Walther quietly makes some of the best striker pistols on the market, as we will attest to in this Walther PPQ M2 review. If you're starting to look outside Glock, Springfield and S&W for a polymer-framed, striker-fired slightly compact gun, the PPQ should be the top of your list because it's excellent.
It's not radically different than the top sellers in the segment, but certain details have been seen to that add up to a better overall pistol.
How so? Let's get into that.
Walther PPQ Specifications
Before we get into the review, let's go over Walther PPQ specifications. It's a not-quite-compact, not-quite-full-size pistol. It's marginally bigger than a Glock 19, but not by too much, so it's compact enough for daily carry though some folks will not agree.
Standard barrel length is 4 inches, and standard dimensions are 7.1 inches long, 5.3 inches tall and 1.3 inches wide. Empty weight is 24.05 ounces, and the standard carrying capacity is 15+1 rounds of 9x19mm.
The PPQ is also available with a 4.6-inch threaded barrel, and there are two longslide versions with a 5-inch barrel. The gun is also available in .40 S&W, though the barrels on the models are increased to 4.2 inches.
The pistol features swappable palm swells, shipping with a small, medium and large backstrap. The grip has Walther's ergonomic appointments, including very slight finger groove bumps and their cross-directional stippling for a grippy surface that isn't too rough.
Controls are ambidextrous, with slide-release levers on both sides. The PPQ M2 differs from the first-gen (now PPQ Classic) in that it features a magazine eject button - which can be swapped for lefties - rather than European-style paddles. Take-down is done with a U-shaped pull tab; you just pull down and it releases the slide. A trigger pull is required to get the slide off, but the takedown tab is much easier to use than Glock's sliders.
The pistol features fore and aft slide serrations, and the dust cover of the frame has a Picatinny rail for mounting accessories. The sights are low-profile though easily visible. Standard units are white dots (3 of 'em) and night sights can be had for an upcharge. Both sights are windage adjustable.
The centerpiece, of course, is Walther's trigger, which is outstanding for this type of pistol. The trigger breaks at 5.6 lbs, with a short 0.4-in travel and short (0.1 inches!) reset, with an audible, tactile click.
Walther Offering 30 Day Test Drive Shoot It. Love It. Buy It. Program For A Limited Time
Walther Arms has announced a sort of 30 day "test drive" return policy for a limited time, which they call their "Shoot It. Love It. Buy It." program. There are two portions to it, one for all general sales and others through select Walther dealers.
That certainly sounds like a great return policy and warranty.
First is a 30-day return policy. If you buy a Walther PPQ, you can return the gun within the first 30 days of ownership. If you decide you want to send the pistol back, you have to contact Walther Arms but they'll give you a return label so you don't have to pay shipping. You send the gun back, they inspect it and cut you a check for the purchase price.
The Shoot It. Love It. Buy It. program also includes a 30 day "try before you buy" program. This, however, is a bit different. To enroll in the program, you have to contact Walther and enroll in the program.
You must provide a valid credit or debit card, which Walther will pre-authorize for a $1,000 charge. It is NOT - repeat, NOT - a hold on funds or a charge, just a pre-authorization.
Once that's complete, Walther will send you a voucher, which you take to the nearest participating Walther Arms dealer. You get to take a PPQ home for 30 days. You get to shoot it. You can carry it. You can call it "Susan." (Which would be weird.) Do whatever you want, but at the end of the 30-day trial period, you have to either send it back or pay for it.
A trial period...one wonders where they might have gotten the idea from. Sounds pretty awesome, if you ask us.
The Shoot It. Love It. Buy It. program starts basically now (as of the time of this writing) but both offers expire on 6/30/2019, so time is of the essence.
Walther PPQ M2 Review
Maybe the PPQ M2 isn't perfect...but as far as this Walther PPQ M2 review is concerned, this is about as good as pistols of this size and firing system get. Granted, there are a few things that could tilt a person away from it, but we'll get into that.
You aren't going to find a more ergonomic pistol in this segment, except maybe for the VP9. And as things go as far as the , the two pistols are mind-bogglingly similar. The grip is basically the same. The rear of the slide looks darn near the same. The trigger is near as makes no difference as good on both pistols. The VP9 has the trick charging handles and some slightly cleaner machining and costs about $70 more in stores.
The shelf on the beavertail of the frame allows for very high, tight grip which makes for excellent shooting. Recoil is incredibly manageable and the pistol is very accurate. The trigger guard actually flares where it meets the grip, resting very comfortably atop the middle finger, and the palm swell sits perfectly in the lower bout of the palm.
The trigger is shockingly good. Short travel, with a clean, crisp break, with a short but audible and tactile reset. There may be no gun easier to ride the reset with.
There are a couple of niggles, however. Aftermarket support pales in comparison to Glock or M&P pistols. It lacks a manual safety, which some people do prefer to have, though it is arguably unnecessary with the 3 passive safety devices and using your grey matter.
The grip is a little long for a carry pistol, though not unmanageable at 5.3 inches. The PPQ Subcompact would be a little more manageable with an extended magazine for that purpose, but plenty of people carry this pistol and those of similar dimensions daily so it's hardly undoable.
Most stores price it just under $500. You may find it for as low as $450 new, but $500 is more like it which actually makes it quite competitive compared to a Glock. An M&P9 can be had for a lot less in many cases, but I - me, personally - would argue to save up and get one of these instead were I in the market for a full-size-ish striker pistol. The trigger and ergonomics are just too good.
If you told me I had to go get a striker gun...there are only a couple that I'd come home with. The Walther PPQ M2 is one of them.
Walther PPQ M2 FAQs
What is the Walther PPQ M2?
The Walther PPQ M2 is a striker-fired, semi-automatic pistol designed for self-defense, law enforcement, and competition use. It is chambered primarily in 9mm and .40 S&W, featuring Walther’s highly regarded Quick Defense Trigger, ambidextrous controls, and ergonomic grip design. The PPQ M2 is known for its superior handling, light trigger pull, and smooth shooting characteristics that make it one of the most comfortable polymer pistols on the market.
What are the specifications of the Walther PPQ M2?
The standard Walther PPQ M2 4-inch model in 9mm has the following specifications:
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Caliber: 9×19mm Parabellum (.40 S&W also available)
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Barrel length: 4.0 inches
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Overall length: 7.1 inches
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Height: 5.3 inches
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Width: 1.3 inches
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Capacity: 15+1 (9mm) or 11+1 (.40 S&W)
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Trigger pull: 5.6 lbs
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Trigger travel/reset: 0.4 inches / 0.1 inches
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Weight (empty): approximately 24.5 oz
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Frame: matte black polymer
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Slide: Tenifer-coated steel
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Sights: 3-dot polymer, adjustable rear sight for windage
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Safety: 3 internal automatic safeties (trigger, firing pin block, and drop safety)
What makes the Quick Defense Trigger unique on the PPQ M2?
Walther’s Quick Defense Trigger is one of the PPQ M2’s most defining features. It provides a short, light, and consistent pull with a crisp break and an exceptionally short, tactile reset of 0.1 inches. This design allows for quick follow-up shots, improving accuracy and control for defensive and competitive shooters.
What are the main differences between the PPQ M1 and PPQ M2?
The original PPQ M1 featured a paddle-style magazine release integrated into the trigger guard, while the PPQ M2 introduces a reversible push-button magazine release, more familiar to shooters in the U.S. market. Both models share the same frame, trigger system, and overall performance, but the M2’s updated controls make it more ergonomic for a wider audience.
How reliable is the Walther PPQ M2 for self-defense use?
The PPQ M2 is highly reliable and built to endure thousands of rounds without significant wear. Its polymer frame, corrosion-resistant Tenifer coating, and advanced internal design make it a dependable handgun for concealed carry, home defense, and duty use. Many law enforcement professionals and experienced shooters favor it for its combination of reliability, speed, and safety.
What variants of the Walther PPQ M2 are available?
The PPQ M2 series includes multiple variants:
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PPQ M2 4-inch – Standard compact duty model
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PPQ M2 5-inch Sport – Long slide variant with improved sight radius and lighter front slide for competition use
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PPQ Q4 TAC – Threaded barrel, optics-ready slide, and suppressor-height sights
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PPQ Q5 Match – Extended, match-grade edition designed for precision competition shooting
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PPQ SC (Sub-Compact) – 3.5-inch barrel designed for concealed carry
How does the Walther PPQ M2 compare to the Glock 19?
The PPQ M2 and Glock 19 are similar in size and capacity, but the PPQ M2 is often praised for its superior trigger and ergonomics. The PPQ offers a more natural grip angle, deeper finger grooves, and interchangeable backstraps. Glock retains an advantage in aftermarket support and parts availability, but the PPQ excels in factory performance, comfort, and trigger feel.
What type of safety system does the PPQ M2 use?
The Walther PPQ M2 uses an internal safety system with three independent safeties: a trigger safety, firing pin block safety, and drop safety. It does not have an external manual safety or magazine disconnect. This design allows a consistent trigger pull without compromising security against accidental discharge.
What holster options are available for the PPQ M2?
The PPQ M2 is compatible with a wide selection of holsters from major manufacturers such as Safariland, Alien Gear, CrossBreed, and Tulster. Holster options include IWB, OWB, duty, and competitive configurations, making the PPQ adaptable for both concealed and open carry setups.
How accurate is the Walther PPQ M2 out of the box?
The PPQ M2 is known for exceptional out-of-the-box accuracy, largely due to its polygonal rifled barrel, short trigger reset, and ideal grip-to-bore axis geometry. Shooters typically report tight groups at 15 to 25 yards, rivaling or exceeding other polymer-framed service pistols in the same category.
What is the price range of the Walther PPQ M2?
As of 2025, the Walther PPQ M2 typically retails between $599 and $699, depending on the configuration and included accessories. Special models such as the Q5 Match and Q4 TAC command higher prices due to their enhanced features and competition-ready design.
Is the Walther PPQ M2 still in production?
While the PPQ M2 remains available through many dealers, Walther has begun transitioning production emphasis to its successor, the Walther PDP (Performance Duty Pistol). The PDP retains the PPQ’s ergonomics and trigger performance while adding an optics-ready slide and refined texturing. However, the PPQ M2 continues to be respected as one of the finest striker-fired pistols ever developed for defensive and professional use.
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About The Author Born in southeastern Washington State, Sam Hoober graduated in 2011 from Eastern Washington University. He resides in the great Inland Northwest, with his wife and child. His varied interests and hobbies include camping, fishing, hunting, and spending time at the gun range as often as possible. |