What is distinctive about the Walther PPX? The design and slide engineering are the same as in older models like the P99 or the PPQ: a Browning-Petter-SIG system with open control cam and a block that locks via the ejection port. But Walther took a new tack when it came to the trigger, fitting the PBX with a partially pre-tensioned double-action system and a spur-less hammer in place of the firing pin block system.
This new feature disappears entirely into the back of the slide in its rest position. Each movement of the slide pre-tensions the main spring, while exerting pressure on the trigger does the rest.
The hammer moves backwards together with the movement of the trigger, travelling a distance of approximately seven millimetres before the trigger releases the hammer, transmitting the spring force to the hammer nose and enabling the striker to initiate firing. But the system has to be re-chambered by hand if this mechanism fails – ‘re-striking’, or pressing the now relaxed trigger once more, will not help.
Other details that produced the low price include the three-part barrel engineering, in which the group consisting of locking block/control cam are attached around the barrel as an MIM-fashioned component, while an evidently milled feed ramp comes in as the third element.
Similarly, the frame does not contain the cast slide rail otherwise found in the P99, and instead is fitted with a steel housing with pins at the front and the back. The fibreglass-reinforced polymer housing at the top of the slide, the claw, the striker and the auto-safety all helped further reduce the costs of production.
The Walther PPX Test
A check of the finishing revealed that the barrel shows substantial lateral play and that there were machining marks on the top of the slide, a couple of sharp plastic edges and traces of casting on the block and the cam (-4 points).
The trigger frame design was as pleasing as always, but this Walther comes without the usual spare frame parts to cut costs (-1 point).
Apart from a noticeable creep, the trigger characteristics showed a noticeable pressure point and scored good results in tests on several models (-2 point).
The testers complained that apart from the magazine release, none of the handling elements are designed to accommodate left-handed people (-1 point); they also criticised the slightly blurred target image produced in the sights due to the oversized twilight markings (-1 point).
The handgun is explicitly designed as a self-defence weapon/utility pistol and not as a competition firearm. Therefore, it does not have a sight adjustment feature, and this aspect was disregarded in the test. Given its intended purpose, the pistol delivers an outstanding group size of 57 mm diameter and an entirely satisfactory precision (-10 points) rating.
The Walther PPX gave no grounds for criticism in terms of chambering/safety when shooting loads in a normal thickness range. Nevertheless, we encountered a few ejection problems when the weapon was held quite loosely to shoot relatively weak types of ammunition (-1 point).
Summary of the Walther PPX test
Although somewhat Spartan in its features, the Walther PPX is nevertheless reliable and feels solid and robust. Combined with its attractive price of €569, it is undoubtedly a good choice as a coup de grace weapon for hunters.
Score for the Walther PPX in 9 mm Luger
| Score | Points |
| Precision (max. 50 points) | 40 points |
| Chambering/safety (max. 10 points) | 9 points |
| Trigger characteristics (max. 10 points) | 8 points |
| Trigger frame design (max. 5 points) | 4 points |
| Handling elements (max. 10 points) | 9 Points |
| Sight (max. 5 points) | 4 points |
| Finishing (max. 10 points) | 6 points |
| Total score (max. 100 points) | 80 points |
| Test grade | good |
| Rating | 4 out of 6 |
Shooting test: Walther PPX
| No. | Factory cartridge | Group size | V2 | E2 |
| 1. | 115 grs Sellier & Bellot JHP | 69 mm | -/- m/s | -/- J |
| 2. | 115 grs GECO JHP | 83 (63) mm | -/- m/s | -/- J |
| 3. | 120 grs Lapua CEPP | 70 (42) mm | -/- m/s | -/- J |
| 4. | 124 grs Remington Golden Saber + P JHP | 57 (21) mm | -/- m/s | -/- J |
| 5. | 124 grs PMC FMJ | 84 mm | -/- m/s | -/- J |
Note: group size = 5/4-shot groups, fired at a distance of 25 metres from a sandbag support, stated in millimetres, measured from bullet hole centre to bullet hole centre. There was a technical malfunction on the measurement device, which meant there were no V2 E2 data. Bullet abbreviations: JHP = Jacketed Hollow Point, CEPP = Controlled Effect Police Projectile (proprietary brand name).
