After firing over 1.000 rounds through this pistol and owning it for over a year, it was time to write a comprehensive review of the Walther PPQ M2.

Having carried and fired several pistols throughout my professional career – ranging from the classic FN Browning Hi-Power to the more modern Glock 19 and FN Five-seveN – I was interested in my own polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol for personal training and home defense. After reading many great reviews, I finally decided to buy the PPQ M2 made by Walther Arms.

Variants

Released in 2013, the base Police Pistol Quick Defense Model 2 (PPQ M2) is available in 6 variants (i.e. either chambered in 9mm or .40 S&W, and with a 4 or 5 inch barrel length). The special Navy version of the PPQ M2 (chambered in 9mm) has a threaded barrel which allows a sound suppressor. Additionally, the preceding PPQ Classic, the PPQ .22 (chambered in .22 LR), and the PPQ 45 (chambered in .45 ACP) are also sold and are based on the same platform.

I chose the basic PPQ M2 9mm with the 4-inch barrel. But even this basic variant came with a high price tag. I payed € 889.75 in Belgium – thanks to the higher taxes. Steep, but it turned out to be worth every penny.

Walther PPQ M2 Technical Details

Now what comes in the box? The actual pistol, obviously, but also 2 double-stack metal magazines (holding 15 rounds each), a speed loader, 3 removable back-straps, the user manual, and a test target. A chamber flag and cable lock were also included, but I seem to have misplaced them somewhere – likely in the trash can.

Pistol Frame & Slide

So what is the main difference between the Walther PPQ M2 and its predecessor, the PPQ Classic? One main thing: the magazine release mechanism. The PPQ Classic uses the European paddle-style magazine release at the trigger guard, while the PPQ M2 uses the more traditional (and reversible) thumb release button. Personally, I prefer the push-button instead of the ambidextrous levers, so the M2 was a good choice for me.

The PPQ M2 also comes equipped with a picatinny rail on its frame (for mounting a flashlight or laser), a loaded chamber indicator, front and rear slide serrations, a long slide stop, and 3-dot, low-profile polymer sights. The slide also features a Tenifer coating in a matte finish, providing good protection against corrosion and scuff marks.

This gun also comes with a typical 3 white-dot sight system. The front sight can easily be removed and replaced in order to adjust for elevation. The rear sights can be adjusted for windage with a click-system screw. Instructions are explained in detail in the user manual.

Of note is that magazines for the PPQ Classic are not compatible with the PPQ M2. So buyer beware! A magazine with extended base plate – holding 17 rounds – is also available.

Grip

I’m sure some of you are wondering why I didn’t go for Glock. It is a valid question. Glock offers ultra-reliable pistols at a very decent price. I tried both the Glock 17 and Glock 19, and they are are great pistols. Glock is certainly a reputable brand and I would recommend it to many – especially as a starter pistol. However, I just didn’t like how the Glock 19 felt in my hand. Something was just… off. It was not as comfortable when compared to the Walther PPQ M2.

This is exactly where Walther Arms makes the difference. The ergonomics of the PPQ M2’s grip – named the “Cross-Directional Textured Tactical Grip” – is amazing. It fit my hand perfectly. This grip was actually the deciding factor which made me purchase the Walther PPQ M2 and not the Glock 19. The non-slippery texture also allows for a firm hold and counters sweaty hands.

An added bonus is that the PPQ M2 comes with 3 removable back-straps in different sizes: small, medium and large. This allows shooters to easily modify the pistol grip according to their preferences. You just remove a small pin, swap the back-strap and re-insert the pin. Done in a matter of minutes!

Trigger & Safety

Walther Arms has an excellent reputation when it comes to its triggers, and it is well deserved! The single-action mode trigger on the Walther PPQ M2 is the best and smoothest I’ve ever fired. Walther reports a 1.02 cm (0.4 in) travel before reaching the firing point, and after each shot the trigger provides a short and very crisp reset. This trigger definitely allows for fast shooting combined with great accuracy.

Similar to other modern pistols, the PPQ M2 uses a safety trigger mechanism. This means that a lever in the middle of the trigger needs to be pressed before the trigger can be fully activated. Additionally, this pistol comes equipped with 3 built-in safeties to avoid accidental discharges: 2 drop safeties and an internal firing pin block allowing safer carry.

Shooting the Walther PPQ M2

As I was used to heavier, steel-framed pistols, it took some time to get used to the harsher recoil of the lighter Walther PPQ M2. But once I did, the pistol functioned admirably and is a very accurate shooter. Rest assured: you will have a lot of fun with this pistol on the range, and with proper technique you will fire awesome groupings. This pistol is also very comfortable to shoot, thanks to the aforementioned grip ergonomics.

I find the PPQ M2 to be very reliable too. After owning this gun for more than a year now, it has only malfunctioned once (when a round did not properly chamber).

Concealed Carry

Even with the shorter 4-inch barrel, the PPQ M2 is still a large and relatively bulky weapon. After all, it is designed as a duty pistol for Law Enforcement and Armed Forces personnel. For a person of average height, the PPQ M2 is therefore going to be uncomfortable to wear concealed – especially when carried inside the waistband.

I would recommend looking at other Walther Arms products for concealed carry, and in particular the new Walther PPS M2. This pistol is the PPQ M2’s little brother. It offers the same great features and functionality of the PPQ M2, but comes in a small and easily concealable package. In fact, I have this particular pistol on my purchase list and will add it to my personal arsenal soon.

Conclusion

Pros: Great reputation & build quality; superb grip ergonomics; exceptional trigger…
Cons: … but it all comes at premium price.

If you’re looking for a reliable and stunning striker-fired pistol, the Walther PPQ M2 will not disappoint you. However, the downside is that such quality comes at a high price – especially here in Belgium due to the high added taxes. Nonetheless, save up some more and buy it anyway; this pistol is definitely worth the money. It provides superior, off-the-shelf quality and reliability, while requiring little-to-no further modifications or fixes.

Personally, the Walther PPQ M2 is the best pistol I’ve ever shot and owned. Where Glock has set the standard for the modern polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol, Walther Arms has raised the bar with its PPQ M2 and brought the platform to perfection. This pistol truly provides great accuracy, ergonomics and an exceptional trigger!

I’m confident this gun will remain a favorite in my collection for years to come. I have no doubt it will serve its purpose well: an excellent range gun and home defense pistol, and also a reliable sidearm for when shit hits the fan.

Take care and until next time.

T.