The Walther PPS M2 9mm Gets Some New Siblings—SHOT Show 2017

The Walter PPS M2 line has been expanded to include two new models, including the Crimson Trace Laserguard-equipped model shown here.

To learn more, visit https://www.waltherarms.com/.

To purchase a PPS M2 on GunsAmerica.com, click this link https://www.gunsamerica.com/Search.aspx?T=PPS%20M2.

I was able to get a close look at some new additions to the Walther family introduced at SHOT Show this year. I should disclose up front that I have been regularly carrying the Walther PPS M2, which I purchased almost a year ago. Prior to that, I carried a PPS Classic in 9mm that I purchased about five years ago.

I discovered that the popular PPS M2 pistol has some new family members for the line. Amongst these pistols was one completely new member of the family, and another that I had heard about but not been introduced to. The newest member of the family is a PPS M2 with a Crimson Trace LASERGUARD® red laser attached from the factory. The Laserguard mounts to the trigger guard with a clam shell snap fit and a few small screws. The laser has a demure, almost miniature, recessed on/off switch on the underside of what is now the trigger guard. While turned on, the laser can be activated by simply taking a normal firing grip, which depresses the activation switch on the front side of the pistol grip.

The laser is fully adjustable via two tiny hidden screws: one on the bottom of the Laserguard, and the other on its side. By factory default, it is sighted in for 50 feet. The dot is about ½” in diameter at 50 feet. The single lithium battery will last for 4 hours of continuous use. If you register your laser with Walther, Crimson Trace will provide you with free batteries for life! (“This program allows (1) set of batteries per calendar year per product registered.”)

The new Walter PPS M2 LE comes with phosphoric three-dot sights.

Glowing Reports

The next gun that came out of the box was the PPS M2 LE. The new PPS M2 comes chambered in 9mm. The PPS M2 9mm LE Edition comes equipped with phosphoric sights and three magazines (whereas the standard PPS M2 and the PPS M2 with Laserguard come with two—a 6-rounder and a 7-rounder).

The LE variant also comes with three magazines rather than the two standard with a PPS M2 in eight-, seven- and six-round capacities.

Side note on night sight tech: Phosphorescence is an effect by which chemicals re-emit light that they absorb. Phosphoric sights can be recharged by being exposed to light. They store light for several minutes, or even hours. The one drawback is that you cannot be completely sure how bright a phosphoric sight will be, or how long it will emit light before its next recharge. These are not tritium sights, which glow using gaseous tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen, to create visible light. Tritium emits electrons through beta decay, and fluorescent light is created when they interact with a phosphor material. Tritium sights glow without having to be recharged by a light source. The most notable downside to Tritium sights is that they grow weaker every day as the decay happens. They will become dim over a period of years and need to be replaced. Each of these has advantages and disadvantages.

The three magazines are 6-round, 7-round and 8-round. Interestingly, something as seemingly simple as a different magazine completely changes the character of the gun. The 6-round is almost flush, and allows the gun to feel like a subcompact that you can put in a pocket holster. Insert the 8-round magazine, and as if by magic, it feels like a competition gun made for range work. The 7-round magazine is a good balance between these bookends.

Family Tree

Walther introduced the PPS in 2007. The PPS Classic, really represented the first introduction of a single-stack compact 9mm. pistol to the marketplace. It featured a short-recoil locking breach, and used a modified Browning cam lock system, much like that of the Hi Power. The PPS Classic was designed for concealed carry civilians and plainclothes law enforcement personnel, and had some features that were very European and not well received, but will also draw fans to the comment section to defend them to the hilt. The most prominent of these features was the paddle magazine release. The overall styling was a bit boxy and could have used a makeover, and the trigger, while not a huge issue, was improved in the M2 line as well. Also, the M2 was given a more traditional magazine release button.

Something for Everyone

Walther has kept the PPS Classic in both 9mm and .40 S&W, while choosing to offer the PPS M2 in only 9mm. The choice of only offering a 9mm reflects a very real market trend that is not exclusive to Walther. The offering of five models in the PPS line means that everyone can find something to like, and Walther has partnered with numerous aftermarket partners to offer holsters, sights, triggers and lasers for a wide variety of tinkering and customization.

Bottom Line

You can call me a Walther fan boy if you want, but I am truly impressed with what they have done over the last few years. The PPS has gone from a single gun to a family of pistols that offers something for everyone. This has been done without offering meaningless options like the rainbow of gun paint, or the choice of a useless external safety. The Laserguard could be the ticket for you, but if it’s not there are other options that you can embrace. No matter your choice, you can find accessories from day one, and this matters if you are going to carry and train with your gun.

To learn more, visit https://www.waltherarms.com/.

To purchase a PPS M2 on GunsAmerica.com, click this link https://www.gunsamerica.com/Search.aspx?T=PPS%20M2.

Building on the strengths of the popular PPS M2, the new additions to the line give CCW enthusiasts even more options.