Which Walther Pistol Do I Want?

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Tallball

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I like full-sized service type pistols. I have one or more of almost every major brand.

Recently I realized that I don't own a Walther. How could I not own a Walther? That is unacceptable and should be rectified!

I have read quite a few threads from members who wrote that their Walther Model XXX had a great trigger, great sights, was as accurate as a sniper rifle, and was widely available used for hardly any money at all.

The trouble is, I can't remember which models the members like so much.

So, which Walther do I want?

(Pictures are encouraged.) :)
 
PPQ M1 is full sized with ambi paddle mag release
PPQ M2 is full sized with button mag release
They make a 5” version of these as well

P99 is their predecessor which is a striker with decocker with double strike capability
 
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I came close a few times over the years and I finally picked up a .40 P99 last year. It's one of the original variants—an 'AB' dated one so that makes it about 16 years old. I like the trigger a lot (it's now knows as the "anti-stress" version)—I had thought it would be more like the LEM H&Ks that I've owned (and sold...I didn't care for them) but I like this one better.

Canadian 9mm P99s have a slightly extended barrel...it's not bad, but I like the flush look that the .40 slide/barrel has since the slide is a smidge longer on the .40. I like the slide "notches" in the 9mm version a bit more though—the .40 slide looks a little plain in comparison.

The grip felt a little odd to me when dry-firing at home–the "hump" at the back felt off, and the grip itself was a little slippery, too. But once I shot it it felt great–there were no issues with comfort at all. I've had other pistols that felt similarly odd but shot great at the range –the H&K P7 is one example. There is some "punch" to the recoil, of course, but little muzzle flip.

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Well, if you're like me, trying to decide which Walther to buy will probably result in you getting more than one!

My first Walther was the PPQ M1 (a.k.a. the Classic). I absolutely LOVE shooting and carrying it. I got the M1 because I really like the paddle mag release, since I have that on my HK 45C. All those who have shot it a while have also really liked it - a LOT. You cannot go wrong with the PPQ (M1 or M2). Having said that, I was curious about the PPQ's predecessor the P99 AS. It attracted me because I really like carrying a DA/SA pistol for safety reasons. So ... I got the P99. Beautiful.

Shortened story, I now equally like the PPQ and P99 - honestly. So, you should get one of them, or the other, OR BOTH! :thumbup:
 
If you like the DA/SA trigger type, go with a P99. It is striker fired with a pseudo DA/SA trigger and a paddle paddle mag release. The one pictured above I believe is a 1st generation with a shorter mag release similar to HKs, and the 2nd generation onwards has a longer paddle mag release which I tend to prefer (but I wouldn't turn down a 1st gen).

If you prefer the standard "striker fired" type trigger similar to what is on Glock's and M&P's, look at the PPQ. While both guns have a good trigger pull, the PPQ should have a shorter reset. The M1 has the paddle mag release like the later generation P99s while the M2 has a button mag release. Honestly if you're getting the gun to fill out a collection, go with the paddle mag release. It's different (and some of us prefer it to the button) but it is the traditional Walter way.
 
The original PP's were good :) and as said the P38s were ok too. I have seen too many of the newer walthers break during training classes. I pities the poor LEOs who were stuck with them, they agreed they were trashy. I might not be popular for this, but thats the way I have seen it last 20 years.
 
I only have a PPQ M1 in 9mm. The trigger is what sold me on this gun, but the paddle magazine release is cool as well. I replaced the front sight with a fiber optic sight after the first went flying while shooting it in the desert, but I haven't had any other problems with it and I probably shoot 100-200 rounds a week through it between practice and competition.
 
Ppq 5” and/or p99. Walthers, just like cz’s, shine in 9mm and their striker fired options will outshoot any other striker fired brand.
 
If you want a target pistol that is very comfortable and capable of great accuracy, the PPQ.

I don't carry, so I have no thoughts on that.
 
If you were willing to go mid-size, a PP is a quite nice pistol. It’s not exactly a compact, certainly not a subcompact. It’s a small belt pistol or a big pocket gun. I will buy another one, but not in 7.65. I want .380 for my next PP.
 
PPQ M1 in 9mm for range/target; P99AS 9mm for a CCW is what I use after trying many. Both are extrordinary firearms.
 
I carry a P99 (original KI dated 9mm) and absolutely love it. It's been super reliable, shoots as accurately as any of my Sigs and can give a few of my less tightly fit 1911s a run for their money, and it carries easily. I highly recommend the P99 or P99AS. I also have a PPQ M1 that's been making its way into my carry rotation and it's more of the same as what the P99 has, but with a more traditional striker fire system. On days where a P99 or the PPQ is just a little too big, I have a PPS that's similarly been an outstanding piece of kit.
 
ba-hiride-zpsjly11uy8.png I have PPQ 45, PPQ 4 inch M2, and a PPQ .22 that go with my PPS M2.

All shoot good, and my PPS M2 doesn't fall under the recent recall.
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Type of carry and size or caliber considerations will dictate which Walther.

I carry my PPQ SC over all of them as It carries much like a PPS and shoots like a
full-sized Walther.
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On the youtube, Hickock45 has reviews of some of these pistols. One very favorable to the PPQ.
 
Just for the record, I already have FEG "clones" of a PP in 32acp, and a PPK in 380acp. The Walthers are doubtless prettier, but the FEG's function just fiine. The 32 in particular is very accurate and points extremely well.

The P38/P1 are very cool pistols, but I don't think I could get one for what I'm willing to spend, and I suspect the trigger and sights wouldn't be as good as the best of my modern service pistols.

As per the most common suggestions, I am now on the lookout for a used P99 or PPQ. From looking at completed auctions, it will probably take some time, but it seems possible to get the former for $300 or the later for $400. Patience is a virtue.

Thanks for all of the great advice. :)
 
There are not many wrong answers to which Walther you want. The PPQ M1/M2 has been mentioned, and both are good choices for a first Walther to have. My first Walther (and still own) is a P99 in .40S&W. Its little brother is a PPS M1 in 9mm. Next on my list is likely the new PPQ 45.

Walthers to avoid though. The PPS M2 is hit or miss on quality. I am on several gun boards and groups. And there isn't much love for the quality problems some people are having. The most common issue I see is one of the rear sight dots falling out of PPS M2. The saving grace for Walther is their customer service in fixing the problems. Even with the recall of the M2, I am seeing most people getting their firearms back in under 2 weeks.
 
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