engineering from Walther.
When I’ve increased my distance from the target to around 40 to 50 feet, my groups do widen, but not significantly. Don’t get me wrong, by no means do I consider myself a professional shooter. I strive to improve with each trip to the shooting range, and this is the gun I plan on using for working on my pistol accuracy.
That being said, shooting the PPQ is a blast! Okay, shooting any gun to me is a blast, but I find a special kind of joy when I shoot the PPQ. Like I mentioned earlier, with the trigger being so smooth, I can deliver faster follow up shots accurately. This, coupled with the comfortable grip, means that I am in full control of this pistol when firing.
Reliability
For cost reasons I am unable to invest in buying thousands of rounds just to test the PPQ to its limits. But in the six months I’ve owned it, at least 500 rounds have been put through it between myself, my family members and friends. So far, the PPQ has yet to suffer a single jam or malfunction. This, coupled with the fact that many of those rounds were fired while I’ve carried the PPQ in a holster as my sidearm in some wet and rough conditions, makes me well assured in its reliability. I have yet to hear any major reliability issues from other people as well.
The 9mm rounds I’ve put through the PPQ include 115-, 125- and 147-grain FMJs from Federal, Armscor, and Blazer, 147-grain flat noses from Federal, and some hollow points. I look forward in the future to putting more types of ammo through the PPQ and seeing if its reliability holds up, which I suspect it will.
Disassembly
Disassembly of the PPQ is straightforward and easy to get used to. When I first bought the pistol, I initially struggled with getting the take down catch to push down correctly, but after a few tries I got the hang of it. Now I can field strip the PPQ and put it back together again in an average time of 30 seconds. I’m still working on improving my time.
Unfortunately, it’s with the disassembly that I ran into my first real gripe with the PPQ: You have to dry fire the pistol before you can disassemble it. This may not bother some people, but it sure does irk me.
Here is the disassembly process for the PPQ:
1. Remove the magazine.
2. Check the chamber to confirm the pistol is unloaded.
3. Dry fire the pistol (irk!)
4. Press down on both sides of the take-down catch.
5. Remove the slide.
6. Take out the barrel and mainspring.
Application
In terms of overall application, I view the PPQ as an excellent alternative to the GLOCK 19. Both are mid-sized, polymer, striker-fired 9mm pistols, making them ideal for concealed carry, home defense or to serve as a go-to open carry sidearm. However, the PPQ is significantly more ergonomic, carries the same magazine capacity (15 rounds), is easier to disassemble, truly ambidextrous, and above all, has that dream like trigger. While by no means am I attempting to trash GLOCK, the only advantage I can think of that the G19 has over the PPQ is availability of aftermarket parts and accessories. This by the way, is where the PPQ meets its major roadblock.
Customization
Every gun has an Achilles heel, and for the PPQ it’s the limited number of aftermarket accessories. Compared to the Beretta 92-series, GLOCKs, Smith & Wesson’s M&P line, or Springfield XDs, the PPQ is simply lacking in this department.
I purchased an additional 15-round magazine for $42, and from what I’ve found, they sell for roughly the same price around the country. Walther does make an extended 17-round magazine, but I have yet to attain one and test it out for myself. I understand there’s also a set of grips called “traction grips” that can be installed and supposedly have more aggressive texturing to give the shooter a better grip on the gun. Honestly though, I’m so satisfied with the factory grip on my PPQ anyway, that I won’t be changing it anytime soon. Beyond these items, there’s very little that Walther has to offer.
However, if the PPQ stands the test of time and finds favor with the American shooting market, I suspect (and dearly hope) that Walther will little by little introduce new accessories and add-ons over the years.
Conclusion
Walther has scored another hit with the PPQ M2, and it just might be their most innovative pistol yet. Desirably ergonomic, smooth firing, reliable, accurate, loaded with a double-stacked magazine of 9mm, large enough to serve as my go-to sidearm for outdoor activities and yet condensed and light enough to be my concealed carry or self-defense piece if I need it to be, this is definitely one of my personal favorite handguns. Is the PPQ perfect? Obviously, no gun is truly perfect. But the PPQ is as close to perfect as I could wish for. My heart is beating at what Walther has in store next.
Specifications: Walther PPQ M2 9mm
Action: semi-automatic, locked breech, short recoil operated
Caliber: 9mm, also available in .40 S&W
Capacity: 15+1 for 9mm, 11+1 for .40 S&W
Sights: front sight is 3-dot low profile polymer; rear sight windage adjustable, steel night sights available,
Barrel Length: 4.0-inch barrel for 9mm, 4.2-inch barrel for .40 S&W
Weight Unloaded: 21.7 ounces for 9mm, 22 ounces for .40 S&W
Weight Loaded: 24.5 ounces for 9mm, 24.9 ounces for .40 S&W
Overall Length: 7.1 inches for 9mm, 7.2 inches for .40 S&W
Width: 1.3 inches
Height: 5.3 inches
Frame: Polymer frame
Grips: Cross-directional textured tactical grip
Finish: Tenifer
Additional Features: quick-defense trigger, three backstraps, ambidextrous slide release, reversible mag release, serrations on front and rear of slide
MSRP: $599
Ratings (Out of Five Stars):
Ergonomics: * * * * *
This is easily the most comfortable and ergonomic pistol I’ve ever held in my life. For me, it’s going to be a challenge for another pistol to usurp the PPQ in this department. Three backstraps accommodate different shooters as well.
Controls: * * * * *
Everything is not only right where I naturally need them to be, the controls on this pistol are fully ambidextrous or reversible.
Trigger: * * * * *
The trigger is a dream to shoot, the short reset in particular allowing for faster shots and superior accuracy. When I go to the range with this pistol, the trigger is what I personally look forward to the most.
Finish: * * * * *
The Tenifer finish is as tough as nails. I’ve put this pistol through a variety of conditions and all I see are a couple of very light scratches that take concentration to be noticed.
Accuracy: * * * * *
All though I am by no means a professional shooter, I was quite impressed with the accuracy for a polymer 9mm pistol. I would love to see how it performs in competitions in the hands of a pro.
Reliability: * * * * *
For the six months I’ve owned and hundreds of rounds I’ve had this pistol eat, I have yet to experience a single jam or malfunction.
Customization: * *
I hope Walther will be able to correct this in the future if the PPQ keeps up its popularity, but for now the customization options are sadly disappointing.
Overall: * * * * *
Looks like James Bond just found a new gun!
More from The Truth About Guns:
Full-Size Advantage in a Subcompact Frame: The New Walther PPQ SC
New from Walther Arms: PPQ M2 Q4 TAC 9mm Handgun [VIDEO]
Gun Review: Walther PPQ .45 ACP
This gun is too right wing.
boo, hiss 🙂
Laugh. But nope. This pistol, in various forms (mostly without the lighter trigger) is the most common police pistol today across northern Europe. These police are unionized. Therefore this is a left-of-center pistol.
Any firearm that requires you to pull the trigger for dis-assembly/cleaning is just plain stupid.
I completely agree.
Agreed, it could cost you a finger.
Jose, I think you’ve put your finger on the problem.
You just have to be moderately smarter than the tool you’re taking apart. What are those first two rules again? Oh, make sure it’s empty and in a safe direction. Pulling the trigger is not a big deal.
+1
Who cares?
Instructions unclear; am now dead.
You anti-trigger-pull people must hate dry firing for practice then? No? What’s the difference?
I’ve long been too timid to say it, but yes, agree. How can someone dry fire safely but not follow a safe “empty the gun” procedure for cleaning. But then I’ve seen so many guys try to assert coolness by disassembling their 1911, Glock, or other pistol very quickly. Just an odd but popular behavior.
And accept this, that without the pull-the-trigger trick we’d never have had the Miami DEA agent “I’m the only one in the room professional enough to blow my foot off” video. Nor would gun sales have grown as they do when each department claims the Glock was the cause of an ND….only to kill a guy the next month learning to manipulate the super-safe Sig 227…
Are you capable of safely dry-firing a pistol? Then you’re capable of safely stripping this gun apart. It is a perfectly fine mechanism…
It’s only “stupid” if the gun is smarter than the operator.
There is nothing dangerous about dry firing the pistol to disassemble. Unless the operator is unaware – or ignorant – of firearm safety. Really – how hard is it to remove the magazine, confirm the chamber is empty (visually and tactically), and point in a safe direction and pull the trigger?
Just be smarter than the inanimate object and all will be fine 🙂
You don’t need to pull the trigger to strip it. Just pull the slide back slightly as with Glocks or CZs and engage the takedown lever. If you then push the slide forward it comes right off without dry firing the weapon.
Exactly. What is the deal with dry firing it? Actually adds another layer of safety.
Why does it even matter ? It doesn’t bother me any.
Thanks for the write up, I’ve always liked this pistol from the moment I picked it up. Was not too fond of the original mag release, but no big deal for me. This is another on the wish list for me.
if they make this pistoly that would take my many Glock17 mags…I’d buy two 🙂
I agree with the description of the grip. My wife’s carry is the Walther PK380 with a similar grip and my Ruger SR22 is also patterned after the Walther P22 grip. Definitely the Walther grip is my favorite of all the pistols I have ever held.
I love love love me a good Walther PPQ, although I completely disagree with you on the button mag release. I have shot both and the M2 magazine release looks and feels like it was an afterthough. Someone over at Walther said “Hey the Americans like little chunks of plastic sticking out of the frame” and was greated with “Ok lets dril a hole in the frame and give them a button.” For a gun that flows so well the button just feels out of place and the plastic they made it out of looks and feels cheap. The aluminum paddle is so much better looking and feeling, and only take a session or two at the range to master. Also you could use P99 mags in a M1 PPQ and there was at least one aftermarket mfg who made them for those guns, the M2 mags are proprietary and only Walther makes them currently. They arent as expensive as HK mags but they do have the market cornered and you pay for that.
Otherwise, the review is spot on, great pistol, sublime trigger, not a lot of aftermarket support although the 1913 rail helps with universal accessories, and for the most part P99 holsters work perfectly. I bought my dad a nice custom leather paddle holster for Father’s day, and although the shop only had a mold for a P99 it fits perfectly. The PPQ (even the M2) is #1 on my list of recommended polymer/striker guns to new pistol owners.
Totally agree with you on M1 vs M2.
I’ve got ~2500 rounds through my M1 at this point. Great gun, like the paddle mag release, love the trigger. Sold my Glock 19.
I just bought a PPQ M1. Can’t wait for it to arrive. I chose it over the M2 because, as you say, the release button looks like an after thought. I have 2 M&P 40’s, full size and compact, but wanted a decent 9.
I have one of these and the 22LR version. I have a Hera Arms Triarii for the 9mm and love it. Makes a fine little carbine and accuracy at distance with just the pistol is amazing.
The front sight popped off my 9mm at the range and never found its way home. Plastic front sight so I guess it just got hung up on something and pulled out. I replaced them with Trijicon HD’s and it made a big difference. I’d recommend swapping the sights.
Yes, I don’t like that you need to pull the trigger to remove the slide, but there is no decocker. I have not seen any problems with it though.
Not as happy with the 22LR version. Its great to have the similar features and accessories etc, but the sights are different and the back strap is fixed. The tactical 22LR version is different internally also.
P99 has a heavy trigger in SA? Does not feel like it. Feels like a pretty standard 5-6.5lbs. Thanks for the nice review.
I know I’m probably the odd man out, but the trigger reset on the PPQ is too short for my liking on a defensive pistol. I’ve shot a PPQ several times and feel it is one of the finest, if not the finest, polymer pistol available, but the trigger is my only complaint and that’s what stopped me from buying one. I ride the trigger gently when shooting, and I had several unintentional double taps under recoil with the PPQ when shooting for speed. I like a little more “wiggle room” when shooting under stress.
With that said, Great Review, Nick!
The version of the PPQ with a slightly longer trigger reset is called the VP9. They are pretty darn similar if you set them next to each other. So if you like the PPQ except for the trigger check it out. I have both, but I prefer the PPQ, for its trigger.
Here we have confirmation of the lack of trigger discipline that comes with using a modern pistol. People develop the bad habit of registering their finger on the trigger in the mistaken belief that the little do-hickey is safety.. You never do that. No pistol has as shorter trigger pull than a 1911. I have never seen anybody other than a new shooter double tap with 1911 or Browning Hi Power.
Totally agree about the trigger reset.
Over the years, I’ve shot a very wide variety of semi-autos in all calibers and sizes, and have never once had an inadvertent double tap.
I’ve rented a PPQ couple times at the local range. Each time I had several unintentional double-taps. The momentum of the gun dropping back after recoil can be enough to cause one’s finger to bump the trigger 0.1 inch and cause it to fire.
And it’s not a lack of trigger discipline. I’m not registering my finger.
I thought maybe it was a lemon gun, so I did some extensive Interweb searching and found numerous forums where others had the same complaint.
It’s too bad. The PPQ is my absolute favorite handgun to shoot at the range, but I’d never carry one for defense given the ultra-fine reset.
Seems like you would want a quicker reset for a defense gun What do I know? But I will take the quicker reset myself.
Around 3000 rounds in less than a year on mine and still loving it. Especially the smooth trigger.
The one niggle I have is the difficulty in removing the back cover to access the pin assembly. Not well described how to press the teenie-tiney black pin, slide down cover, prey the spring doesn’t go flying… I didn’t learn how to take it apart until I had about 1000 rounds through it. While dirty, not as bad as the sr45 was after 500 rounds.
I am with Tex300BLK on the magazine release. I love the paddle release. Using my index finger, I can drop the mag without breaking my grip, something that I never seem able to do with a button release. And it does just look nicer with the paddle release. FWIW, over the last 3 years, I have probably put around 5,000 rounds through my PPQ M1 with all sorts of ammo, and I can only recall two hiccups. They were both failures to feed with a brand new shooter who did not have a strong enough grip.
Am I bad for preferring the PPQ M1 paddle mag release? My thumbs just aren’t long enough to use most grip-mounted mag release buttons without shifting my grip.
If I can get a chance to shoot a PPQ I just may replace my G19.
The version of the PPQ with a slightly longer trigger reset is called the VP9. They are pretty darn similar if you set them next to each other. So if you like the PPQ except for the trigger check it out. I have both, but I prefer the PPQ, for its trigger.
PPQ vs VP9??. TOTALLY different firearms
Nope.
The pull is so light and smooth at only 5.6 pounds, with a .1-inch reset (awesome!) and .4-inch travel. … It’s a marked improvement over any other pistol I’ve ever fired
So you’ve only fired a Glock and maybe a revolver or DAO semi-auto?
That trigger might be good for a safe-action polymer gun, but it doesn’t compare to a decent SA trigger, like a CZ, 1911, or Sig.
Well, I have all of them – Sig 1911, CZ, S&W and, of course, my favorite PPQ M2, which has fired already about 3000 bullets with no single slightest hick-up. As for comparing triggers, all 1911 are single-action, and PPQ is a double-action pistol, you remember that, right? Even with that, I’d say Walther PPQ trigger easily the best on the market, EVEN when you compare it’s trigger with awesome trigger of single-action Sig 1911, the famously crisp and smooth one. Bottom line: after shooting at least 12 different models of 9 mm from 8 different manufacturers, I stay convinced that Walther PPQ M2 is THE BEST, the smoothest, most accurate and fun to shot gun. Well, may be it’s just me
The PPQ has a 100% pre-cocked trigger thereby making it Single Action. Do the research.
I had the chance to shoot a box of 50 through this gun. This gun feels really solid for a polymer framed pistol. My only complaint is that the muzzle flip is a bit excessive. The sights, trigger, grip are a grand slam. If I had to choose between the PPQ and the VP9 I would take the PPQ every time. If I had to choose between the PPQ and a CZ, Glock, M&P, Steyr, XDm, the PPQ would lose every time. The high bore axis is not something people should be dealing with when it comes to modern polymer guns. The whole reason people choose 9mm over 45acp is because you can get more hits on target faster with less training. When you get a 9mm with muzzle flip like a 45, the only advantage you’re left with is capacity.
I wish they kept the old paddle release, I love that thing
Not available to us serfs in California.
Single shot exemption. You have just enough time to get one if you want one.
Nice review. I never see Walther anything at any local gunstores. Why wouldn’t I just get a plentiful new or used GLOCK brand GLOCK for less $?
Why wouldn’t I just get a plentiful new or used GLOCK brand GLOCK for less $?
In case you want a nicer gun.
I shot one of these recently, I only put a magazine through it but I was impressed.
I did not expect much out of the trigger but after the first couple of shots I discovered that the trigger was what set this gun apart. For the price the trigger was unbelievable.
The other surprise was how comfortable it felt in my hand. The size of the “bump” along the back of the grip made me think it wasn’t going to fit my hand very well. It just looked odd to me. Turns out it fits my hand wonderfully and was very comfortable.
I’m pretty set on 9mm pistols for now, but I would be open to picking one of these up down the road.
Good review. I’m just trying to figure out what could be easier than disassembling a Glock.
Ditto. They break down the same.
H&K VP9. No trigger pull required. Drop mag, lock back slide, turn down takedown lever, release slide, pull slide off.
Disassembling a Beretta 92.
As a .45-aholic, I once felt compelled to add a 9mm item. Having diverse .45’s and a Glock 20 (with an extra .40cal barrel), I went with the PPQ. It’s an excellent design. The trigger really is that smooth. The grip form and texture are superior to Glocks. I usually carry a G30S, but sub in the PPQ occasionally, since it fits my 30S holsters very well and draws about the same to first pair. I can’t imagine someone regretting having purchased a PPQ with the mag release of their choice.
I put my G19 on a shelf in preference of the PPQ M1. The reviewer actually makes a case for M1 over M2 simply in the argument that they practice multi-handed. Certainly there are many manufacturers who make button releases that are truly ambidextrous use, the M2 is much like the G19, in that it requires a configuration change to switch.
Almost everyone that I’ve heard complain about not being able to use the paddle style releases indicate that they cannot reach it well with their thumb. I don’t believe that these were meant to be activated by the thumb and these folks should try using the trigger finger to actuate the magazine release.
I was happy with the G19, but am now a convert to guns that have paddle magazine releases.
You forgot to mention that the rear of the extractor becomes sunken below the surface of the slide so that you can tell by touch when a round is chambered. I far prefer to check for a round in the chamber using the tactile method—works in the dark, and without taking your eyes off of whatever they may be on.
I’d love to see a head-to- head comparo of the PPQ and the PPX to see what exactly is different about them, subjectively.
The subjective difference between a PPQ and a PPX is about $250.
The technical difference likely involves MIM parts and other cheaper manufacturing methods for the PPX.
I love my PPQ’s. the 4″ version was my first gun ever and latter I got a Full Size to shoot matches. The only thing that sucks and must be upgraded are the sights. I just picked a Trijicom set.
I’m curious though, at 15ft+ I can still get a nice group, but it is always a bit higher than where I actually aim. Does anyone have the same problem? (This was with the original sights, haven’t shot with the Trijicom yet)
Too much of a Glock copy. 🙂
I have several pistols, among them the PPQ. Since I bought it I carry nothing else. My Sigs and H&K’s sit in my safe. I got one of the new VP9’s, it is good, but I still carry the PPQ. As to accuracy and simply fun to shoot the other gun I have that may supersede the PPQ is a 1942 P08, I simply love to shoot that gem.
I’ve shot many polymer pistols and the Glock 19 Gen 4 was my baby. I spanked her with Trijicon HD’s and carried her in a Black Mamba and felt that we could now rip the knob off the radio dial! Then…I picked up and shot a PPQ. It was all over. I purchased the M1. Ordered another Black mamba. Now I have 2 awesome 9’s! The Glock resides in the safe. I really don’t want to let her go. The Walther PPQ M1 is my favorite for now. And as far as the paddle release? I had a choice of the M1 or M2. The M1 is the German original and I got used to it over night! I actually think if you give it a chance, you’ll see that it truly makes better ergonomic sense in terms of speed and keeping the muzzle towards the target. Also, my first 100 rounds did have a few unintentional double taps. I see that as getting use to the trigger. Remember…I was a Glock man! Now, after lots of dry-fire practice and about 5000 rounds at the range, I better understand why it’s called “Quick Defense Trigger”. In a bad situation, you’re able to get more rounds more accurately on the adversary more instinctively..(if that makes sense!) Now for those who complain about pulling the trigger before disassembly…well…don’t you practice gun safety? I’m just saying.
Lets not forget just how great of a pistol the P99 is thou. To me the P99 AS might be the best 9mm pistol ever made. In Europe this gun is as revered as any pistol out there, even HK’s. It just never caught on in America like it did overseas. A lot of that was due to the weapons ban of the 90’s and restrictions that were put on the pistol for importing to the US. I for one am a huge fan of the DA/SA striker on the gun with the ability to decock and carry one in the pipe. And i also say that once the “3 stage” trigger is mastered on the P99 it operationally is better than the PPQ. I added Talon grips on my P99 and once this is done ergonomically it is almost the same as the PPQ. The factory P99 grips do tend to get really slick if you perspire or have anything on your hands. That is the one real big negative I had on the pistol, but Talon grips changed the grip big time and it actually grips and feels better than the PPQ in hand once this is done. And the paddle release is another thing that once mastered makes changing out mags easier and faster. I also find the reset even “shorter” on the P99 AS than the PPQ, as hard as that is to believe. In fact i have yet to find any pistol on earth that isnt a 1911 that has a shorter reset than the P99 AS. I can proudly say I own both the P99 AS in 9mm and a PPQ M2 in .40 and i find both guns to be almost on par with one another. Its literally a toss up on which one you could say is the better gun. Its all going to come down to trigger really. If your a DA/SA kind of guy and want a gun you can carry one in the chamber and then use a decocker to switch trigger to DA for safer carry than the P99 is going to be the pistol for you, but if you have cut your teeth on nothing but traditional striker fired pistols than the PPQ will be more up your ally. I personally do not find much difference in the 2 guns when shooting and both are dead on accurate. To say one is better than the other is just going to come down to what you like personally. I for one say that in 10 years time the PPQ will be looked at as a icon here in America, just like the P99 is iconic in European countries. I love both these guns with a passion. But i still put the P99 as my personal favorite
I have the PPQ M2 with an Apex trigger upgrade. Glock 19 now sits in the safe. Most comfortable, accurate gun I have ever shot. 2500 rounds no issues. A lot of people seem to complain about a sharp recoil, muzzle flip? I think it’s a very soft shooting gun for a 9mm, and my wife who barely shoots thinks the recoil is pretty minimal. Not sure what they are talking about, or they are overly picky. She prefers it to the Glock 19 by a huge margin. Everyone who has shot it is amazed. They all grouped much tighter with it. 2 of my friends already bought one. These guns are tack drivers. Even for beginner shooters.
I traded in my Glock 19 for a PPQ M1 in 9mm, I chose the paddle release as I do not have to alter my grip to release a magazine. No failure to fires in about 5000 rounds, I had 2 or 3 accidental discharges at the range during my first 100 rounds when doing quick firing drills. None since then including IDPA sessions when there is definitely more pressure on one then when just shooting paper. One observation I found the medium grip felt the best in my hand, however, I only got acceptable target hits with it I switched to the larger palm swell it did not feel as comfortable as the medium ones but it became a tack driver! The only thing I can think is that that slightly smaller palm swell allowed the pistol to rotate in my hand causing the variation. Carries very nicely in my iwb Black Arch holster.
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