Giving up my PX4 compact for a Walther PPQ

[tactidrool]

I just thought I'd get some of your thoughts on my decision.

I'm selling my PX4 compact 9mm through my LGS (along with a Crossbreed supertuck holster for it), and as soon as it sells I'm going to be ordering a Walther PPQ 9mm. (I don't have a ton of money to be able to spend on guns; if I did, I'd keep the PX4 and buy the PPQ.)

Things I liked about the PX4:
- Super reliable. Never a problem. I felt completely confident that the gun would work whenever I would need it.
- Great looks (this is subjective. Some people hate it)
- Decent ergonomics. I liked the grip, but felt that it could be better.
- Very easy to take down and clean. In fact, it's so easy, I wish all pistols used the same take-down method.
- The single-action trigger pulls are very good.

Things I didn't like about the PX4
- Too beefy for easy CCW. You can do it, but it is not slim.
- Decocker/Safety and slide release jut out a lot. This again makes it difficult to CCW. The big slide release is nice in one way, in that it's hard to miss if you like to use the slide release instead of manually racking the slide. But the combined slide release and decocker make a fat, very busy gun. That decocker/safety, when it's in the fire position, juts out like a little horn, and can be uncomfortable in your palm when you cycle the slide.
- Ergonomics aren't great. I said they were decent above, but it just didn't fit my hand as well as I had hoped.
- Accuracy was decent, but not great. This is also subjective. I know the gun by itself is super accurate, but I believe the way a person holds a gun, the way his/her hands are shaped, and the way the gun feels to them can affect accuracy. Some people will love the accuracy, but I didn't.
- The first, double-action trigger pull is long and heavy to me.

What I expect from the PPQ:
- Much better ergonomics. I've held it in my hand a few times, and it seems to have been made for my hand. No other gun feels as good to me.
- Better trigger pulls. Because it's a constant action, striker-fired gun, and because I've heard so much good news about the trigger, I'm expecting to be very impressed.
- Better accuracy for me. Because of the striker-fired mechanism, and because of the great ergonomics, I expect improved accuracy over what I'm getting from the PX4. Again, this is probably different for different people and different hands/grips.
- slightly better concealability. The PPQ is a tad bigger than the PX4 compact, but with a more streamlined design, I think it will be better for CCW, while still not ideal in warm weather.

What do you think of my decision to trade and my reasoning?

 

[Hanzo581]

A friend of mine has the PX4 Compact, while it feels good in my hand I can only describe it as a "beefy" gun. It's thick and as you said, the decocker/safety lever pokes out. For what it is worth it is the least accurate compact pistol I have shot (for me, I am sure the gun itself is fine), I have the SR9c and shoot it way way better but that is likely due to the squishy trigger the Beretta has.

I have been intrigued by the PPQ, if you do got for it, let us know what you think.

 

[Firewire]

I greatly appreciate the thread.

I have been considering the PX4 Compact myself. My biggest hesitation is the 3.2" barrel and accuracy. You kinda pointed that out in your "didn't like" stuff.

The short barrel surprises me since the slide length is nearly 7" long. Most other competing guns in this category are 3.5" - 4" from what I find.

Again, thank you as your post it helpful!

 

[5-SHOTS]

I have the Walther P99 AS with ambi controls and I love it. The things where the P99 shines are grip comfort, pointability and accuracy. Overall quality is very good. I expect the PPQ to be nothing less.

 

[sigarms228]

I always recommend that you try whatever you are considring first if possble but I am betting you will be very happy with a Walther PPQ.

Please report back how you like it. I have been EXTREMELY impressed with mine and it is a keeper for sure.

 

[legion3]

Well Beretta does make stealth decockers and slide releases that are flush and don't stick out like the batwings. Turns the gun into a G model, decock only.

You can see them in the thread below

http://www.handgunforum.net/beretta/17382-beretta-px4-subcompact-comments.html

That said I too would get the PPQ, in fact I did.

 

[DAdams]

Both Bud's and Cheaper than Dirt have the PPQ in stock at right around $500 delivered.

Has anyone put night sights on their PPQ yet? What did you use?

The ergonomics on Walthers P99 and PPQ are outstanding IMO. I have found nothing better to this day. Some close but not equalled or exceeded. The trigger geometry/mechanics is also outstanding.

 

[aHFo3]

I don't know much about either gun, except I have a good friend who is head over heels for his PPQ. He carries it IWB.

The following is unsolicited advice, so proceed if you wish:

I understand the tight budget. If it is legal to do face to face transactions in your state, you could try selling it private party on a site like armslist. I've had really good success selling on this sites classified section, and even shipping it across the country to an FFL. Just make sure you charge enough for shipping and ffl fees.

Also, you can typically get the most out of what you're selling if you don't group items. Try selling the holster separately.

Good luck!