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

Belt1 1911 Timer
Belt1 1911 Timer

Tactical Belts For The Rest Of Us

Most shooters don’t need a "war belt." While enthusiasts like the idea of preparing for every contingency, the vast majority of us need a reliable platform for a range session, a training class or a local club match.

18 New Shotguns for 2026

Among today's firearm platforms, the shotgun remains one of the most time-tested, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. Today's new crop of shotguns runs the gamut, giving modern shotgunners new options in nearly every conceivable category.

Derya Arms RAN Series: A New Take on the Lever-Action

Derya Arms' latest entry in the lever-action market, the RAN series of rifles and pistols, seeks to “reimagine” the modern lever gun.

Gun of the Week: Robinson Armament XCR-L

One man, Alex Robinson, took it upon himself to address what he saw as several shortcomings in the AR-15 design. He consulted with special forces operators and asked what they wanted in a rifle platform. The result was the Robinson Armament XCR.

Maryland Bans Glocks and the NRA Responds

Legislation recently signed into law by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore essentially bans nearly every Glock and Glock-style pistol on the market from being sold within the state.

The Armed Citizen® May 29, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.