• SUBSCRIBE
Athlon Outdoors Supersite
Tactical Life Website
Ballistic Website
Personal Defense World Website
Skillsetmag Website
  • Guns
    • Handguns
      • Semi-Automatic Handguns
      • Revolvers
    • AR Pistols
    • AR Rifles
    • Rifles
      • Semi-Automatic Rifles
      • Lever Action
      • Bolt Action
    • Shotguns
    • Airguns
    • Custom Guns
      • Handgun Build
      • Rifle Build
      • Shotgun Build
    • Specialty Guns
  • Parts
    • Handgun Parts
    • Rifle Parts
  • Accessories
    • Optics & Sights
    • Lasers & Lights
    • Suppressors
    • Holsters
    • Slings
    • Shooting Rests
    • Targets
    • Maintenance & Tools
  • Ammo
    • Handgun Ammo
      • 9mm
      • 10mm
    • Rifle Ammo
      • .223
    • Shotgun Ammo
      • 12 Gauge
    • Rimfire Ammo
    • Reloading
  • Gear
    • Apparel
    • Ears & Eyes
      • Ears
      • Eyes
        • Thermal Vision
        • Night Vision
    • Storage
    • Tactical Gear
      • Body Armor
    • Knives
      • Fixed Blade
      • Folding Knives
      • Tactical Knives
    • Less Lethal
    • Flashlights
    • Electronics
  • Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • Personal Defense
      • Self-Defense
      • Hand to Hand Combat
    • Home Defense
    • Sport Shooting
      • Hunting
      • Competition Shooting
    • Precision Shooting/Long Range Shooting
    • Training
      • Shooting 101
    • Survival
      • First Aid
    • Tactical & LE
    • Pop Culture
      • People
      • Rides
      • History
      • Military Lifestyle
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Gun Facts & Laws
    • Police News
    • Military News
    • Politics
  • VIDEOS
No Result
View All Result
Athlon Outdoors
  • Guns
    • Handguns
      • Semi-Automatic Handguns
      • Revolvers
    • AR Pistols
    • AR Rifles
    • Rifles
      • Semi-Automatic Rifles
      • Lever Action
      • Bolt Action
    • Shotguns
    • Airguns
    • Custom Guns
      • Handgun Build
      • Rifle Build
      • Shotgun Build
    • Specialty Guns
  • Parts
    • Handgun Parts
    • Rifle Parts
  • Accessories
    • Optics & Sights
    • Lasers & Lights
    • Suppressors
    • Holsters
    • Slings
    • Shooting Rests
    • Targets
    • Maintenance & Tools
  • Ammo
    • Handgun Ammo
      • 9mm
      • 10mm
    • Rifle Ammo
      • .223
    • Shotgun Ammo
      • 12 Gauge
    • Rimfire Ammo
    • Reloading
  • Gear
    • Apparel
    • Ears & Eyes
      • Ears
      • Eyes
        • Thermal Vision
        • Night Vision
    • Storage
    • Tactical Gear
      • Body Armor
    • Knives
      • Fixed Blade
      • Folding Knives
      • Tactical Knives
    • Less Lethal
    • Flashlights
    • Electronics
  • Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • Personal Defense
      • Self-Defense
      • Hand to Hand Combat
    • Home Defense
    • Sport Shooting
      • Hunting
      • Competition Shooting
    • Precision Shooting/Long Range Shooting
    • Training
      • Shooting 101
    • Survival
      • First Aid
    • Tactical & LE
    • Pop Culture
      • People
      • Rides
      • History
      • Military Lifestyle
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Gun Facts & Laws
    • Police News
    • Military News
    • Politics
  • VIDEOS
No Result
View All Result
Athlon Outdoors Super Site
No Result
View All Result
  • TL
  • PDW
  • BM
  • Skillset
 
ENTER TO WIN: FREE GUN FRIDAY ft. Browning, Caldwell & Black Hills!

VIDEO: Range Day and 3 Walther Arms Pistol Tests With Lauren Young

ShareTweetPin51
Walther Arms, Lauren Young, Walther Q5 Match
Lauren YoungbyLauren Young
February 5, 2019
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

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.

Didn't find what you were looking for?

MOST POPULAR

bond arms, bond arms derringer, bond arms derringers, Bond Arms snake slayer

10 of the Best Backcountry Pocket Pistols for Hunting, Self-Defense

13 Best Snub-Nose Revolvers for Concealed Carry [2023]

13 Best Snub-Nose Revolvers for Concealed Carry [2023]

300 Blackout vs 308, rifles, ammunition

300 Blackout vs 308 Win: Which Round Reigns Supreme in AR-15s?

Taurus Home Defender revolver in .410.

KA-BOOM: Here Comes the Taurus Judge Home Defender!

TRENDING

Galco KingTuk for Springfield XD-S

Galco KingTuk for Springfield XD-S Holster Review

DIY Silicon Carbide Coating Grip Step 5

8 Steps For DIY Silicon Carbide Coating Your Grip

Austin Proulx, wilson combat, bill wilson, Austin Proulx pro shooter, Austin Proulx idpa, idpa

Austin Proulx Interviews Bill Wilson of Wilson Combat

Daniel Defense SSP review lead

Daniel Defense SSP 5.56mm Rifle | Gun Review

BROWSE BY BRAND

Skillset-Logo_yellow-153x47png
Ballistic_LOGO-217x47
CH-Logo_blue-153x47
T-L-SS-stack life-47x140
PDW_CCH_LOGO-300x101
PDW-2022-Sidebyside-logo 160x30-blk
GOW LOGO x101
AF_LOGO-184x47

SPOTLIGHT

Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle in American Sniper.

Reel Shooters: The Best Movie Snipers & a Few of the Worst

Fans of action and war movies would be forgiven for thinking that trained snipers carry their rifles disassembled in an...

RELATED POSTS

The Streamlight SpeedLocker.

The Streamlight SpeedLocker Portable Locking Storage Container

...

The Swampfox Warhorse 1-6x FFP LPVO.

The Swampfox Warhorse 1-6x FFP LPVO Riflescope

...

The SK Customs Morelos.

SK Customs Morelos 1911 Heralds Generalissimo Jose Morelos

...

Load More

TRENDING

MeoTac 3-12x50 RD riflescope

MeoTac 3-12×50 RD: Meopta’s Newest Tactical Riflescope

Meopta's 34mm MeoTac 3-12x50 RD will meet the needs of armed forces, security details and tactical shooters.

Taurus Home Defender revolver in .410.

KA-BOOM: Here Comes the Taurus Judge Home Defender!

The home defense revolver just got swole. The new Taurus Judge Home Defender brings a beefed up new version...

10 .22 Pocket Pistols for Last-Ditch Self-Defense.

Best .22 Pistols for Self-Defense [2023]

When it comes to concealed carry, the clear defensive options are typically .380 ACP, 9mm, .45 ACP, 10mm, etc. However,...

13 Best Snub-Nose Revolvers for Concealed Carry [2023]

13 Best Snub-Nose Revolvers for Concealed Carry [2023]

Compact, ultra-reliable and ever-ready for close-range self-defense!

MOST POPULAR

The Mossberg MC2sc semi-auto pistol.

12 Best Micro-Compact Handguns for Concealed Carry [2022]

A thick veil of fog stood forever in front of me as I cruised down the highway at 6:30 in...

Police Sidearms, police duty pistols, Handguns, America's Largest Police Departments 2018

Police Sidearms: Handguns of America’s 10 Largest Departments

Law enforcement in the United States is in constant evolution and that includes various police sidearms. These days, law enforcement...

U.S. Secret Service adopts Glock G47

FIRST LOOK: Glock Just Very Quietly Unveiled the New Glock 47 Pistol

Tuesday afternoon we broke news that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection selected three Glock 9mm pistols as its new standard...

All the best new handguns seen at SHOT Show 2023.

21 Best New Handguns [2023]

The NSSF SHOT Show is the premier event to get your hands on new gear. It gives us a first...

VIDEO SERIES: AT THE READY | SEASON 2

MORE VIDEOS

The Streamlight SpeedLocker.

The Streamlight SpeedLocker Portable Locking Storage Container

The Swampfox Warhorse 1-6x FFP LPVO.

The Swampfox Warhorse 1-6x FFP LPVO Riflescope

HANDGUNS

The SK Customs Morelos.

SK Customs Morelos 1911 Heralds Generalissimo Jose Morelos

The Tisas Model 1911A1 Aviator

Tisas 1911A1 Aviator: Bringing Back the ‘Feel’ of the Original

The Sig Sauer P226 Zev.

The Sig Sauer P226 Zev Reviewed: Is It the Best P226 Ever?

The Girsan High Power Negotiator.

The Girsan Negotiator Series Gets a High Power Addition in 9mm

Taurus Home Defender revolver in .410.

KA-BOOM: Here Comes the Taurus Judge Home Defender!

holster, holsters, full-size pistol, full-size handgun, handgun, handguns, pistol, pistols

Practical Concealed Carry: How to Carry A Full-Size Pistol

RIFLES - click to see all

The limited edition RISE Armament Topo Watchman rifle.

UPDATED: New RISE Armament Topo Watchman Limited-Edition

The MDC “Trench Art” Classic AK-47 Rifle.

MDC “Trench Art” Classic AK-47 is Back with Limited Availability

Davidson's Ruger American Predator

Ready to Pounce: Ruger American Predator From Davidson’s

The Exclusive HKMR762A1 from Davidson's.

Davidson’s HK MR762A1 in 7.62mm Brings Exclusive Battle Rifle

AMMO - click to see all

Ammo Storage, Survival Ammo, long term ammo storage, Prepper

Best Methods for Long-Term Ammo Storage

6 .410 Ammo Options for Home and Personal Defense.

.410 Ammo for Home Defense [2023]

.44 Magnum dirty harry

Your Guide to the .44 Magnum Cartridge

The Escort PS Youth 20-gauge shotgun.

The Escort PS Youth Shotgun is Now Available in .410 Bore

The 2022 Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous event.

Rendezvous Roundup: Guns & Gear at Athlon’s Signature Event

fbi ammo testing protocol

Understanding FBI Ammo Testing Standards

Magazines Available Now! Subscribe today for Home Delivery!
FREE NEWSLETTERS! Subscribe!
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TERMS OF USE
  • CORPORATE
  • ADVERTISE
  • EDIT DESK
No Result
View All Result
  • Guns
    • Handguns
      • Semi-Automatic Handguns
      • Revolvers
    • AR Pistols
    • AR Rifles
    • Rifles
      • Semi-Automatic Rifles
      • Lever Action
      • Bolt Action
    • Shotguns
    • Airguns
    • Custom Guns
      • Handgun Build
      • Rifle Build
      • Shotgun Build
    • Specialty Guns
  • Parts
    • Handgun Parts
    • Rifle Parts
  • Accessories
    • Optics & Sights
    • Lasers & Lights
    • Suppressors
    • Holsters
    • Slings
    • Shooting Rests
    • Targets
    • Maintenance & Tools
  • Ammo
    • Handgun Ammo
      • 9mm
      • 10mm
    • Rifle Ammo
      • .223
    • Shotgun Ammo
      • 12 Gauge
    • Rimfire Ammo
    • Reloading
  • Gear
    • Apparel
    • Ears & Eyes
      • Ears
      • Eyes
    • Storage
    • Tactical Gear
      • Body Armor
    • Knives
      • Fixed Blade
      • Folding Knives
      • Tactical Knives
    • Less Lethal
    • Flashlights
    • Electronics
  • Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • Personal Defense
      • Self-Defense
      • Hand to Hand Combat
    • Home Defense
    • Sport Shooting
      • Hunting
      • Competition Shooting
    • Precision Shooting/Long Range Shooting
    • Training
      • Shooting 101
    • Survival
      • First Aid
    • Tactical & LE
    • Pop Culture
      • People
      • Rides
      • History
      • Military Lifestyle
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Gun Facts & Laws
    • Police News
    • Military News
    • Politics
  • VIDEOS

© 2023 Athlon Outdoors - Premium Firearm product and industry news, reviews and magazines" .