NRA Gun of the Week: Walther PPQ 45 Pistol

by
posted on January 21, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

In 2016 Walther Arms finally delivered the .45 it promised more than 75 years ago. Manufactured in Ulm, Germany, the  PPQ (Police Pistol Quick Defense Trigger) series fills a lifelong gap in the Walther lineup. This polymer-framed gun is full-size, with its double-stack magazine holding 12 rounds, without expanding a grip frame to uncomfortable proportions. Molded-in contours aid purchase to the frame without being overly aggressive. Aesthetically and functionally, the PPQ 45 is consistent with the PPQ line. American Rifleman editors liked it so much they awarded it the 2017 American Rifleman Golden Bullseye for Handgun of the Year. It is a versatile and adaptable platform that Walther followers should readily approve of. Learn more in this NRA Gun of the Week video hosted by American Rifleman's Kelly Young. 

Specifications:
Importer: Walther Arms, Inc.
Manufacturer: Walther, Ulm Germany
Model: PPQ 45
Action Type: recoil-operated, semi-automatic center-fire pistol
Chambering: .45 ACP
Frame: polymer
Slide: Tenifer-finished steel
Barrel: 4.24”; 1:16 RH twist
Sights: white, three-dot; fixed front, drift-adjustable rear
Magazine: 12-round detachable box
Trigger: striker-fired, double-action-only; 5-lb., 9-oz. pull
Weight: 28 ozs.
MSRP: $699

Additional Reading:

A Big First for Walther: The PPQ 45 Pistol
Video: Walther PPQ 45 Pistol

 

 

Latest

Benelli Nova 3 Tactical shotgun
Benelli Nova 3 Tactical shotgun

Benelli Nova 3 Tactical: Innovation Meets Simplicity

Famous for its semi-automatic shotguns, Italian maker Benelli steps up its game in pump-actions—and forecasts more availability of U.S.-market-ready versions in the future.

Marines Turned Arms Inventors: Melvin Johnson & Eugene Stoner

Within the pantheon of U.S. Marine Corps small arms, two rifles are indelibly linked with the Corps’ combat experience in the 20th century, and both were designed by Marines: the Model 1941 Johnson Rifle and the M16.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 3, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The Case For Velocity

Although the effects of a bullet's terminal performance had been thoroughly studied by 1955, ammunition pioneer Roy Weatherby sought to prove velocity trumps mass and, as a result, built a reputable business that continues to advance today.

Preview: Kriss Vector CRB Gen 3

The third generation of Kriss’ distinctively shaped Vector line was introduced earlier this year, with the company offering the platform in carbine (CRB), large-format pistol (SDP) and short-barreled rifle (SBR) formats ...

Staccato 2011 HD C3.6: Shrinking The 2011

Following the release of its HD model, which was designed to accept Glock-pattern magazines, Texas-based firearm maker Staccato announced it had developed a smaller, carry-ready variant: the 2011 HD C3.6.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.