Test: Walther PPQ (SC) subcompact 9mm pistol

The subcompact version's name of the PPQ by Walther differs from the standard model only for the two added letters "SC". At the top, the gun hardly differs from a normal PPQ M2 with side magazine release: the barrel is just over one centimeter shorter. In keeping with this, Walther shortened the slide, which is protected from corrosion by nitriding, and that's it. On the other hand, the Ulm-based company used the saw on the lower part of the SC. With the short magazines, the pistol only holds ten plus one cartridges, but the overall height shrinks from 5.5” / 14 cm to just 4.3” / 11 cm. For those who also appreciate the grip of a full-grown PPQ, the company includes a 15-round coated magazine. Its contoured extension then gives the SC the same grip of a normal PPQ. By and large, the Sub-Compact with the long magazine shoots like a full-blown service model, apart from changing the magazine. Technically, there are no other differences worth mentioning.

Walther PPQ (SC) subcompact 9mm pistol disassembled — Marcus Heilscher
The SC version of the PPQ is hardly any shorter or lighter than the basic version. Depending on the magazine used, however, the SC is less high, whereby the hand position with the long magazine is the same of the full-size PPQ.

The PPQ M2 SC in 9 mm Luger in detail

The SC also relies on a single-action system with automatic safety devices plus trigger safety, which feels like a refined partially pre-tensioned trigger. The polymer frame, the striker fired system and Browning locking system are now international standards in pistol construction. The extras include the interchangeable backstraps and the grip area with ergonomically shaped finger grooves. The front slide serrations are also included in the SC version. The Picatinny rail under the dust cover comes with two instead of three grooves (as in a full-size PPQ) due to the shortened slide. For those who like to put the index finger of the weak hand on the front of the trigger guard, Walther equipped the PPQ with a guard front featuring handy grooves and a finger hook.

PPQ M2 SC: technical data and price

Model:	Walther PPQ M2 Sub-Compact
Price:	899 euro (price in your country may vary due to VAT and custom duties)
Caliber:	9 mm Luger
Capacity:	10 + 1 or 15 + 1 rounds
Barrel length:	3.5” / 89 mm
Dimensions (L x W x H):	6.5 x 1.3 x 4.3/5.4 in (167 x 34 x 110/138 mm)
Trigger pull weight:	86.4 oz / 2.450 g
Weight:	21.7 oz / 615 g
Notes:	Browning locking system, single action trigger, three magazines, luminescent 3-dot steel night sights, interchangeable backstraps, ambidextrous controls.

Walther PPQ M2 SC: the shooting range test

At the shooting range, the SC preferred Hornady ammunition – with the TAP hollow point ammo the hits were inside a 45 mm circle (-6 points). Cycling was always flawless: even with weak loads, all cases were still positively ejected to the side. Only the disassembly requiring to pull the trigger was criticized (-1 P.). Among the standard polymer-framed, striker-fired pistols, the PPQ triggers are considered outstanding. This also applied to the test gun: here you can find a not too heavy or scratchy trigger pull with a clearly defined break point, little overtravel as well as an extremely short reset of about three millimeters. All this with a reasonable pull weight and even the quite wide trigger blade appears well designed. For a trigger of this quality you have to search far and wide among other manufacturers or tuning specialists, if there is a corresponding offer for rarer guns at all. The trigger earns ten points (-0 p.) without any cutbacks.

The hand position appears ergonomically comfortable and offers various possibilities to adjust the size and grip range by means of exchangeable backstraps, different magazines and their polymer bases and pads. Here, too, the SC wins the full score (-0 P.). All controls are either on both sides or can be reversed, and are easily accessible without having to reach around. The extended slide stop lever may even be a bit too user-friendly, as the pistol does not always remain open after the last shot with the thumb outstretched (-1 P.). Also the laterally-adjustable PPQ rear sight made of steel with luminous dots and wide notch can be fully effective on a handy Combat pistol (-0 P.). In the fit and finish area, in this otherwise carefully manufactured gun we did not like the bluing of the short spare magazines, and the play between the sled and the polygon barrel (-3 P.), which was fitted with a tad too much of a gap at the back.

The rear sight of the Walther PPQ (SC) subcompact 9mm pistol — The rear sight can only be adjusted by tapping. The sight picture is the same of the normal PPQ, including the luminescent dots.

The Picatinny rail of the Walther PPQ (SC) subcompact 9mm pistol — The small PPQ also includes a Picatinny rail for lights and front cocking serrations.

Walther PPQ M2 SC: review

Evaluation	Points
Accuracy (max. 50 points)	44 points
Cycling/safety (max. 10 p.)	9 points
Trigger characteristic (max. 10 p.)	10 points
Trigger handle design (max. 5 p.)	5 points
Controls (max. 10 p.)	9 points
Sights (max. 5 p.)	5 points
Fir and finish (max. 10 p.)	7 points
Total points (max. 100 p.)	89 points
Test result	Very good
Rating	5 out of 6

Walther PPQ M2 Sub-Compact in 9x19: wrap-up

Trigger, controls and cycling/safety stand out. The precision and quality of workmanship, on the other hand, are on the average. All in all, this makes the Walther PPQ SC an interesting overall package for law enforcement/military users. Because the PPQ SC is reliable, but not a sporting gun.

More information about the Walther PPQ M2 SC can be found on the manufacturer's website

all4shooters.com already published tests of the following pistols: