PPQ vs XD

[Orcon]

The Mrs. and I were 2 hours into a 4 hour when she asked a question that took me by surprise. How much would it cost to get into pistol reloading, she asked. After explaining that the purchase foot print I had to ask why she would be compelled to ask such a question. She very matter of factly informed me that before I buy another rifle she needs her own pistol. Really?? This chick wants me to spend more money on guns and reloading gear?? Geez!

So this weekend she handled about 20 pistols and narrowed her short-list to three. She liked the 686 357 wheel gun and 2 auto pistols in 9 mm sporting 4 inch barrels; one Springfield XD and the other a Walther PPQ. She eventually discounted the 686 because 15 is greater than six. She likes the ergonomics of the Walther the best and I have always fancied myself as a Walther man though never actually bought one. Some research indicates that the PPQ is a hell of a lot of pistol for not a lot of clams.

I guess I'm here for reassurance (real or imagined) that it is a good buy and to ask if the m1 mag release is truly supperior to the push button of the M2. And what, if any, features the XD has over the PPQ

 

[RON in PA]

I have a PPQ M2 9mm. Perhaps the best trigger on a polymer frame striker fired pistol (compared to a Glock, VP-9, M&P and SIG 320). I now have 1200 rounds through mine without any failures. The ergos are excellent. Also extremely accurate. I feel very comfortable recommending the PPQ to anyone.

As for the classic M1 version vrs the M2, I think it's like Chevy vrs Ford. My only experience with that type of mag release is with my VP-9, for me it's a draw.

 

[steven58]

I've owned an M-1 for a couple of years. It's my favorite 9 mm polymer auto. The advantages of the paddle magazine release are:

It can't be accidentally activated while holstered as a push button can (especially for lefties)

It's truly ambidextrous in that you can activate it with the same motion using either hand.

You can change magazines without breaking your firing grip on the pistol using either hand. A push button requires you to rotate the pistol in your hand to reach it with your thumb or be a lefty / use a reversible safety to activate with your trigger finger.

 

[giggitygiggity]

I'd go with the Walther PPQ. I have the PPQ M2 Navy and it's awesome. Accurate and great trigger. Lots of people will demand that you only consider the M2 because of the mag release not being a paddle release. That's a matter of personal preference. I think the M2 magazine release is of a sturdier design but if you abuse your gun enough to break the paddles to the point that they're unusable or unable to eject a magazine, you're probably in some Hollywood Blackhawk Down fight where there are dead guys whose guns you could pick up and use. You pretty much have to consciously abuse your pistol in order to break your paddle release.

Also, I'm told you can use affordable Canik mags with the M1 variant. The M2 variant take proprietary Walther mags that are $35 a pop.

 

[wild cat mccane]

Backwards. The Canik mags work with the M2.

 

[MADDOG]

So which reloader did you buy?

 

[Harleytoo]

Yea, the real question here is what reloading setup did you get. And if you have not yet, why?

Get that on order man! She might change her mind!

 

[UKWildcats]

I have the M1- great trigger, and surprising that the sight distance is just as long as my CZ 85 Combat for a compact pistol.

Just be careful if you get one
- the M1 and M2 magazines are not cross compatible
- not sure on holsters, but I also do not think they are cross compatible

And I have 2 Dillon 550's - loaded 200 rounds of 9mm today - 1 press for small primers and the other for large primers - great press with great customer service


UK

 

[Handloader109]

OK, have a ppq that I like a lot, wife shoots it too and loves it better than the g17 she bought. I'd tell you to see if she can rent and shoot at a range. And how is she carrying? In a purse, I'd get a wheel gun.

 

[Fishbed77]

I guess I'm here for reassurance (real or imagined) that it is a good buy and to ask if the m1 mag release is truly supperior to the push button of the M2.

To answer the OP's questions:

Yes - the PPQ is a good buy.

Yes - the M1 mag release is truly superior to the to the push button of the M2.

 

[stchman]

I have both the PPQ M2 5" and the XDm bitone 3.8" and they are both really good shooters. The PPQ has a better trigger, but not by much.

To answer the OP's questions:

Yes - the PPQ is a good buy.

Yes - the M1 mag release is truly superior to the to the push button of the M2.

I am not a huge fan of the euro paddle release, give me a button on the side.

 

[Louca]

It's truly ambidextrous in that you can activate it with the same motion using either hand.

And some prefer to use both sides of the paddle when releasing a magazine by using the thumb on one side release paddle and the forefinger on the other one.

I have a PPQ M1 and love it. I have always been an HK fan and own a 45C. When I wanted to get into 9mm, I looked at HK and gravitated toward the VP9. Almost got one but decided not to because I am one of the few who get pain in my trigger finger when I fire it. So when I looked at Walther, the PPQ M1 looked attractive with its paddle release being essentially equal to the HK.

I would be VERY surprised if she didn't love the PPQ M1.