New Toy: Walther PPQ or STI Spartan 9mm?

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Martowski

Martowski

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Trying to decide on one of these as my next new toy. Yes, completely different formats and actions, I know. And I have enough handguns now that I don't "need" anything. CCW is not a factor at all (I live in IL). This would primarily be a range gun. Of course, the decision is whatever feels/shoots best for me, but I won't be able to shoot either of these before purchasing. Here's my thoughts so far:

PPQ:

Pros:
- Great ergonomics: have held this and it feels wonderful.
- Great trigger: nice, smooth, short striker fired trigger mechanism. I think this could be what seals the deal.
- Accuracy: yes, the mechanical accuracy will be greater than I. But it seems a large number of individuals are reporting this as an accurate gun in hand due to the factors above.
- Pricing: seems low right now, less than $500 shipped to my FFL. Heck, the P99s are going for more than that. My guess is this is artificially low due to this being a new entry into the market and will increase soon.

Cons:
- Never fired one before. Don't know if theoretical pros will result in real benefits.
- I already have a Beretta 92fs, Beretta PX4 Storm, Sig P226, Sig SP2022, CZ-75b, Hi Power, and Walther P1 as service style 9's. Don't want just "one more 9."
- Looking for a very accurate range gun; not sure if this fits the bill.

STI Spartan:

Pros:
- 1911 format known for having a nice, light SA trigger good for range work.
- Great balance and would be a soft shooter in a 9mm.
- Adjustable target sights.
- Reported good accuracy from other owners.
- STI has a good reputation for service and standing behind their products:

Cons:
- 9mm 1911 format can be more finicky than something like a PPQ.
- Spartan is low end STI and has a non-ramped barrel in 9mm, have read some stories of feed issues w/ non FMJ bullets.
- Current price is $628 which isn't bad; not sure if it's as "urgent" to get this vs. the PPQ, as my feelings are that the PPQ's price may be more volatile right now and good deals on the PPQ may dry up soon.

So, any general thoughts from those that own both or have shot both? Again, this will be a range gun primarily.
 
Spartan, it's not a "low-end" gun at all, it's just a more affordable STI... plus, being a 1911 it can be customized, upgraded, or just made to fit your personal tastes (or not) over time, good luck just finding better sights for the PPQ.

Yeah, 9mm 1911's can be a bit of a headache sometimes, but there probably isn't a more fun gun to shoot, and I've seen more than a few Spartan 9mm's at IDPA matches running like watches... Stick to FMJ and use good mags and you'll be extremely happy.

IMHO (having shot both of them) the PPQ does have a nice trigger for a striker-fired gun and is a pretty cool piece, but it's more of a "tool gun" like a Glock (except without the aftermarket) and will not deliver near the smiles a Spartan will...
 
Thanks. I'm having a real hard time with this one. Essentially, I'm looking for a "target" gun here (not for formal competition, but for informal range use). The largest consideration is the trigger. The STI may give a nice, light SA pull which while the PPQ may give a nice, smooth long pull... both of which are characteristics of accurate "in hand" firearms in my opinion. Decisions!!!!!!
 
I carry my PPQ every day, and it is as close to a "target" or "range" gun as you can get IMO for a polymer pistol that was designed for police use or combat, but out of the two choices, and if I was going to only use the pistol for range use, I think I'd pick the 1911.

The designs are different enough, I'd go for the one I was leaning towards more.
 
PPQ. Those special niche 1911 pistols are so particular about what ammo they can or can't use. It's not my style anyway.
 
As a range toy an target shooting I would go with the STI 1911. Much better trigger and fun to shoot then any sticker fired gun.
You already have some double stack 9mm and a PPQ is just an other polymer framed bouble stack service pistol.
 
Martowski said:
Essentially, I'm looking for a "target" gun here (not for formal competition, but for informal range use). The largest consideration is the trigger ... STI Spartan ... Current price is $628
Click to expand...
I would recommend the Spartan but unlike STI's other models, Spartan is made in the Philippines and QC'd by STI. If you are looking at the 1911 option, could I suggest another option? I was in similar situation but in 45ACP. I have a fullsize M&P45 with a trigger job I was happy with; but for more accurate load development and range testing, I wanted a 1911 platform that shot like my match 1911 of decades past (sub 1.5" @ 25 yards). I settled on Sig 1911 TacPac, but a friend bought a RIA Tactical. Out to 15 yards, RIA kept up with the Sig in accuracy using my reloads. The RIA shot groups opened up more than Sig at 20-25 yards, but not by much. The trigger on RIA was not as nice as the Sig but 1911 trigger is very easy to improve/replaced.

RIA makes the Tactical model (beaver tail, sights, hammer, etc.) in 9mm ($462 at Bud's). If it shoots like the 45ACP model, I would suggest you check it out. Any comments from RIA 9mm owners as to accuracy?

51632.jpg
 
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^^^Yeah, RIA's are great deals, but it'd cost more to upgrade an RIA to Spartan-spec than just to get a Spartan...

The Spartan's frame and barrel are RIA/Armscor (Philippines), everything else is STI, most importantly you get their S-7 tool steel hammer and sear and their trigger, then there's the adjustable sight and cooler and more useful slide serrations... ends up being a lot for the money.
I've seen where guys are weary of the Filipino parts, but fear not, RIA makes nice guns, and their best smiths put together the Spartans, which get checked over in Texas again anyhow, I've got a slightly pricier STI Trojan and have shot many of there higher-end models, and the Spartans are put together just as well and are real STI's for sure, really they're put together better then most other companies 1911's that cost nearly twice as much.
 
Sorry it Ain't

"PPQ is just an other polymer framed bouble stack service pistol. "

No its not. One of the best pistols out there superior to any Glock and any 1911 ever made. Only pistol that surpasses it is a P99AS

STI Spartan isn't in the same league as a PPQ. As good if not better then a P226 and we own both. Superior to your Berettas and CZs.

You can sell you other 9's and just keep the PPQ
__________________
 
I've got the RIA 9mm "Tactical" which is the Spartan "base gun" and the PPQ.

PPQ is right now, perhaps the best polymer pistol out there, but the Spartan is a 1911, no other trigger comes close. The 1911 in 9mm is a sweet shooting pistol.

So I vote Spartan, or the RIA if you want to stay at about price parity with the PPQ.

S&W it appears, is going to be aggressive with pricing the PPQ -- Got mine for $444 out the door at a gun show last month.

I'm well over 3000 rounds through my RIA Tactical already.

I've also got a SIG P226 (old enough to be W German made) and all I can say is its a great pistol, but DA/SA operation I just can't stand. New shooters seem to always love it because its SA trigger is well above average and blows away Glock and even the PPQ trigger, but when they try it from de-cock I then ask is this what you really want out of the holster when that first shot will likely be the most important one? None of this matters for the range, however.
 
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Superior to your Berettas and CZs.
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Last time I checked Beretta, and CZ made MANY different pistols. Superior how, and to which ones?

From all reports the PPQ is a stellar 9MM, and I'l like to get one, but as I have five or six service size, and semi-compact 9MM's that are accurate, reliable, and high quality, I probably won't get one anytime soon. I don't know what a PPQ does better than any of my CZ's, Brownings, HK's, etc.
 
Dawson's generally has the 9mm Spartan at the same price as the .45ACP when they have them in stock.

I paid a bit more for my 9mm RIA basically buying the first one I could get since I was hot for a 9mm 1911 that didn't cost $900+ Prior to that I was making do with my 1911-like 9mm Star BM. I just couldn't see paying $900+ for a gun whose only purpose was to shoot cheap ammo in a 1911 platform.

I reload for my .45ACPs (and 9mm as well) but lately its been hard to find the time to go shooting and do reloading so I've been burning through a lot of the cheap Russian 9mm ammo. I mostly shoot steel plates, the steel cased ammo is more than accurate enough as the plates are trivial to hit if you take 5 seconds per shot, the goal is to get 'em all in 5 seconds or less.
 
Cheaper Than Dirt. $471 for the PPQ and then another $10.99 for shipping. They used to not have good prices but they have smokin' prices on the PPQ and many others. Just filter by handguns, 9mm, and sort by price to see what all they have.
 
Since you are interested primarily on a range gun, the STI is the way to go. That said I have the latest Walther P99 AS and it is a great gun at the range. I have no doubt the new PPQ is of the same quality and accuracy. But if you reload and/or you want to experiment many different cartridges again, IMO, you will better served by the STI and its adjustable sights and single action trigger. Just my 2 cents.
 
PPQ hands down. I have owned sevral 1911's over the years. The trigger, accuracy, ergo, are as good as it gets in a polymer gun. Plus in 9mm you gt allot more rounds in the PPQ vs. the 1911. And I like pull, point, shoot guns. Kiss is good when things go bad. And the 1911 requires allot more to g into action because of it's unique manual of arms.
 
I was facing a similar decision and went with an MP9c. I decided that I would wait until I had the budget to get a 9mm 1911 that really jumped out at me. It's probably going to be a range toy, so it may as well turn heads.
 
why buy more black plastic guns?

if you already have an array of black plastic guns, i would save up and get a nice 1911. i mean i say this, because in fact thats what i did. however 1911s unlike cbp's (cheap black plastics) are quite addictive and youll sell them to support your 1911 habit. And there was a post above stating that the gun talked about was better than any 1911.... what a joke, couldnt be more wrong. we all know typically you get what you pay for and if they thought so highly of them they would look more like springfield charging a premium for them. just my .02
i typically wouldnt get into a debate like this, until the vague 1911 statement came in. i have a sti that has few goodies that id have to say this gun wouldnt keep up with.
 
I already purchased the PPQ. But, I also have a 1998 manufactured Kimber Custom Classic Target. As I previously stated, I may save and get the STI Spartan as well. But the Walther looks like a great gun too. I don't judge guns, cars, appliances, houses or anything else simply by price, and the Walther looks to be a great design. I also enjoy the 1911 platform, but the PPQ is at a great price right now that could fluctuate more than something like a 9mm 1911 will in the near future.
 
Good buy

Aside from being a great deal, I would say you made a good choice. I have not shot the spartan but have shot other 1911 platform 9mms. I think the PPQ is one of the best shooting 9's out there, and probably the best for its size/weight.
 
Doc, what do you think of 1911 9mm and what has been your favorite? I've been really lusting after one, but I figure I'll need to spend around a grand to really be happy with it.
 
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