Which Walther Pistol Do I Want?

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I'm going to be the odd duck here. I bought a CCP because it felt so good when I handled it. The first ones had a rather annoying takedown and also could fire if dropped even with the safety on. Both problems have been solved by Walther. I'll call the trigger not the best I've ever pulled but far from the worst. Mine is very accurate, in fact the most accurate of any 9mm I've owned including two 1911's that have great triggers. Apparently no one else cares much for this model but I like it and it's what I carry.
 
I find the sights on the P1 easy to read. The P38 series and PP series are THE classic Walther designs. I also have a PPQ M2, which is a good gun, but then I just use mine as a range toy. In the long run the P38/P1 will be worth more, if that matters to you. It sounds like you want something more "contemporary", so I think that you are on the right track with the P99 and PPQ
 
Whiterook808 said:
I find the sights on the P1 easy to read. The P38 series and PP series are THE classic Walther designs. I also have a PPQ M2, which is a good gun, but then I just use mine as a range toy. In the long run the P38/P1 will be worth more, if that matters to you. It sounds like you want something more "contemporary", so I think that you are on the right track with the P99 and PPQ
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input. I will have to look at the prices. It's not really a "contemporary" thing with me. I love old machines: I drove my 1970 Ford F100 to work today (as usual). It's just that if I have a handgun with relatively poor sights and trigger compared to my other handguns, it just doesn't get shot much. Most of mine are just service-grade revolvers and pistols, so if something shoots as good as an old Model 10 or Beretta 92 or something like that, it will get shot some.

Are there any members out there who shoot P38's/P1's very often? How do they shoot compared to a Glock, CZ75, S&W third generation, etc?
 
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I had a P-38 and foolishly traded it off years ago. Same with my Interarms PPK/S (the S&W version ruined the model).

But yeah, I still really want a P-5 and a P-88. Don't really care much about the new Walthers ...
 
I've got 3 Walthers; two PPQ M1s and a PPS M1.

All have been 100% and the PPQs I've taken through multiple defensive pistol classes. The paddle release takes some getting used to, but IMHO it's a superior system, but I also shoot HKs. The only mods I've made to mine are sights, the PPQ and PPS I use for CCW get Trijicon HDs, the PPQ I shoot in IDPA got a set of FOs from Dawson.
 
I have a PPQ M2 that I absolutely love. The trigger is epic, the only thing I changed was adding Dawson fiber optic sights. I can ring steel shot after shot at 50 and 75 yards, it’s ridiculously accurate. I also like the button mag release because all my other pistols use the button so it’s no problem for me but the purists will still lust for the paddle release. Meh.

On the plus side the M1 with its paddle release can share mags with the P99. I shot SIGs for many years with their DA/SA triggers so I’d like to add a P99AS for my next Walther, if I was going to buy another. But for now the PPQ is the last word for me in striker-fired 9mm pistols, it’s that good. I’ve completely gotten rid of my Glocks. Let the Glock fanbois brag about their huge aftermarket, they need it!
 
I kept away from 9mm for forty years. A couple years back I bought a 1976 German border patrol Walther P4. An upgrade from the P1 and the steel framed P38. I really like shooting it. Quick to target and accurate. The only caliber I don't reload, so no brass chasing.
The P38 is more expensive, especially the WWII pistols.
Walther P4-3.jpg
 
I had three Walthers, an AC42 P38, P88 full-size and a P5c
I was offered crazy money for them and they are now in the hands of collectors sitting in safes like good safe queens should.
 
I really like the P99 AS my father has.

With the long AS pull I would carry it without decocking and not be worried.
 
Well... that was kind of anticlimactic. I figured I would research the P38's/P1's, stalk Gunbroker for the P99 and PPQ... was expecting a couple of months of fooling around looking for a nice Walther for cheap.

Well, a few hours ago I won a Gunbroker auction for a "nearly new" PPQ with the box for $330. The pictures look great. If everything goes smoothly I will be picking it up at my LGS before next week is over. Dang, I thought I had a project going.

I will post pictures and a range review within the next week or two.

Thanks for all your time, effort, and good advice.
 
Nice OP, definitely report back with your first impressions of the PPQ. When the PPQ came into my life I got rid of all my Glocks.
 
Just today at the LGS, they had several interesting things from some estate sales. My favorite (though I didn't buy it) was a Browning High Power BDA. Weird, but fun to play with the three trigger modes.

But relevant to this, they also had a decent condition P1K. Like this:
453def8fcc.jpg
Played with it a bit, and super interesting. Points very different from a P38/P1, but generally good.

This one was just labeled "P1," no K, but it was just like the photo, except for plastic stocks.
 
I never sell a gun I like, so I'll keep my Glocks regardless. But if the PPQ shoots as well for me as it does for some of the posters, my Tanfoglio CZ75 clone will have some competition for "favorite service pistol".
 
shoobe01 said:
Just today at the LGS, they had several interesting things from some estate sales. My favorite (though I didn't buy it) was a Browning High Power BDA. Weird, but fun to play with the three trigger modes.

But relevant to this, they also had a decent condition P1K. Like this:
View attachment 816402
Played with it a bit, and super interesting. Points very different from a P38/P1, but generally good.

This one was just labeled "P1," no K, but it was just like the photo, except for plastic stocks.
Click to expand...
Some people have all the luck......Ive only seen pictures of the "K!"
 
P5. Whiterook really beat me to the idea.

The much more affordable PPQ I rented was just as impressive as the CZ P10 also tried out at Shoot Point Blank. My handguns (no Walthers) are DA/SA with decockers.
Quite frankly, I didn't notice details such as trigger reset difference or subtle characteristics in the trigger pulls of these guns. And being a Lefty, I adjust to typical mag release levers if made only for Right-handed shooters.
 
You can switch the mag buttons with PPQs.

You will be spoiled by the PPQ trigger.
 
There are two that are must haves. First, be James Bond. It's too heavy and cost to much. But hey, it's James Bond! Second, PPQ M5. Race model but so much more. I got to shoot one out-of-the-box and one of the factory rep's personal gun. 1/10" trigger reset with perfect balance. Follow up shots tend to end up in the same hole. The rep's had a RMR and a few other personal additions. I shot the CZ, H&K, Sig and then shot the Walther's some more. The others were a bit more $ and that's what I wanted to compare. Dollars to form and function. to me its the best way to buy a gun. Shoot everything in its class. If I could do it blindfolded I would. So to not judge a gun superficially.
 
If you look at my new thread, you will see that I picked up the PPQ M2 today. It's in extremely good condition. I will be pretty busy tomorrow, but hope to shoot it Sunday morning. The trigger is divine.
 
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