Walther PPQ
The Walther PPQ is widely considered to have the best factory trigger of any striker-fired pistol available — a 5.6 lb pull with a short reset that broke new ground when the PPQ launched and remains the benchmark that competing manufacturers measure against. Available in 9mm and .45 ACP with 4″ and 5″ barrel options, the PPQ has a devoted following among competitive shooters, law enforcement professionals, and anyone who simply wants the finest factory trigger in a service pistol.
Read our full Walther PPQ Buying Guide ↓
PPQ Trigger: Why It’s Still the Benchmark
The Walther PPQ’s trigger is the reason most buyers choose it over competitors. The pull weight is approximately 5.6 lbs with a very short, positive reset — the shortest reset of any factory striker-fired pistol when the PPQ launched in 2011, and still among the best. The trigger face is ergonomically curved to naturally center the finger. The result is a trigger that allows faster, more accurate follow-up shots than most factory striker-fired alternatives. Competitive shooters who can’t or won’t modify their triggers consistently point to the PPQ as the best unmodified option in the category.
PPQ M1 vs. PPQ M2: The Magazine Release Difference
The original PPQ M1 used a paddle-style magazine release at the trigger guard — a European convention that many shooters find faster for bilateral use but that American shooters accustomed to the button-style release find unfamiliar. The PPQ M2 switched to an American-style push-button magazine release that most buyers prefer. The M2 is the current production variant and the right choice for most buyers. The M1 is available through some distributors and preferred by shooters who specifically want the paddle release for its bilateral ambidexterity.
PPQ vs. Sig P320 vs. Glock 17: Full-Size Striker Comparison
The PPQ, Sig P320, and Glock 17 are the three most compared full-size striker-fired pistols. The PPQ wins the trigger comparison decisively in factory form. The Glock 17 wins on aftermarket depth, parts availability, and long-term service life documentation. The P320 wins on modularity and military adoption. For a shooter who wants the best out-of-the-box trigger without modification, the PPQ is the clear answer. For a shooter who wants the most proven duty pistol with the deepest aftermarket, Glock. For someone who wants to customize extensively, P320.
PPQ 5″ Model: The Competition Option
The Walther PPQ 5″ extends the barrel to 5″ for improved velocity and a longer sight radius — the competition-oriented version of the platform. The longer barrel produces noticeably flatter shooting and tighter groups at distance, and the extended sight radius makes accurate shots at speed easier. For USPSA Production division (where the trigger pull minimum is met by the standard PPQ) or IDPA ESP division, the PPQ 5″ is a compelling competition pistol that doesn’t require an expensive custom trigger job to be competitive.
PPQ Accessories, Ammo & Related Pages
The PPQ M2 uses proprietary Walther magazines — 15-round in 9mm, 12-round in .45 ACP. Holster availability is good from major makers including Alien Gear and Safariland. For 9mm ammunition, see our 9mm ammo page. For the full Walther brand page covering the PDP and PPK as well, see our Walther page. For competing full-size striker pistols, see our Sig P320 and Glock 17 pages.