The Walther CCP M2 Is A Reliable, Accurate Single-Stack 9mm
In this heyday of sub-compact, single-stack 9mm pistols, the updated Walther CCP M2, with its gas-delayed blowback action, is something a little different. And that’s a good thing. It doesn’t hurt that it’s also a reliable, accurate handgun that is sized right for concealed carry.
Stepping On The Gas
This polymer-frame pistol makes use of what Walther calls SoftCoil technology. Basically, there’s a small port at the bottom of the barrel just in front of the chamber.
When you fire the pistol, some of the generated gas bleeds off through that hole into a small cylinder. That gas pushes against a piston inside the cylinder, slowing down the slide as it moves to the rear. That’s why it’s technically a gas-delayed blowback and not a gas-operated action.
The system allows for a lighter slide and recoil spring than is found on the more common tilt-barrel pistol designs. The benefit is that when chambering a round or locking the slide to the rear, the slide is easier to pull back. The system is also very compact. That allows for a nice, low bore axis and easier recoil management.
Unlike some small pistols, the Walther CCP M2 lets you get a full grip on the pistol without tucking your pinky finger underneath. That’s due in part to the eight-round single-stack magazine with finger extension base plate. The grip is nice and narrow at just 1.18 inches wide.
While the pistol might be a tad large to be considered a true pocket pistol, I found it rides comfortably in a side cargo pocket. That’s inside a pocket holster, naturally. My favorite way to carry this pistol, however, is in a DeSantis Gunhide Vanquisher inside-the-waistband holster. It features a stretchable pouch on a backer and it’s designed to accommodate many handguns this size.
Lots Of Great Features
The 3.54-inch barrel is fixed to the frame. The slide, with serrations front and rear is tapered near the top. This is no blocky pistol. The slide is available with either a black Cerakote finish or in stainless steel. The grip texturing provides for a secure hold without being abrasive. The sights are fixed and feature white dot inserts.
This is a striker-fired gun. The rear of the striker is painted red, and pokes out the back of the slide to indicate when it is cocked. The CCP M2 has a manual thumb safety on the left side of the frame only. When the safety is on, the trigger can still be pulled, but the striker doesn’t fall. There’s an internal striker block safety as well. The slide release lever, something I just about never use, is on the left as is the magazine release button. That button, however, is reversible for lefties.
Another nice feature not found on some other pistols this size is the accessory rail that allows for easy mounting of a light or laser. I often use a Streamlight TLR-8 light/laser combo on my handguns. You can get the pistol factory-equipped with a Viridian laser too.
Easier Maintenance
The biggest improvement with the M2 version of the CCP is the easier takedown procedure, which no longer requires a special tool. Make sure the gun is unloaded and the striker is forward. Push in the locking block at the back of the slide and at the same time move the takedown switch aside. It’s located at the rear of the frame. The locking block will pop out about an inch or so, enabling you to move the slide up and rearward and then forward off the frame.
Fun At The Range
I fired a variety of 9mm ammo from the CCP and found the pistol to be completely reliable and easy to shoot well. At 15 yards from the bench, I was able to keep all of my five-shot groups at 1.5 inches or less. I measured the trigger pull at about 5.25 pounds. There was no discernable short reset of the trigger, but found that didn’t hamper fast follow-up shots.
The Walther was a joy to shoot off-hand. Target transition drills were smooth and speed reloads were positive. I tried my luck on a 12-inch round steel plate at 100 yards off-hand and got several satisfying hits. While that might not be a requirement for a defensive pistol, it did indicate that the pistol was accurate with good handling characteristics and effective sights.
If you’re not a fan of the 9mm, the Walther CCP M2 is now also available in .380 Auto.
Why The Walther?
There are lots of slim 9mm pistols on the market right now. So, why should you choose the Walther CCP M2? For instance, the SIG Sauer P365 holds a couple more rounds and the Glock 43 is more familiar for many who have used Glocks on duty.
Well, the answer is that as long as you’re choosing among quality handguns, the best choice is purely subjective. You really have to handle one to see what’s right for you.
For me, the Walther fits my hand better than most other small pistols and as a result I am able to get on target fast and place the hits where I want them. Combine this with its slim profile, easy-rack slide, soft recoil and flawless operation and it wasn’t a difficult choice.
Key Features: The Specs
Model: Walther CCP M2
Type: Gas-delayed blowback semi-automatic pistol
Caliber: 9mm Luger or .380 Auto
Capacity: 8 plus 1 (2 magazines included)
Barrel: 3.54 inches
Slide: Steel with blued finish
Frame: Polymer with accessory rail and grip texturing
Overall Length: 6.41 inches
Height: 5.12 inches
Width: 1.18 inches
Weight: 22.33 ounces empty
Safeties: Manual thumb safety and internal drop safety/firing pin block
Trigger: 5.5 pounds (listed) with .27 inches travel
MSRP: $469 blued, $489 stainless, $499 blued w/ Viridian red laser
Shooting Results
| Ammo | Velocity | Smallest Group | Group Average |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Blaser 124-gr TMJ |
1017 |
1.25" |
1.33" |
|
Speer Lawman 124-gr TMJ |
1011 |
1.25" |
1.5" |
|
Hornady Critical Defense 115-gr FTX |
1081 |
1.0" |
1.17" |
|
Sig Saur 365 V-Crown 115-gr JHP |
1082 |
1.25" |
1.5" |
Velocity measured in feet per second using Caldwell chronograph 12 feet from the muzzle. Groups in inches, the average of three five-shot groups at 15 yards from a rest.
Photos used for this article were courtesy Walther Arms.
Steven Paul Barlow is a retired sergeant/station commander and former firearms instructor with the New York State Police. He is an avid hunter, fisherman, and enthusiast with all things related to firearms, knives, and survival. He has been writing on outdoor topics for more than 35 years. His collections of outdoor humor stories are available at BriarHill Books.