After Glock, there is probably no handgun

manufacturer more well known than Walther. This fame is due in large part to the Walther PPK pistol, James Bond's weapon of choice. Agent 007 preferred the PPK for dispatching bad guys in style, and its slim design also makes it the perfect concealed weapon. The newer Bond films have dabbled with the modern polymer Walther P99, but the PPK makes a welcome appearance in the upcoming Bond film Skyfall.

Now Walther has a new model: the PPQ. It comes with a newly designed two-stage trigger, which is striker fired. The trigger placement requires only a .4-inch pull, which helps to correct common trigger control issues. It also helps the shooter stay on target while firing rapidly.

Rather than wondering what a spy would say about the PPQ, PM went to the law enforcement community. (PPK in German stands for Polizeipistole Kriminellmodell, or Police Pistol Detective Model, and Walther also built the PPQ with cops in mind.) Since Walther released the PPQ (Police Pistol Quick Defense) in January 2011, the defensive handgun world and online gun forums have been buzzing about the polymer striker-fired pistol. Many critiques go as far as choosing it over Glock based on the difference in the trigger reset alone.

"The trigger pull is one of the best I've ever had. I wish they could put that trigger in a Glock," says Joe Sente, U.S. Army combat veteran and lead firearms and tactics instructor at Gun for Hire, a training outfit in New Jersey.

The German-built Walther PPQ has a Tenifer finish, just like the Glock, which adds resistance to scuffs and corrosion. The cross-directional grip texturing and three adjustable-grip back straps provide a custom fit. Left-handed shooters will be happy with the PPQ's magazine release and the slim, ergonomic slide lock controls on either side of the pistol.

The 9mm magazine holds 15 rounds, and the .40 holds 12. Each Walther PPQ comes with two magazines and a speed loader. The new Walther also has a MIL-SPEC Picatinny rail for attaching accessories such as a light or laser. The factory sights are basic, but the adjustable rear sight is a nice touch. Trijicon Night Sights are a possible upgrade, but don't forget to buy a hex nut tool to mount the front sight. Lock it down tight or your night vision investment will fly right off the gun during recoil.

The PPQ isn't perfect; the European style magazine release might throw off some shooters who are more familiar with American weapon platforms. "The gun is lightweight, easy to handle, and deals with recoil nicely but I'm not feeling the craze for the Walther PPQ," Sente says. "It doesn't come in a .45 cal. and the magazine release needs to be changed. You have to break your entire grip to get around to release the magazine and that is going to cost you time on your reload for sure."

For some tactical shooters, this might be a deal-breaker. But we're not all on the front line. If you don't need to quick-draw—and 007 himself often shot in the shadows—then the PPQ might be the right fit.

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