I am consistently surprised and disappointed with how little I hear about Walther Arms pistol ownership. I currently own three, but, shockingly, a Walther wasn’t the first handgun I ever shot. As a Walther owner, I truly appreciate the brand — as does everyone else who owns one — but I feel its firearms don’t get the recognition they deserve.
The PPQ 45, PPS M2 RMSc and new Q5 Match are perfect examples of the innovation and craftsmanship that is Walther Arms; those three are in my stable of firearms for a reason.
A Quick Walther Arms History Lesson
For those of you who are familiar with me or my work, you know I fancy a little bit of history; Walther’s is one worth disseminating to those who may not be aware. Carl Walther and his wife were both raised around firearms manufacturers, which helped lay the foundation for the Walther we know and love. Their son, Fritz, was especially drawn to the creation of the semi-automatic pistol. He was able to convince his dad that this was indeed the future of firearms and they should get on board.
In 1908, they revealed their Model 1 prototype and patented it in 1911. This of course, was only the beginning. In 1929, they develop the PP, followed by many more in the series. Throughout the years Walther has prevailed in maintaining its relevancy within the firearms space, specifically handguns. The manufacturer has endured many changes, owners, shareholders, and restructuring to maintain its historical integrity and ensure it gets it right, no matter the circumstance.
In June 2012, the owners of shooting sports companies CARL WALTHER Sportwaffen and UMAREX Sportwaffen announced the formation of Walther Arms Inc. This establishment was to be responsible for the distribution, marketing, sales, etc., of Walther.
Originally, the responsibility of those tasks was placed with Smith & Wesson. While I believe S&W did its best for Walther, it has its own products to think about, which created an obvious but understandable internal bias on what products took precedent and received more attention. Walther made a great business decision when it decided to establish its own team within the U.S.. Now we’re finally seeing and hearing more from this firearms manufacturer.
Love at First Walther
I first held a Walther pistol in my hand in 2016 — yeah, I was a bit late to the 125-year party. It was the Walther PPQ 45. I was apprehensive about it because I had a tendency to feel manhandled anytime I shot a .45-caliber pistol. I had also never shot a Walther before. Being a true gun shooter, I immediately turned my nose at it because if I hadn’t heard of it by now, it must be terrible!
Begrudgingly, I took the pistol into my hand and was immediately surprised by the ergonomics and how well it fit. Having small hands isn’t exactly a leg up in these situations, but the fit felt natural. I appreciated that the grip, unlike some, wasn’t trying to dig into my palms like razor wire. The texture also felt secure without all of the hard and pointy edges.
The performance was incredible. I didn’t have to hold onto it for dear life to ensure it stayed in my hand and the recoil didn’t send it flying. Well balanced and light, my shots were accurate and consistent. In the few times I rapid fired, the accuracy was of course compromised, but experienced no malfunctions. I now own one for myself and it is without a doubt one of my favorites.
Walther PPQ 45 Specs
- MSRP: $499
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Trigger Pull: 5.6 pounds
- Trigger Travel: 0.4 inches
- Capacity: 12+1
- Barrel Length: 4.25 inches
- Overall Length: 7.4 inches
- Height: 5.8 inches
- Width: 1.3 inches
- Weight (Empty): 28 ounces
Walther PPS M2 RMSc: Enjoyable CCW Practice
Now, the Glock 43 has been my go-to for conceal carry for many years. To say I “enjoyed” practicing with it would be a stretch. It was more necessary than it was a pleasure. I wanted to shoot my 19, 17 or 34, but for those of us who look either fat or pregnant carrying anything bigger than the 43, we have no choice. Anyone I know, including myself, doesn’t go to the range excited about shooting their teeny tiny pistol that makes them feel like a sissy.
When I first started shooting I remember thinking, “Oh nice, smaller gun equals easier to control.” LOL! Boy was I an idiot. Oh, naive self, where do you think all of that inertia goes when there’s less “meat” on the gun? That’s correct! Right through your hands and arms.
So when I picked up the Walther PPS M2 RMSc for the first time, I didn’t expect to genuinely enjoy it. However, I’m always looking to practice with new conceal carry options. And then Walther Arms surprised me, again.
The ergonomics (yet again) fit like a glove. Before anyone who reads this assumes they may be tailored for smaller hands or females, you would be wrong. The 6-foot, 230-pound man who accompanied me had the same reaction and was just as proficient (even though I was a few rounds more accurate). Though I don’t usually prefer a 6-pound trigger, I don’t mind it for a conceal carry pistol. In the times I have practiced “stress shoots,” a 6-pound trigger might as well be 2 pounds. I have read that the “standard” for a conceal carry trigger should be no less than 4 pounds, however, I think it always comes down to the shooter, but I digress.
The handling and recoil was smooth. Not only did I feel good with it and feel good holding it, I am able to easily appendix carry. Coming in at only 1-inch wide, the sides are smooth and the body is sleek. The Shield RMSc mounted on was slimmed down from the original RMS; it’s fitting for the PPS M2 design. And for what you’re getting, it won’t break the bank. I have seen the price as low as $650.
Walther PPS M2 RMSc Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Trigger Pull: 6.1 pounds
- Trigger Travel: 0.2 inches
- Capacity: 6/7/8-round mags available
- Barrel Length: 3.18″ POLYGONAL RIFLING
- Overall Length: 6.3 inches
- Height: 4.4/4.9/5.3 inches (pending capacity)
- Width: 1 inch
- Weight (Empty): 21.7 ounces
The Walther Q5 (no) Match
I was fortunate enough to attend the 2018 Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous where I got to play with firearms that had yet to be available to the public. Among the many new and shiny things was the Walther Q5 Match. I talked to Cody Osborn, Walther’s marketing director.
Usually at these events companies will send “representatives” in place of marketing directors. However, the marketing directors for a few companies (Walther Arms included) were boots on ground with the rest of the guys and gals. Color me impressed.
Some of the Q5 Match features include a fiber optic front sight and adjustable rear sight. The optic-mounting platform comes with plates for Leupold, Trijicon and DOCTOR red sights. Also, as expected, is Walther’s signature ergonomic grip.
The trigger — though it is 5.6 pounds — is relatively smooth. With a short .4-inch travel and .1-inch reset Walther Arms made this an extremely desirable for production class competitive shooters that want a reliable but fast option. The magazine release was placed perfectly and sat high enough as to make mag changes seamless. Hell, it made me feel like I might actually win if I dropped in and competed in one for the first time.
Walther Q5 Match Specs
- MSRP: $849
- Caliber: 9mm
- Trigger Pull: 5.6 pounds
- Trigger Travel: 0.4 inches
- Capacity: 15+1 / 17+1
- Barrel Length: 5 inches
- Overall Length: 8.1 inches
- Height: 5.3 inches
- Width: 1.3 inches
- Weight (Empty): 27.9 ounces
Final Thoughts
I see talk of same handgun manufacturers over and over again on social media. While Walther Arms doesn’t need me to tell it how great its pistols are, I felt inclined to make it known. There should be a larger conversation about Walther.
As a lady who tends to gravitate toward long range and rifles, Walther has made me love shooting handguns. I personally feel more comfortable with the above three pistols than I have with any pistol in a while. If you’re like me and you haven’t quite met the pistol of your dreams, I would implore you to give Walther a chance. I assure you, you won’t be disappointed.
For more information, please visit WaltherArms.com.
