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

Mendoza RM22 01
Mendoza RM22 01

Hecho en México: The Mendoza RM22 Rifles

Mendoza Firearms claims that its RM22 rimfire rifle is the first indigenously produced rifle to be exported to the United States.

Preview: MGE 1911 Grips

Mammoth Grip Exchange is a small startup company that specializes in crafting replacement stock sets for M1911-pattern pistols in a dizzying assortment of exotic materials...

Gun Of The Week: Mossberg 990 Aftershock

For this Gun Of The Week episode, American Rifleman staffers hit the range with the Mossberg 990 Aftershock, a non-NFA, shotshell-firing firearm that provides plenty of power in a compact package.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 14, 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.

Christensen Arms Evoke: A Budget-Friendly Hunting Rifle Built For The Field

For hunters seeking a well-built, no-frills hunting rifle, the Christensen Arms Evoke offers a host of desirable features, all at a price that leaves room for hunting tags and travel costs.

Wholesale Change in Glock Lineup & Other Industry Moves

Fall 2025 has proven to be a volatile time within the firearm industry, with companies like Glock announcing major changes to its product lineup, while other companies announce expansions and moves.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.