Walther PPX [Archive] - pistol-forum.com

balance

11-08-2012, 03:14 PM

Could this be Walther's answer to DAK/LEM?

I think it was the P99's AS trigger mode that inspired the H&K to make the LEM trigger, just like I think the AS trigger on the P99 was somewhat inspired by the "triple action" trigger of the Daewoo DP51. H&K took a few ideas from the P99 when they made the P2000.

Sounds interesting. Wonder why they changed the magazine release away from the paddles?

The PPQ was Walther's first attempt at an "American" pistol. They probably went even further with this one to make it more similar to what we are used to over here. They are opening their own import/distribution/service center here at the beginning of next year, so I assume they want to put more effort in selling pistols here.

I'm more interested in what caliber this pistol is in. Every defensive pistol Walther has designed since Umarex purchased them in 1993 has been a striker fired pistol. All of the hammer fired pistols made since then with the Walther banner on them, have all been produced by Umarex at a different plant in Arnsberg. If it is a 9mm pistol, it is probably a "real" Walther from the Walther plant in Ulm. If it is a .22 or .380, it is probably an Umarex pistol. For the most part, Umarex firearms are trash.

TGS

11-08-2012, 03:28 PM

I think it was the P99's AS trigger mode that inspired the H&K to make the LEM trigger, just like I think the AS trigger on the P99 was somewhat inspired by the "triple action" trigger of the Daewoo DP51. H&K took a few ideas from the P99 when they made the P2000.

That would be strange, since the AS trigger and LEM are nothing alike. The LEM was in response to HK loosing possible LE contracts in America when PD's wanted a DAO pistol, and they had to compete against Glock with a legit DAO.

The PPQ was Walther's first attempt at an "American" pistol.

Also a strange idea to me, as it is a commercial production version/PI of the Polish RAD......far from an American thing.

balance

11-08-2012, 03:36 PM

That would be strange, since the AS trigger and LEM are nothing alike. The LEM was in response to HK loosing possible LE contracts in America when PD's wanted a DAO pistol, and they had to compete against Glock with a legit DAO.

The internals are very different, but the first trigger pull is long and light. It has similar trigger pull characteristics as both the P99 AS and the Daewoo DP51.

Also a strange idea to me, as it is a commercial production version/PIP of the Polish RAD......far from an American thing.

The RAD came after the P99Q. The PPQ is a SAO P99Q. Walther stated that the PPQ was made for competition in the USA. The PPQ can't win any police contracts in Germany due to the trigger. The DAO P99 and the P99Q are their police and military pistols.

If this PPX is in fact made by Walther, and is a 9mm, it may be a replacement for the DAO P99, though I have no idea why they would switch to a hammer fired pistol with a push button mag release.

TGS

11-08-2012, 03:42 PM

The internals are very different, but the first trigger pull is long and light. It has similar trigger pull characteristics as both the P99 AS and the Daewoo DP51.

The AS pistol, when decocked, has an ~8.5lbs trigger pull, with a lighter trigger pull around 4.5lbs for subsequent shots. It's a striker pistol that pretends to be a DA/SA hammer gun. Nothing like an LEM, with a completely different purpose.

balance

11-08-2012, 03:44 PM

The AS pistol, when decocked, has an ~9.5lbs trigger pull, with a lighter trigger pull around 4.5lbs for subsequent shots. It's a striker pistol that pretends to be a DA/SA hammer gun. Nothing like an LEM, with a completely different purpose.

Yes, but when the P99 AS is not decocked after the slide is racked, the first trigger pull has the length of a DA trigger pull, with the weight of a SA trigger pull. Similar to the LEM.

TGS

11-08-2012, 03:49 PM

Yes, but when the P99 AS is not decocked after the slide is racked, the first trigger pull has the length of a DA trigger pull, with the weight of a SA trigger pull. Similar to the LEM.

Gotcha, understood.

NickA

11-09-2012, 09:33 AM

Nephrology

11-09-2012, 11:00 AM

More pictures, still not much info:

http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2012/11/08/walther-ppx-photos/

ETA: probably just me, but does that look like not much trigger travel for a DAO hammer fired gun?

Looks almost like DAK trigger travel. Also that grip looks absolutely bizarre. Is the PPQ the same? I dont' remember it looking so odd...

deejai

11-09-2012, 11:34 AM

Kinda reminds me of a Hi Point. Looks like it does not take P99/PPQ magazines which sucks because I already have some and they're not cheap.

LorenzoS

11-09-2012, 03:52 PM

JodyH

11-09-2012, 04:33 PM

I'm guessing there's a military/police contract out there somewhere that specifies DAO w/hammer and this will be Walther's entry.
If it has a trigger somewhere in between the PPQ and the P30 LEM it might interest me, especially for AIWB carry.
They should have stuck with the paddle mag releases though.

balance

11-09-2012, 04:51 PM

I'm sure it will be a fine pistol but I don't understand why they would have both this and the PPQ. That's a great deal of R&D, manufacturing and support for two very similar products. I'd rather see them build up their distribution and parts network and maybe introduce variants of one platform such as a compact.

I'm waiting to see if this is made by Walther, or Umarex.

Carl Walther started making pistols in Zhella Mehlis, Germany in 1886. Walther built pistols there until WW2 when the factory was destroyed. After that, his son started the company back up in Ulm, Germany, and they've made their firearms there ever since. Their more famous pistols, like the PP/PPK, P-1/P-38, P5, P99, PPS, PPQ, etc., were/are all made there.

In 1993, Umarex, an air and pellet gun company purchased Walther. Umarex has a factory in Arnsberg, Germany, and they make pistols there with the Walther banner on them. The P22, SP22, G22, and PK380 are all "Walther" pistols, made by Umarex, but guys like myself don't consider them as being real Walther pistols. All of them are garbage, IMO.

If it is made in Ulm, it is likely to be as good as the P99, PPQ, PPS, etc.

If it is made in Arnsberg, is is likely to be as bad as the P22, SP22, PK380, etc.

My guess is that this is an Umarex product. The PK380 also didn't have a purpose to exist, being that the PPS is available in a larger caliber, and a smaller package, and every defensive pistol made in Ulm after 1993 has been a striker fired pistol.

balance

11-09-2012, 05:46 PM

It looks like you were right about the trigger FredM. They just updated the link with more info:

http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2012/11/09/walther-ppx-information/

Walther reps called the trigger pull on the PPX a “constant action” system. As I understand it, it is not a true double action pull, but rather a “prepped” pull with a relatively short, and perceptible reset. The system is hammer fired, not striker fired. A recessed and bobbed hammer can be seen at the rear of the slide.

JodyH

11-09-2012, 05:51 PM

I'm waiting to see if this is made by Walther, or Umarex.

If it is made in Ulm, it is likely to be as good as the P99, PPQ, PPS, etc.

If it is made in Arnsberg, is is likely to be as bad as the P22, SP22, PK380, etc.

My guess is that this is an Umarex product. The PK380 also didn't have a purpose to exist, being that the PPS is available in a larger caliber, and a smaller package, and every defensive pistol made in Ulm after 1993 has been a striker fired pistol.
You can plainly see Carl Walther Ulm/Do on the frame in the pictures.
This will be a Walther firearm.

deejai

11-09-2012, 05:52 PM

I'm waiting to see if this is made by Walther, or Umarex.

Carl Walther started making pistols in Zhella Mehlis, Germany in 1886. Walther built pistols there until WW2 when the factory was destroyed. After that, his son started the company back up in Ulm, Germany, and they've made their firearms there ever since. Their more famous pistols, like the PP/PPK, P-1/P-38, P5, P99, PPS, PPQ, etc., were/are all made there.

In 1993, Umarex, an air and pellet gun company purchased Walther. Umarex has a factory in Arnsberg, Germany, and they make pistols there with the Walther banner on them. The P22, SP22, G22, and PK380 are all "Walther" pistols, made by Umarex, but guys like myself don't consider them as being real Walther pistols. All of them are garbage, IMO.

If it is made in Ulm, it is likely to be as good as the P99, PPQ, PPS, etc.

If it is made in Arnsberg, is is likely to be as bad as the P22, SP22, PK380, etc.

My guess is that this is an Umarex product. The PK380 also didn't have a purpose to exist, being that the PPS is available in a larger caliber, and a smaller package, and every defensive pistol made in Ulm after 1993 has been a striker fired pistol.

It clearly says Ulm on the side of the frame right after Carl Walther.

http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Walther_PPX_09.jpg

balance

11-09-2012, 06:29 PM

You can plainly see Carl Walther Ulm/Do on the frame in the pictures.
This will be a Walther firearm.

The P22 has this on the frame as well.

The way to tell is to look at the proofmark on the barrel. If it has the "three crowns" proof, it is more than likely Umarex. If it has the "staghorn" proof, it is more than likely Walther.

Cecil Burch

11-09-2012, 06:39 PM

I thought this part of the report was interesting:

MSRP for the all black is $499 and $549 for the duo-tone.

So if that is right, the street price would most likely be maybe $50-$75 cheaper I would think. That makes a pretty attractive price point, especially for new-ish pistol buyers.

If Walther is on the ball, they will follow the Shield model and have some holster makers like Galco or Bladetech prepped to have holsters, and maybe even sights with someone like Ameriglo.

Pennzoil

11-09-2012, 06:49 PM

All speculation with out handling the pistol but my amateur eyes don't like from the get go.

Seems weird to have the hammer that recessed as it will make riding the hammer while holstering difficult. I like the shorter slide release but it looks to far back for a high grip. The magazine base plates look like a good way to pinch the skin on your strong hand with large meat hooks. Squared triggerguard and the pistol is fugly.:p

JodyH

11-09-2012, 06:52 PM

The P22 has this on the frame as well.

The way to tell is to look at the proofmark on the barrel. If it has the "three crowns" proof, it is more than likely Umarex. If it has the "staghorn" proof, it is more than likely Walther.
Considering I've never seen Umarex make anything but zinc-alloy "pot metal" slides, I highly doubt this will be a Umarex product.

balance

11-09-2012, 07:27 PM

Considering I've never seen Umarex make anything but zinc-alloy "pot metal" slides, I highly doubt this will be a Umarex product.

I hope you're right. I'm not all that interested in this pistol at the moment, regardless of who makes it, but if it was made buy Umarex, I wouldn't even consider it at all.

What are the chances that this pistol was made to compete for contracts in the US, with the cheaper price, DAO action, push button mag release, and the fact that Walther is setting up shop here?

deejai

11-10-2012, 01:28 AM

Hard to tell from the pics, but does it feature changeable backstraps? Looks like it doesn't.

balance

11-12-2012, 02:09 PM

Hard to tell from the pics, but does it feature changeable backstraps? Looks like it doesn't.

It doesn't look like it. It looks like it uses an internal extractor as well.

A member of the Walther forum found this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32UsUTkpQto

guymontag

11-12-2012, 03:52 PM

A member of the Walther forum found this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32UsUTkpQto

Of note are these statements:

"...did you ever think you could be able to have a good working Walther firearm for under five hundred dollars?"
"again, it's the entry level for Walther..."

I applaud Walther, unfettered from S&W, as at their introduction they appear poised to address the continuum of the market, whether by their own intentions or those of their parent company Umarex. A proffer to the budget oriented, will this firearm prove more of an instance of the Sig Sauer 2022 or the Smith and Wesson SD? I predict, and hope, the former.

Balance, thank you for the information.

mrozowjj

11-16-2012, 02:05 PM

It looks ugly as hell. I really do not understand the shape of it. It looks a lot like a high point actually.

balance

11-16-2012, 04:28 PM

I applaud Walther, unfettered from S&W, as at their introduction they appear poised to address the continuum of the market, whether by their own intentions or those of their parent company Umarex. A proffer to the budget oriented, will this firearm prove more of an instance of the Sig Sauer 2022 or the Smith and Wesson SD? I predict, and hope, the former.

S&W released the Shield, which competes directly with the PPS, so I wonder if this is payback from Walther, with the PPX to compete with the SD series.

It was unexpected for me though. Walther generally doesn't come out with an all new design (PPX) a year after the release of another (PPQ). I think it is good news to those that would normally purchase a Taurus, to have the option to spend the same amount of money on a pistol from a higher quality manufacturer. The MSRP of $449 will likely result in around a $400 (or less) street price.

The only thing that concerns me, is why Walther went with an internal extractor. It seems like an antiquated design. I hope it is spring loaded, and not tensioned like a 1911.

It looks ugly as hell. I really do not understand the shape of it. It looks a lot like a high point actually.

It is very ugly, but I understand the reason for its design.

The front of the slide is tapered, so that should help it slide in a holster easier. The top of the slide is tapered, so that should help with picking up the sights quicker when the pistol is brought to eye-level. The rear of the slide is tapered, so that should help it not to print as much when worn under a shirt.

The whole thing looks like a more "blocky" PPQ. It looks like it was made to be more inexpensive to produce.

LSP972

11-17-2012, 08:48 AM

Thread with a picture over on M4C:
http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?p=1437074

Might just be the angle but looks kind of big and blocky.

Its not the angle. I looked at one in a LGS the other day. Definitely "big and blocky".

Someone who wants a service-type (i.e., big and blocky) 9mm pistol with the Walther name on it, might be interested.

The rest of us... meh.

.

JAD

11-25-2012, 07:17 AM

. I hope it is spring loaded, and not tensioned like a 1911.
.

So that it will work flawless, like a Gen 4 GLOCK extractor.

JConn

11-25-2012, 07:43 AM

Never mind

balance

11-25-2012, 08:57 AM

So that it will work flawless, like a Gen 4 GLOCK extractor.

There doesn't seem to be a guarantee for reliability with either design. But most pistols that have a reputation for reliability and durability today, use spring loaded external extractors. They don't need to be maintained or tuned. One less thing, IMO.

For what it's worth, I just bought a Springfield EMP yesterday, and it would not extract rounds reliably while racking the slide until I tuned the extractor.

http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=390963

I'm curious to see some internal pictures or an exploded diagram of the PPX.

JAD

11-25-2012, 02:46 PM

There doesn't seem to be a guarantee for reliability with either design. .
--agreed completely. External extractors do require maintenance but are pretty easy to execute repeatedly if the design is good (high power, for example). Leaf spring extractors are fussier and take more attention in execution (as is true of everything driven by a leaf spring) but if well executed are just as reliable and durable. This from a guy who sells a technology driven by coil springs versus technologies driven by leaf springs.

BaiHu

11-29-2012, 02:29 PM

Walther to set up its shop:

http://arkansasmatters.com/fulltext?nxd_id=613062

gtmtnbiker98

11-29-2012, 02:48 PM

balance

11-30-2012, 09:53 AM

I just hope that Umarex has little influence over Walther operations. The more Umarex has to say, the demise of Walther quality will soon follow. The move of any manufacturing to the US is also not good.

I agree.

But I don't think the quality of their pistols will go down. All of their polymer pistols were designed and made after Umarex purchased Walther close to 19 years ago, and Walther pistols still compete against Sig and H&K pistols for agency contracts in Europe today.

Because they have those contracts, I believe they sell more pistols there than here, so I wouldn't see the point of them transferring manufacturing to the US. At least not for all of their pistols.

This pistol was unexpected though. I really don't know what they are going to do next, as they never focused on the US market before.

Kyle Reese

05-13-2013, 04:14 PM

Does anyone own one of these yet? If so, I'd be interested to hear your impressions.

WDW

05-13-2013, 04:18 PM

Does anyone own one of these yet? If so, I'd be interested to hear your impressions.
I really like Walther Pistols-the P99, PPQ, PPS- but Lord help me I just couldn't bring myself to buy a PPX. I handled one forever @ my LGS & it's just too damn ugly & weird. Who knows, I may end up getting one if I find a good deal on a used one.

balance

05-23-2013, 07:50 PM

I don't plan on picking one up myself, but here is a video and report from the team captain of the German Walther shooting team:

http://www.waltherforums.com/forum/ppx/29874-ppx-video-germany.html

Sparks2112

05-24-2013, 12:43 AM

The hammer is strange to me, you CANNOT block it with your thumb in such a way so as to keep the firing pin from being struck by the hammer. The good old pen down the barrel trick shows enough contact for ignition no matter how you try to block it, I might get one just to tear it apart and beat it to death, but not until ammo is a bit looser, I don't like how much I have to scrimp to come up with 9mm these days.

Josh Runkle

05-24-2013, 01:37 AM

I handled one at SHOT and, despite the ugly looks, I found it extremely comfortable to dry fire. I'm sure it will have some issues in the beginning (as all new pistols from virtually all manufacturers do), but I'm honestly looking forward to firing this product extensively.

jhprice

05-24-2013, 09:24 AM

still havent heard if they were going to sell in US

jhp

Kyle Reese

05-24-2013, 10:04 AM

still havent heard if they were going to sell in US

jhp

They are selling them in the US, and have been for a few months.

Josh Runkle

05-24-2013, 10:29 AM

They are selling them in the US, and have been for a few months.

Yes, I've seen them at several local gunshops in Ohio for a few months now.

1986s4

05-24-2013, 11:04 AM

The proof will be in the pudding. I don't find it ugly, not handsome either. I used to find Glocks ugly. Now I find their form follows function looks attractive though I don't own one.
This new Walther looks like a striker fired weapon converted to hammer fired.

Kyle Reese

01-25-2014, 06:23 AM

Anyone shooting one of these?

Tamara

05-06-2014, 02:37 PM

Anyone shooting one of these?

Necropost!

Actually... I just swapped my 2022 for one, more or less on a whim. I'm kinda curious to see how a pistol designed to compete in the "used Glock" end of the market works.

ETA: Plus, the thing was just "pound puppy" ugly sitting there in the showcase. I kinda felt sorry for it...

JAD

05-06-2014, 02:48 PM

So you did decide to go with a hi point. Let me know if you need to borrow the DeWalt.

45dotACP

05-06-2014, 07:59 PM

I'm quite interested to see how it stacks up...though slightly sad to see the SigPro go away :(

Tamara

05-06-2014, 08:12 PM

I'm quite interested to see how it stacks up...though slightly sad to see the SigPro go away :(

Hopefully the SP2022 will find a home with someone who can really use it. :)

Slavex

05-07-2014, 06:21 AM

Yay, I think I'm the first to shoot one!!!!!
I was helping out a local Canadian Gun Magazine with an article on 9mm guns in Canada (and sort of suited for IPSC, but the article grew from the original idea to just be about 9mm pistols). We had a Norinco SIG 226 copy, a SIG 226 with the external extractor (not sure of the model number, but the extractor reminded me of a Glock one), a S&W M&P, a Ruger SR9, a Boberg L, a CZ Shadow (base model), my S&W 5946, a Beretta 92A1, the Grand Power and the PPX.
Of all the guns on the table the one that amazed me the most was the PPX, man could it shoot, and fast. I easily ran .13 splits on it. The trigger was really light, like almost ND light. the grip shape is just weird as hell, but it works, although the gun points a lot more down than compared to my CZ gripped the same way. It didn't take long to get used to it though. It ran flawlessly through all the shooting we did with it as well. Only real complaint, mag button seemed light, I managed to knock it or hit it with my hand somehow during firing a couple times and came the mag. As well, the mag well, well, it sucks. The angle of the bottom of the grips is visually different than how you think the mag would go in, which leads to stuck mags. A little serious practice would cure that.
Accuracy was excellent. I was working 8 inch steel plates at 10 and 25yds with a very fast tempo, which surprised me with the big blocky sights.
All in all, I think the gun could be a fun gun to own. Just not sure on the 3 piece barrel. I guess it allows them to use smaller bar stock to start with for the barrel, and less machining for it too. The barrel is press fit into the locking block and a feed ramp is dropped in as well, and then the whole thing is pinned together. Looks cheap.

Tamara

05-07-2014, 09:47 AM

All in all, I think the gun could be a fun gun to own. Just not sure on the 3 piece barrel. I guess it allows them to use smaller bar stock to start with for the barrel, and less machining for it too. The barrel is press fit into the locking block and a feed ramp is dropped in as well, and then the whole thing is pinned together. Looks cheap.

The construction method has a very volkspistole vibe to it. It uses as many manufacturing shortcuts as you can without going all the way to a simple cast pot-metal slide and straight blowback operation. It's got a separate pinned-in breechblock, a la the classic P-series SIG, except this one appears to be a casting? Or maybe a big chunk of MIM?

It's the next step down the road from the Sauer SIGs, through the Glock, and now to this.

Slavex

05-07-2014, 10:43 PM

Looked like the locking block was MIM for sure. Had a very cheap feel to it as well.

Tamara

05-08-2014, 08:19 PM

50 rounds today. Two failures to ignite. Unfortunately, I was scooping ammo out of the loose stuff in my 9mm ammo can, which is a mixture of low-end factory ammo and some commercial reloads, and I can't be certain that this wasn't the ammo's fault.

1) Both rounds were in CCI Blazer Brass cases, but that's not dispositive.

2) Both rounds lit on the second try. This could be because the first hit was light, or because the first hit finished seating the primer.

I can say that Rob was absolutely right, in that the gun does not exhibit the muzzle rise its grotesquely waterheaded proportions would suggest.

Handy

05-08-2014, 08:39 PM

I wonder if that slide is actually pretty light, if it's stamped?

Slavex

05-08-2014, 08:40 PM

I just can't sort out if I'd buy one of these guns if I had the extra money to throw around. I think for a budget shooter looking to get into the sport this would maybe be a decent gun to start with.
What did you think of the trigger?

TheTrevor

05-08-2014, 09:33 PM

Tam, I seem to recall multiple trigger variants on the Walthers. Is that the case with the PPX, and if so, which one did you end up with?

Tamara

05-08-2014, 09:45 PM

I wonder if that slide is actually pretty light, if it's stamped?

Haven't thrown the slide on a scale; doesn't seem incredibly light (there's still the chunky breechblock, after all.) I'll check.

I was more referring to the height of the bore axis, which is like a USP with a lift kit, and which every gun forum will tell you is the death of everything. And then you ask about split times and they're all "Split what?" ;)

Tamara

05-08-2014, 09:47 PM

Tam, I seem to recall multiple trigger variants on the Walthers. Is that the case with the PPX, and if so, which one did you end up with?

Nope. The PPX just has a pre-loaded "quasi-DA". I haven't tried detail-stripping it yet, but it seems probably mechanically closest to Para's LDA, in that the slide does most of the work cocking the mainspring and the trigger just moves the hammer until it trips the already-cocked action. There is no restrike, of course.

Slavex

05-09-2014, 02:29 AM

good to know I'm not an idiot, I explained the trigger/hammer setup as LDA like to the guys I was shooting with.

Tamara

05-10-2014, 01:06 PM

good to know I'm not an idiot, I explained the trigger/hammer setup as LDA like to the guys I was shooting with.

I discovered that trigger freeze works about the same way as those "pre-cocked" quasi-DA systems, too, when I was playing with trying to ride the reset today. Duly Noted: Let trigger out and mash it.

Bonus pic of the forward rails next to those of an FNS-9 (notice the whimsical-looking Slinky that operates the slide stop):

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JFstOKl-tCM/U23AM6x5y1I/AAAAAAAAF-E/BJbLwn4mRf8/s1600/frame+rails.jpg

Tamara

05-13-2014, 06:46 PM

Haven't thrown the slide on a scale; doesn't seem incredibly light (there's still the chunky breechblock, after all.) I'll check.

Had to buy a postal scale...

PPX, empty: 1 lb. 10.9 oz.
PPX, slide only: 12.2 oz.

FNS-9, empty: 1 lb. 8.6 oz.
FNS-9, slide only: 11.0 oz.

Kyle Reese

05-13-2014, 06:50 PM

I'd be willing to shoot 5,000 rounds from one, if some magnanimous soul provided the gun & ammo.

Tamara

05-13-2014, 07:01 PM

I'd be willing to shoot 5,000 rounds from one, if some magnanimous soul provided the gun & ammo.

I'm toying with trying to solicit the ammo for just such a venture.

Kyle Reese

05-13-2014, 07:05 PM

I'm toying with trying to solicit the ammo for just such a venture.

2316

Tamara

06-02-2014, 01:08 AM

I think I've got a line on at least some ammo to get this party started...

ASH556

06-03-2014, 01:14 PM

FWIW we had one come through the range at work with some serious issues. Brand new gun. Customer was using 3 different ammo types (2X Winchester, plus our ATL Arms reloads). The chamber in the barrel was excessively tight. The gun would load a round, but fail to go fully into battery and completely lock up. Bumping the back of the slide would not persuade it to go fully into battery. Twice, while trying to extract the stuck rounds I had the extractor tear the rim off the case. Ended up using a rod to tap out the live rounds in those two cases.

The gent who owned it didn't purchase the gun from us, so we weren't involved in the warranty process, but I told him it needed to go back to Walther. This was about 2 months ago. Scared me off of them.

45dotACP

06-03-2014, 08:04 PM

I think I've got a line on at least some ammo to get this party started...

Would that be a big blue machine named Dillon?

Tamara

06-05-2014, 02:48 PM

Tamara

08-06-2014, 04:36 PM

At 850 rounds now (doing this on the side and on a tight budget is kinda precluding racking up 2k rounds in a weekend) and there have been three stoppages:

First range trip, two primers didn't go off on the first lick. Both were commercial reloads.
Recently, one round of a friend's LRN handloads didn't go fully into battery.
No other malfunctions, and none with factory new ammo. Haven't cleaned or lubed it yet.

Tamara

08-10-2014, 01:54 PM

...and it's now at a thousand (http://booksbikesboomsticks.blogspot.com/2014/08/still-going.html). No further malfs to report. Everybody I've let try it, from gunsmith to po-po trainers to SOF dude to novice IDPA chick, has had a favorable reaction to how the thing actually handles and shoots. I reckon I'll finish out the 2k and then clean it.

Josh Runkle

08-10-2014, 10:15 PM

I like the way it shoots. I just don't like that the model I rented allows the "hammer" to fire while being "locked out" with the reholstering thumb.

Tamara

08-10-2014, 10:20 PM

I like the way it shoots. I just don't like that the model I rented allows the "hammer" to fire while being "locked out" with the reholstering thumb.

Oh, it's a for-real hammer, but yeah, it's recessed too much to be used as a safety block while holstering. :(

Tamara

09-07-2014, 04:35 PM

One hundred more rounds today bring the total to twelve hundred. Two malfunctions this trip. Here's the first (http://booksbikesboomsticks.blogspot.com/2014/09/ppx-range-trip-part-one.html). I did not count it against the gun, since the round was defective.

Kyle Reese

09-07-2014, 06:51 PM

Tam,
For the money, would you recommend it to someone looking for a decent 9mm handgun?

Tamara

09-07-2014, 08:54 PM

Tam,
For the money, would you recommend it to someone looking for a decent 9mm handgun?

Thus far? I haven't had anything happen that would make me warn somebody off, unlike a lot of other pistols in its price range.

Tamara

09-08-2014, 05:23 AM

...and this (http://booksbikesboomsticks.blogspot.com/2014/09/ppx-range-trip-part-two.html) was the other malfunction I experienced.

Slater

09-11-2014, 04:56 PM

I have a PPX (9mm) that I've only put 100 rounds through, but it's a great shooting gun. One of the most common knocks I've heard against it is "decent gun, just too damn bulky".

ReverendMeat

09-11-2014, 09:01 PM

I have a PPX (9mm) that I've only put 100 rounds through, but it's a great shooting gun. One of the most common knocks I've heard against it is "decent gun, just too damn bulky".

Hell, they say the same thing about 1911s, Beretta 92s, and SIG P226s.

Polecat

09-12-2014, 10:14 PM

It is the craziest gun. It looks...well funky. Kinda like many have said Hipoint ish. The trigger feels so so dry firing. But let me tell you, when you get it live, that thing has a mind of its own, it can be shot super fast with very little muzzle climb, recoil is straight back. Its sum is better than its parts so to speak. I think it is a great gun. Had one if .40 and 9mm and much prefer the 9mm. .40 was snappy, 9mm was a smooth shooter. Enjoy. Glad to hear its going strong Tam.

Dave

Slater

09-15-2014, 06:18 AM

There have been occasional reports of folks having firing pin issues with their PPX's (over at the Walther forums). Possibly just the odd QC/assembly issue?

Tamara

09-15-2014, 06:34 AM

There have been occasional reports of folks having firing pin issues with their PPX's (over at the Walther forums). Possibly just the odd QC/assembly issue?

Dunno. I generally avoid brand-specific fora unless I'm looking for the solution to a problem, but I'll go read up on that.

Tamara

09-15-2014, 10:36 PM

After I finished nerding out with the rimfire ammo and the chronos this morning, I shot the plates from 25 yards with the PPX because I discovered a box of ammo in the car and I had time. 50 rounds of GECO ball ammo, no malfs. Total now at 1250.

Tamara

09-16-2014, 08:15 AM

As an aside, a dude I know who is a no-kidding manufacturing SME (if you own a US-made handgun, odds are good his hands have touched the machines that made the parts) picked up one of these PPXs and I'm finding his observations interesting. For example, it looks like my ass-umption that the slide was a heavy-gauge stamping was mistaken (http://neanderpundit.com/?p=6586)...

JV_

09-16-2014, 08:20 AM

nice find, thanks.

Slater

09-16-2014, 11:38 AM

So...is that a good thing?

Tamara

09-16-2014, 11:45 AM

So...is that a good thing?

I dunno how good or bad it is, it's just kind of interesting from a gun otaku standpoint. (More of that "this place is full of Gun Trekkies" stuff, I guess. ;) )

JV_

09-16-2014, 11:47 AM

I dunno how good or bad it is, it's just kind of interesting from a gun otaku standpoint.

That was my thought. I'm not educated enough to know which approach is right/better, but I like reading varying opinions on the subject - and then compare that to what's in production or in my safe.

Rich@CCC

09-21-2014, 09:07 AM

Just to add my unsought input,
I've had a PPX, 9mm for about a year and the only malfs have been due, apparently to limp wristing. I've not had it happen to me but my daughter can't seem to make it run. She gets a stove pipe or FTF every couple rounds. Again, I can't duplicate the issue when she hands me the pistol.

This is with my hard cast hand loads, not factory ammo, she's never fired factory loads through it so I don't know for certain that it's a factor. She has zero problems with a 1911, also shooting my hand loads.

BTW, IMHO the PPX out performs my Steyr M9A1 and my Apex modified M&P9c. Granted, I'm a not a particularly talented shooter and the comparisons are not exactly apple to apples.

Tamara

09-21-2014, 09:46 AM

Y'know, a decent holster for the PPX would be kinda awesome...

Slater

09-21-2014, 09:52 AM

Feedback thus far on the PPX seems to be overwhelmingly positive. The grip design and relative bulkiness appear to be the main source of complaints among those who don't like it.

Certainly can't argue about the price - mine cost $344 from Bud's. Oddly enough, I know one guy actually turned off by the modest pricing. His opinion is that a 9mm semiauto priced that low HAS to have something wrong with it.

Rich@CCC

09-21-2014, 10:29 AM

I'm making all my holsters and the BMC for the PPX, and were having a sale right now.

customcarryconcepts (http://shop.customcarryconcepts.com/)

Tamara

09-21-2014, 10:57 AM

...were having a sale right now.

I know, which was why I dropped my not-so-subtle hint. Can't find the PPX on the drop down menu for the Looper... :D

Rich@CCC

09-21-2014, 11:06 AM

Fixed That!

Tamara

09-21-2014, 11:16 AM

Fixed That!

Heh. I just ordered an Uno and a Shaggy instead. :o

Rich@CCC

09-21-2014, 11:30 AM

Thanks for pointing out the oversight anyway!! And Thanks for the order. Do you want the BMC for the M&P or was that an oops?

BTW, I am amused in that I grew up living on Wentworth Rd.

Tamara

09-21-2014, 11:31 AM

Do you want the BMC for the M&P or was that an oops?

It'll get a lot more use for the M&P. :D

Rich@CCC

09-21-2014, 11:33 AM

Gotcha!

Rich

09-21-2014, 04:20 PM

I really like Walther Pistols-the P99, PPQ, PPS- but Lord help me I just couldn't bring myself to buy a PPX. I handled one forever @ my LGS & it's just too damn ugly & weird. Who knows, I may end up getting one if I find a good deal on a used one.

I thought the same about my Sig P229nor and it turn out to be a good pistol.

Tamara

09-24-2014, 01:56 PM

It's up to 1400 rounds now, with the last hundred being some nasty Sumbro fodder. No more malfunctions to report. I'm really kinda getting to like the trigger.

Jason Macrie

02-16-2016, 08:15 PM

There have been occasional reports of folks having firing pin issues with their PPX's (over at the Walther forums). Possibly just the odd QC/assembly issue?

After around 1,300 rounds, one of my 2 PPXs stopped firing (I have 2). Firing pin got hung up. Sent gun in for warranty repair and they fixed it by cleaning out the firing pin channel. Gun was always field stripped and cleaned after every outing (I am not new to this or to guns). About 200 rounds after repair, same thing happened. Firing pin hanged up. After soaking the slide and flushing out the channel as best I could (without disassembly beyond what the manual recommends), I exercised the pin and it eventually came free after a rattling sound in the mag. I've put about 300 rounds through it since the second failure and it is working fine so far. Word is that the model has been discontinued. Another forum contains other reports of the same thing happening to other people. The other forum banned me for life for unwanted spam, and I have no idea what that is about since I've never spammed anyone and use a Mac.
Other than the firing pin occasionally jamming, it is a great little gun. Amazing trigger. Very well behaved with decent ammo except for noted issue. I would prefer to find a fix for the obvious flaw rather than giving up on these guns.

Tamara

02-16-2016, 08:58 PM

The firing pin on mine seized up after 1,827 (http://booksbikesboomsticks.blogspot.com/2014/10/1827.html) rounds with no cleaning or lubrication. A thorough cleaning and lube returned things to normal and it fired several hundred more rounds before I sold it.

I also have heard that they were discontinued. I think it's a shame, because it seemed like a decent new gun for used gun money.

ReverendMeat

02-16-2016, 10:14 PM

I also have heard that they were discontinued. I think it's a shame, because it seemed like a decent new gun for used gun money.

Starting at $280 on CDNN right now, in case anybody's still curious about them.

Tamara

02-16-2016, 10:38 PM

Starting at $280 on CDNN...

Ah, CDNN! Wondering where to find that left-handed Grade III Millard Fillmore commemorative 28ga that was a limited run last year? Look no further! :D

ReverendMeat

02-16-2016, 10:59 PM

You jest, but I picked up a new Steyr AUG A3 (plus five magazines) from them for $1399 last year so there's definitely killer deals to be had on some good stuff, too

Drang

02-16-2016, 11:00 PM

For a second there I thought you said there was a MALLARD Fillmore (http://www.arcamax.com/thefunnies/mallardfillmore/) commemorative, and I was going to go look...

Tamara

02-16-2016, 11:36 PM

You jest, but I picked up a new Steyr AUG A3 (plus five magazines) from them for $1399 last year so there's definitely killer deals to be had on some good stuff, too

Oh, there are, definitely! It's just also well known as the place to find obscure stuff that didn't sell from regular wholesalers. CDNN is the wholesaler of last resort. :)

JAD

02-16-2016, 11:53 PM

It was certainly the last place I saw a Colt 2000 for sale.

And yes, I do regret passing one up.

Jason Macrie

02-17-2016, 06:15 AM

Tamara

02-18-2016, 08:29 AM

Did your thorough cleaning include taking apart the firing pin track or just a field strip? Is the jamming why you sold yours?

I just blew it out with brake cleaner and canned air. IIRC, the problem was that the FP safety plunger got enough cack built up on it that the little arm wouldn't reliably lift it out of the way anymore. It was insidious to diagnose, because you could still move the plunger easily with a pen or punch and that made it look like the firing pin travel was normal. I think we initially misdiagnosed it as a broken firing pin? It happened on the range at an annual gathering with a bunch of friends, and there were at least two recent graduates of Trinidad State Junior College's gunsmithing program standing right next to me, so you can imagine that ideas and suppositions were flying. ;)

I sold it because I bought it for the sole purpose of shooting a couple cases of ammo through it for the amusement of the internet. I never carried it or anything, although I wouldn't have been skeered to.