Using the Walther PQQ Q5 Match as an EDC/CCW

[7relos]

Does anyone have experience with this pistol or one of similar build? Since many use a full-size 1911 as an EDC firearm, I was wondering how feasible it is to consider the Walther Q5 Match as an option in this department.

I'm not married to the idea or anything, but I do like the idea of carrying a full sized pistol.

 

[bofh]

You mean a Walther PPQ Q5, right? The most important questions regarding a defensive handgun for carry are: (1) is it reliable?, (2) can you shoot it?, and (3) can you carry it?

As for the first question, search the Internet. The Walther PPQ Q5 is not a handgun that people typically carry and it is certainly not a handgun that people typically trained with in the professional firearms training classes I went to. Most people decide reliability by going to a square rage, shoot 100 rounds of training ammo through it and then shoot maybe 20 rounds of carry ammo thought it. If the gun performs with minimal issues, they decide that it is reliable. I usually shoot 1,000-1,500 consecutive rounds of training ammo on different days through it without cleaning it. Then I shoot 100 rounds of carry ammo thought it. There should not be a single malfunction. Then I take the handgun to an advanced pistol training class, where the gun is fired in different positions, often in inclement weather, dropped, and exposed to dirt and other material. There should not be a single serious malfunction that disables the handgun.

I can tell you already now that the red dot option will be less reliable than standard steel sights. I have seen a Trijicon RMR fall off in a recent training class. I have seen a Trijicon RMR lose zero too. Both are related to the fact that the screws come loose, even with Loctite. Since any backup sights are on the mounting plate, they shift or fall off too. Now, the biggest reason for that is the stress created by one-handed gun manipulation is too hard on the screws. If you don't plan to do that, you can certainly use a red dot. However, you are also certainly deficient in the gun handling department.

Speaking of one-handed gun manipulation, the slanted adjustable rear sights are a no-go as well. There is no way you can hook up that sight on a belt or any straight edge to rack the slide. You would need different aftermarket sights.

The main market for this gun is competition shooting. The ported slide just means more dirt can enter your gun easily. That's a feature you don't want to have in a defensive handgun.

The other two questions about shooting it and carrying it, only you can answer. Quite a few people carry full size handguns. I carry a Glock 20 sometimes, but a Glock 19 most of the time. The biggest factor is a proper holster and belt.

 

[Frisco85132]

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Match guns are generally not carry guns. They are different animals for different zoos. My duty/carry gun would never be allowed the same mods as my match guns which have 2lb triggers, different spring/striker set ups, and are generally tailored to the competitive arena.

My carry gun has the standard connector/trigger setup (5.5lbs with Extra Power Striker Spring and 18lb recoil spring for the 180gr JHP duty ammo we used).

Match guns aren't usually set up for the rigors of carry and quite honestly most people aren't going to actually do something silly like train and actually shoot their carry gun. This is one of the reasons why I like buying used Glocks on the cheap to make into match guns...rarely if ever fired, regardless of how much holster time they have.

If you want a Walther...go with the standard model. Spending money on extra crap will not make you a better shooter or make you any more capable of defending yourself effectively. That only comes with dedicated training, practice, and sweat investment on your part.

 

[bofh]

Spending money on extra crap will not make you a better shooter or make you any more capable of defending yourself effectively. That only comes with dedicated training, practice, and sweat investment on your part.

+1. What he said!

To the OP:

I made a 100 yard shot on a man-sized steel target today with my brand-new S&W M&P Shield 9mm (for $285 with taxes, background check fee and $75 mail-in rebate). I made that shot on the third round. I needed two rounds to establish my holdover. There was not a single modification made to that gun. I didn't replace the sights (yet). I didn't replace or polish the trigger (yet). I barely had 200 rounds though this gun when I made the 100 yard shot. I just had the right training to make that shot!

The same goes for my drills today with the S&W M&P Shield 9mm on steel targets at closer range. I was easily making double taps and head shots, including one-handed ones. Again, I had the right training.

 

[Frisco85132]

I have seen it time and time again in both the competition arena and in the training arena...guys trying to solve shooter problems with money.

You don't shoot a Glock 17 well? It's gotta be junk, so you solve that by buying an XDm Tactical.

The XDm doesn't shoot well? You proclaim that a POS and run out and buy an M&P Pro.

You can't hit the broad side of a barn with the M&P? Yeah, hell yeah, it's junk too so you run out and buy a new high dollar 1911 from Nighthawk or Wilson, better yet get something with a famous dude's name on it like Rob Leatham's Springer and that will sort your whole world out.

Uh oh...can't shoot any of the 1911's well either? What a piece of antiquated crap the 1911 platform is!

Oh damn...an old fart with gray hair and a Glock 22 just waxed your ass while you were shooting your brand spankin new $3000 CZ Custom with the RMR, 6 chamber comp, 1lb trigger, and $300 grips? Stinkin CZ Custom! Wait! It musta been the comp, or my loads, or the RMR, or something...ANYTHING but me!

Funny how the only common thing between ALL of those guns is the guy on the trigger. But, being a teller of unpopular truth makes me decidedly unpopular with the tacticool teddy doods who learned all they know about shooting and more importantly FIGHTING with a gun from youtube, gun rags, and Grand Theft Auto.

All the cash wasted on crap would be put to a lot better use in training ammo, and professional instruction.