{"id":113995,"date":"2019-08-22T16:24:48","date_gmt":"2019-08-22T20:24:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=113995"},"modified":"2019-08-22T16:24:48","modified_gmt":"2023-09-06T02:17:25","slug":"walther-q5-match-sf-the-new-iron-age","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/walther-q5-match-sf-the-new-iron-age\/","title":{"rendered":"Walther Q5 Match SF \u2013 The New Iron Age"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Walther
The Walther-blue trigger has a new home in an all-steel frame, but it is as delicate as ever. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Many will say that the invention of the wheel is the pivotal point in man\u2019s history \u2013 others will claim that it is the invention of hand tools and portable weapons. Whichever argument you might tend to believe, one fact cannot be disputed \u2013 it wasn\u2019t until those tools, weapons, and wheels were made of steel that mankind had taken a permanent leap forward in his ability to better adapt to his environment \u2013 and make that environment adapt to him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steel makes those wheels strong enough to manage harsh terrain or achieve high speeds. Steel makes the weapons that turn a trained soldier into a deadly combatant. And steel allowed buildings to rise higher, the power of steam to be harnessed, and the industrial revolution to circle the globe on shiny rails. And so, while it is always a joy to celebrate the new technologies that allow our firearms to be lighter and faster, there is something about the feel of steel in the hand that gives one a sense that it is indestructible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Walther<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Such is the case with the Walther Q5 Match SF (steel frame) handgun. It is not much different from its sibling the polymer-framed Q5 Match, except that it is heavy \u2013 and solid \u2013 and stiff. The feel of steel in the hand is much different from polymer, and today\u2019s competitive handgun shooters have been rediscovering that the extra weight while tiring to tote around on the hip is usually an advantage when shooting. A heavier stiffer steel-framed gun tends to stay put. There is less muzzle rise with each shot, which means the sights are back on target much faster. Checkering cut into a steel frame provides a bond to the shooter\u2019s hand that is hard for a molded texture to match. Some could also argue that the stiffness of the steel frame improves accuracy versus the flexing of the polymer in that last tiny fraction of a second that counts the most. And of course, higher pressure loads can be regularly fired from all-steel guns than can be from polymer frames. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Walther
The new iron age of handguns has arrived, and Walther aims to move to the head of the class with its Q5 Match SF. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Does this mean that steel beats polymer every time? Of course not \u2013 there are endless variables and scenarios in which either would be the better tool for the job that day. What is worth celebrating is that Walther is giving us the choice. Those who prefer the polymer-framed Q5 Match and the PPQ will be pleased to know that they are not going away. The new steel frame (SF) is an addition that Walther thinks the market needs. Which brings us to\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WHO IS IT FOR?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

As I mentioned, the allure of the steel frame tends to be among the high-speed pistol competition shooters. IPSC, IDPA, USPSA, etc. The \u2018controllability\u2019 and steadiness of a heavier gun allow more shots to be fired on target in a given time. Consider that most of the shooting sports have a weight limit<\/em>, not a minimum<\/em> weight, and you begin to understand that more weight = more advantage. I think this pistol is for the relatively accomplished competitor who is ready to move to the next level of hardware. Most especially, those who have been shooting a Walther PPQ 5\u201d or a Q5 Match polymer-framed gun. The transition to the SF is seamless. All controls are identical and the trigger\u2026 oh, the trigger\u2026 is the same \u201cbest in class\u201d bang switch that you can get in a mass production handgun. This one measures 4 lbs. 9 oz. at the break. This doesn\u2019t mean that new shooters would not benefit from the SF, but it does cost substantially more than the two poly-framed Walthers I just mentioned. Most new match shooters start out with a quality, well-recommended gun that leaves money for all the other gear they need. But we\u2019ve all seen the guy that shows up with the $4k custom 1911 for his first match, too. Every bell curve has to have those two ends. Bottom line, if you are looking for the flagship competition handgun, or you have made up your mind to \u2018go heavy or go home\u2019, then I think you\u2019re in the target market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Walther
The Q5 Match SF is well equipped with 3 17-round magazines and three adapter plates for optics. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

HOW IS IT DIFFERENT?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Besides, you know \u2013 being made of steel\u2026 the Q5 Match SF is mostly identical to the Q5 Match polymer-framed handgun, which was in turn mostly identical to the PPQ 5\u201d pistol. Setting aside weight for a moment, and not reading off the spec sheet \u2013 here are the things I notice the most about the SF versus the polymer-framed Q5: 1. First and foremost \u2013 MUCH better grip surface. I love the design of the paisley stippling on the Walther polymer frames, but they don\u2019t offer much in the way of friction. At this writing, I am unable to determine for certain if the material is G10, but it seems to be. The grip is a one-piece design that covers the handle like a clamshell. It has the same \u2018multiple palm swell\u2019 topology as the molded polymer frames, but its surface is cut into a very effective and interesting pattern. I will describe it as a continuous series of 3-dimensional cubes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Walther<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It is very superior in its grip friction and quite fascinating to look at. Continuing that practical need for a bond with the shooter\u2019s hand, the front strap is wonderfully checkered. The vertical cuts of the checkering extend upward well into the nicely undercut trigger guard, and downward to the very toe of the magazine well. Walther has kept the same ergonomic shape and feel from the PPQ family. There is also some nice checkering on the front face of the trigger guard, for people who learned to shoot from watching \u201880s television. 2. Wicked awesome beavertail. I don\u2019t know that it makes much practical difference, but it looks way cooler than the polymer version. 3. Full-length dust cover. This means three things \u2013 more weight out front for balance and resistance to muzzle lift; a bit more Picatinny rail for those lights; it may not fit your existing holster. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Walther
The Q5 Match SF may be rigid steel, but its curves are as soft as any PPQ. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

That last one is one to take note of if you think you can\ndrop this gun into your favorite PPQ or Q5 holster. I have one that I can use,\nand one that I can\u2019t. Needless to say, my favorite newest one is the one I\ncan\u2019t. That\u2019s it. I know there are a few more subtle differences, but those are\nthe ones that will make a difference. Oh, and one last point \u2013 in anticipation\nof many questions: No, you cannot swap the slides\/frames between the polymer Q5\nand this SF. They use a completely different slide locking design and are not\ncompatible \u2013 even though they are identical in every other way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

SHOOTING THE Q5 MATCH SF <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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