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

Franchi Momentum MULE rifle
Franchi Momentum MULE rifle

New for 2026: Franchi Momentum Mule Rifle

Franchi’s do-it-all MULE rifle is designed as a general-purpose carbine.

New for 2026: Smith & Wesson Spec Series M&P9 and R Handguns

Smith & Wesson expands its Spec series with the Spec Series IV M&P9 M2.0 Metal Compact pistol and the Spec Series R revolver.

New for 2026: Henry Provider and Protector Rifles

For 2026, Henry adds two new product families, one designed for hunting, the other for protection.

Gun Of The Week: Daniel Defense DDPCC 9 mm Carbine

Daniel Defense's pistol-caliber carbine, the DDPCC, offers AR-15-style operation in a more budget-friendly caliber.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 23, 2026

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

New for 2026: Stoeger STR-45 Combat Pistol

For 2026, Stoeger adds the .45 ACP chambering to its Combat line of STR handguns.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.