Walther PPS M2: Any Good for Concealed Carry? – The Walther PPS M2 is an upgraded version of the single-stack PPS sub-compact 9mm. If you’re like me, you prefer having plenty of rounds on hand, especially if you’re carrying concealed. Because of that, the Walther PPS M2 isn’t my first choice for concealed carry.
Six rounds don’t do it for me.
Outside of that though, the PPS M2 is an excellent firearm that exceeds in basically every other category you could ask for. Sure it’s a little bit of a butterface, but it’s still solid. Keep reading if you want to know the nitty-gritty on the Walther PPS M2.
My first impression of the Walther PPS M2 was wow, that is an ugly pistol.
It’s small in stature but lands a little on the chunky side proportionally. It’s pretty top-heavy as well despite it only weighing 20oz with an empty magazine. It still fits comfortably in my hand and the grip texturing works well even if it’s a little bit of an eyesore. Walther has also changed their lever-style mag release to a button. A lot of people weren’t fond of it; I was pretty indifferent. Either way, the button magazine release was a welcome change for plenty of Walther fans.
My main gripe with this pistol is the magazine capacity. I will say this all comes down to your personal philosophy on magazine capacity. I don’t like only having 6 rounds, especially for a pistol cartridge. There are pistols out there that perform the same and have more rounds on hand like my Sig Sauer P365 with a 15-round magazine. I just think there are better options out there if you’re looking for a sub-compact for concealed carry.
Overall though, the PPS M2 is remarkably concealable and comfortable to carry for extended periods of time.
On a more positive note, the M2 is extremely accurate. I was getting 1-inch groups every time I put holes in paper. I tested this pistol out at 10 yards initially and moved back to 25 yards as I got more comfortable operating the gun. I don’t have a single complaint about the M2’s accuracy whatsoever. It won’t make you more accurate (that only comes with practice), but it can certainly emphasize the skills that are already present.
Walther PPS M2. Image: Walther.
It’s also amazingly reliable. Most mid-tier handguns do end up being reliable, but I still need to give credit where it’s due. I shot over 1000 rounds through this pistol. That includes top-shelf brass and bottom-of-the-barrel bulk rounds. I didn’t have a single problem, even during its break-in period.
The Walther PPS M2 is a fantastic pistol, but just know you’ll only have 6 rounds to work with initially. You can buy 7 and 8 round magazines, but I still find that a little bit on the low side. Outside of that, you can expect top-tier reliability and razor-sharp accuracy out of the M2. It’s not too bad on the wallet either. It’ll only run you $430 if you want to buy it brand-new, but you’ll probably be able to find it cheaper. I’d say if it sounds right for you, go ahead purchase it.
Richard Douglas writes on firearms, defense, and security issues. He is the founder and editor of Scopes Field, and a columnist at the National Interest, 1945, Daily Caller, and other publications.
