Magazines are a major part of whether semi-automatic firearms run reliably. You can have the Gucciest gun in the world, but if your mags aren’t up to snuff, you’re gonna have problems. Fortunately, Walther factory mags have you covered. The mags discussed here are for the PPQ M1 but, owning several Walther firearms myself, I’m happy to report that the German gunmaker features quality mags across the board.
11 Years and Counting
I bought my first PPQ M1 in 2012 after much research into which striker-fired pistol I wanted to carry. My research paid off and a PPQ is still my choice as one of my two primary carry guns. Eleven years and countless rounds of 9mm ammo later, the same two mags that shipped with that first gun are still in my rotation.
In all that time, I can only recall two or three problems. One was a bad round that just wouldn’t feed. No idea why. The other, I can’t remember if it was once or twice, the mag was absolutely filthy and just needed a little cleaning. They have been consistently reliable otherwise.
Over those 11 years, I’ve added 18 flush 15 round mags and six 15+2 extended mags. I know that because I just counted them. Rookie numbers, I know. I feel like I should have about 50 more. But the quality has been there every time, whether the mag is older or brand new.
Walther PPQ M1 Mag Specifications
The specs are about what you’d expect from a quality 9mm mag, but let’s run them down quickly.
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 15 rounds
- Double stack
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Corrosion-resistant blued finish
- Polished steel spring
- Heat-treated polymer anti-tilt follower
- Factory machined witness holes for rounds 4-15
- Precision machined feed lips
Walther…But Not Walther
If you recently purchased your first Walther, you may be surprised that Walther-branded magazines read “Made in Italy,” despite having the stamped Walther Logo. After all, Walther is a well-established German company. So, what gives?
Easy. Walther contracts their mag production to Mec-Gar, the Italian company that produces world class mags for many gunmakers, including Beretta. Mec-Gar mags are high quality, so don’t think Walther is pulling a fast one on you. Having Mec-Gar mags is a good thing.
Easy Maintenance
Like most good mags, the PPQ mags are easy to disassemble and clean. Just press the button on the floorplate and slide the plate off the mag. Just be sure to do it slowly, so the spring doesn’t shoot across the room. I haven’t done that in years, but it has been a thing.
The spring and follower pop right out for easy cleaning as you’d expect. And reassembly is a breeze. And yes, you should occasionally clean your mags. I learned that the hard way.
Durable and Reliable
These mags are well made, and they last. Despite years of service, the machined feed lips are still unblemished, other than a bit of finish wear. The polymer baseplates are scratched a bit, but who cares? If your mags aren’t a little beat up, then you probably aren’t training.
I have taken the older mags, including numbers 1 and 2, out of the carry rotation. But I still train with them, and they work great. Walther mags aren’t cheap but, as I said before, the quality and reliability are there. I’m not aware of any aftermarket PPQ mags, but I wouldn’t buy them anyway. I’ve gone that route with other guns and almost always regretted it. I won’t compromise with my carry gun’s mags.
Walther PPQ M1 “Classic” and M2
There are two basic models of PPQ: the M1 “Classic” and the M2. The difference is the mag release. The M1 has the European-style trigger guard mounted paddle release, while the M2 has the American thumb button. I prefer the M1. That was part of my research and I just like that release better.
But be aware that M1 mags will not work with M2 pistols, and vice versa. If you buy PPQ mags, make certain you’re buying the right mag for the right gun. Either way, they will be quality Mec-Gar products, so you’ll be good.
Quality Matters
I learned early on as a gun owner that quality matters. Usually, you get what you pay for. Not always, but usually. Mags are definitely like that. I have boxes of crappy mags that I bought before I learned that lesson. Fortunately, most quality gunmakers also make, or provide, quality mags. Walther is one of those, even if they don’t produce the mags themselves.
And if you have a Walther PPQ, you should probably stock up. Walther has moved on from the PPQ to the PDP. I don’t think they will discontinue PPQ mags anytime soon, but why chance it? I should note, however, that 15-round PDP mags will also fit the PPQ M2. And GunMag Warehouse has you covered, whether you want flush mags, extended mags, M1 mags, M2 mags…whatever. Check ‘em out.
