Walther Arm's PPQ pistol, introduced in 2011, is the most modern iteration of the Walther personal-protection or duty pistol. A full-size, Ulm, Germany-made gun, the polymer-frame, striker-fired PPQ M2 has the take-down system and bilateral slide lock of the P99 combined with an articulated blade safety in the trigger and a new grip design with the magazine release behind the trigger guard on the frame. Originally offered in 9 mm or .40 S&W, a new version was brought into the line in early 2015—the PPQ M2, which has a longer slide and barrel that add a full inch to the overall length, improving its pointability, balance and overall handling. To see more of the pistol and watch Managing Editor Joe Kurtenbach take it down range, watch the above "Rifleman Review" segment from a recent episode of American Rifleman TV.
To learn more about Walther's history and its extensive pistol lineup, please enjoy the following articles:
The trend has been growing for years, but accelerated dramatically with pandemic-enforced social-distancing protocols. For those of us who still prefer to walk the aisles of an FFL and hold a conversation with knowledgeable staff, the extra room to breathe in a store during the holiday season is a welcome change.
Join American Rifleman staff here on the range in this week's video to learn about Ruger's pistol-caliber carbine chambered for America's cartridge, .45 ACP.