Walther Arms has been pretty B-U-S-Y! The PPQ lineup has been nothing short of amazing thus far. Walther has released a PPQ in 4 inches, 4.6 inches, 5 inches, and now a sub-compact (SC) with a 3.5-inch barrel. They also offer the PPQ (full-size) in 9mm, .45 ACP, and .22LR.
The Walther PPQ SC LE Sub-Compact
For those wondering, PPQ stands for “PolizeiPistole Quick Defence” (Police Pistol Quick Defense). They are really making an impact on the market with such a diverse selection of pistols. The ergonomics make it feel great in hand. Likewise, the PPQ family has probably one of the best, if not the best factory triggers on the market for plastic, striker-fired pistols. Just a few dry fires in the store will tell you that much. More on that in a bit.
More Choices
If the vast selection doesn’t flare up your inability to choose, now Walther has released two more versions of the new PPQ sub-compact called the PPQ SC w/ XS F8 Night Sights, and the PPQ SC LE (Law Enforcement).
The version sent to me for testing is the PPQ SC LE model. It came factory-equipped with three-dot (metal) phosphoric night sights (white/green, non-tritium). Phosphoric “night sights” only glow in the dark after being briefly “charged” by an external light source.
It also comes with three different magazines. Specifically, one flush-fitting 10-rounder, one 10-rounder with a pinky extension, and one 15-rounder with sleeve extension for better grip and higher capacity.
The PPQ sub-compact (SC) comes from the factory with the Tenifer coating on the slide, barrel, and “inside action parts.” Given my past experiences with the full-size PPQ, I have seen how well the slide holds up, especially to holster wear. It will take a serious beating. The Germans sure know how to make a weapon that will last for many, many moons.
QC Proof Marking
Have you ever looked at a Walther or HK and wondered what the odd cross and antlers type marking is? It’s actually a stag horn and is a proof marking. That exact mark means that it was QC checked and tested at the proofing house in Ulm, Germany.
You can actually decode the markings on the slide to figure out what year your PPQ SC was made. Simply go to Walther Arms website and click on the support tab. There will be a link that will tell you how to decode the markings on the slide and find your PPQ SC’s “born on date.”
This test example was made in Germany (DE) in 2018 (BI). The Germans are very meticulous when it comes to record keeping. They don’t leave anything out.
Impressive Features
The ambidextrous controls for both the slide stop/magazine release are carried down from the full-size PPQ. Walther actually includes, in the box, a right-side mag release for us “southpaws” out there. Pretty much everything else seems the same as it’s big brother PPQ, only now in a smaller package.
Did I mention how nice this trigger is? That’s right, the SC has the same exact trigger as its big brother PPQ. It’s actually surprising when looking at the specs because it sure doesn’t feel like a 5.6-pound trigger pull.
For a pistol trigger, the PPQ SC reminds me more of a smooth two-stage target trigger than that of a compact carry pistol trigger. You can feel the 0.4-inch trigger travel and the 0.1-inch reset. It’s actually nice, especially in a defensive situation. You can feel the travel and know exactly where the sweet spot is.
That is actually a beautiful thing if circumstances change at the last second, and you need to let up and cover a subject, rather than making them into a human sprinkler. My Wheeler trigger pull gauge told me that the trigger pull on this PPQ SC came in at just around 5.5 pounds. So, it’s in line with the manufacturer’s specs.
Easy Handling and Manipulation of the PPQ SC LE
A very nice feature on the PPQ SC is the front and rear serrations on the sides of the slide. The front serrations are always nice for press checks. There is a 1913 rail for attaching a light, laser, or a homemade bayonet if you prefer. There are serrations on the front of the triggerguard as well if your shooting style prefers.
The PPQ SC, like it’s big brothers, has a “non-slip, cross-directional grip surface,” which felt very comfortable in my hand. Also included in the box was an extra backstrap for those with smaller hands. Those are user changeable as well.
Range Impressions
The PPQ SC is a blast to shoot, pun intended. It was very accurate, straight out of the box. No adjustments to the rear sight were needed for me. My daughter even took it for a nice, long test drive, and it performed like a pro for her as well.
It’s not surprising, as this pistol is a serious workhorse. Given my past experiences with the full-size PPQ and now the sub-compact model, it’s no big shocker to learn that the Germans utilize the PPQ as a duty pistol. It’s worthy of being on a copper’s hip in our great nation as well.
If I was still active, I’d have no problem at all carrying the PPQ SC as a back-up or off-duty pistol. As a matter of fact, I do believe that the PPQ SC will be finding a place on my hip for everyday carry.
Taking the PPQ SC to the range was a fun experience. It shoots similarly to its big brother, PPQ M2, if you utilize the full-size magazine. When using the flush-fit magazine, I found myself having to wrap my pinky underneath the magazine. The magazine with the pinky extension helped quite a bit in controlling the PPQ SC under recoil.
Speaking of recoil, it’s not bad at all on this little prize. It’s got a loud bark, but is very manageable, even when banging on the trigger to blow through a mag during testing. Overall, I was very impressed with the PPQ SC. A special thanks to my buddy Paddy O’Fernature for the range pics.
Recommendations
Now the bad, as very few firearms I’ve encountered slipped by without some need of a few updates or modifications. There really are only two issues I’ve found with this specific model (PPQ SC LE). Those being the sights and the magazines.
I was surprised to find non-Tritium illuminated sights on a “law enforcement” model. In my experiences as a police officer, I’ve often conducted “wounded officer drills” by utilizing only one hand. That also involves racking the slide (one-handed) off of my belt, my boot, the bad guy’s face, or whatever solid surface was available.
It was nice to at least see a metal set of sights on this model, though. That is crucial for a LE pistol. However, tritium-illuminated sights would be best for this model. In all fairness, though, a quick 15-20 second hit from my flashlight had these sights glowing like a set of angry green eyes. About 20 minutes passed as I sit here writing, and after a quick check, they are still glowing, only less bright now.
The other thing I found odd was that it’s not recommended to use standard PPQ mags in the SC. So, no cross-compatibility there. I was informed by Walther Arms that this is due to a different spring being utilized in the PPQ SC full-size magazines. At this time, I do not have a standard full-size PPQ mag to compare to, so I’ll take Walther’s word for it.
Enhancing the Walther PPQ SC LE
My suggestions would be to simply eliminate a model and offer the PPQ SC with the XS F8 Night Sights standard on the LE model. Or, simply offer the LE model with standard night sights as the base option.
As far as magazines go, a good idea would be to make the full-size magazines cross-compatible with the SC model. This way, if someone did want to carry a full-size PPQ and the SC as a backup, or off-duty carry, the same full-size magazines could then be utilized in both models. The user can then simply add the sleeve onto a full-size mag for use with the SC to make things easier.
It is an option for the user to purchase night sights for the PPQ SC at an additional cost. Sight removal on the SC is a cinch, screw in the front sight and drift on a new rear, and you’re in business. It’s pretty simple, unlike some other manufacturers, where the user needs a beefy sight press, Superman-like strength, and a dump truck-load full of patience.
So, if you want to swap sights on the PPQ SC, it’s pretty straightforward. They are offered by not only Walther but the aftermarket as well. Plus, the Walther P99 sights also work according to Walther Arms. Spare magazines are also available via Walther Arms’ website or several aftermarket retailers.
Bottom Line
You can buy the PPQ sub-compact with confidence. It’s a solid heater that just feels natural in the hand. The Walther PPQ SC has seriously impressed me based on how it performed during testing.
From various personal defense loads and ball (range) ammo to this new American Eagle Total Synthetic Jacket ammunition. The PPQ SC ate everything I fed it. Not surprisingly, I did not experience one malfunction in just over 700 rounds. It was shot straight out of the box, I didn’t give it any lube, nor did I clean it during testing. It’s simply a beast that is worthy of serious consideration when looking for a handgun for EDC or a range toy.
I’m sure you will be impressed with the Walther PPQ SC should you decide to add it to your collection. The Walther PPQ is a wonderful pistol to own and carry.
For more information, please visit WaltherArms.com.
Walther PPQ SC Subcompact LE Edition Specs
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.5 inches
Overall Length: 6.6 inches
Weight: 21.2 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: Three-dot phosphoric night sights
Action: Striker-fired
Finish: Tenifer Coating (Black)
Capacity: 10+1/15+1
MSRP: $699
This article was originally published in the Personal Defense World April/May 2022 issue. Subscription is available in print and digital editions at OutdoorGroupStore.com. Or call 1-800-284-5668, or email subscriptions@athlonmediagroup.com.
