NRA Gun of the Week: Walther PPQ 45 Pistol

Published on January 20, 2017
Duration: 3:36

Kell Young of American Rifleman reviews the Walther PPQ 45, Walther's first 45 ACP production handgun. The review highlights its historical context, technical specifications including its 4.25-inch Tenifer-coated barrel, polymer frame, 12-round capacity, and M2 configuration features like the push-button magazine release. Young praises its ergonomics, comfortable grip for a high-capacity .45, and ambidextrous controls, making it suitable for both right and left-handed shooters.

Quick Summary

The Walther PPQ 45 is Walther's first production handgun chambered in 45 ACP, featuring a Tenifer-coated steel slide and barrel with a polymer frame. It offers a 12-round capacity in a slim 1.3-inch grip, ambidextrous controls, and a smooth, double-action-only trigger with a short reset.

Chapters

  1. 00:19Introduction: Walther PPQ 45
  2. 00:23Historical Context of Walther .45 ACP
  3. 00:54PPQ 45 Full-Size Handgun Specs
  4. 01:03Slide and Barrel Construction
  5. 01:07Frame and Weight
  6. 01:15Magazine Capacity and Grip Comfort
  7. 01:32Operating System: Tilting Barrel, Striker-Fired
  8. 01:38M2 Configuration Features
  9. 01:51Magazine Release: Push Button vs. Paddle
  10. 02:00Frame Texture and Grip
  11. 02:09Replaceable Backstrap System
  12. 02:17Left-Hand Friendly Design
  13. 02:32Sights: Three-Dot Configuration
  14. 02:37Trigger Pull and Reset
  15. 02:45Safety Features: Articulated Blade
  16. 02:51Manual Safety Absence
  17. 02:57.45 ACP's Enduring Popularity
  18. 03:02Conclusion: Walther PPQ 45 Summary
  19. 03:12Where to Find More Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Walther PPQ 45 unique in Walther's lineup?

The Walther PPQ 45 is notable as Walther's first production handgun chambered in the popular 45 ACP caliber. This fills a historical gap, as plans for a .45 ACP version of the P38 were interrupted by World War II.

What are the key ergonomic features of the Walther PPQ 45?

The PPQ 45 boasts a comfortable grip for a high-capacity .45, measuring only 1.3 inches across. It includes a replaceable backstrap system for customization and features ambidextrous controls like slide locks and a reversible magazine release, making it very left-hand friendly.

What type of operating system and trigger does the Walther PPQ 45 use?

The Walther PPQ 45 utilizes a tilting barrel, locked breech operating system. It is a striker-fired pistol with a double-action-only trigger, known for its smooth break and short reset.

What are the construction materials and dimensions of the Walther PPQ 45?

The PPQ 45 features a Tenifer-coated steel slide and barrel, paired with a molded polymer frame. It measures 7.4 inches in length and 5.8 inches in height, with a 4.25-inch barrel.

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