I’ve been shooting IDPA for about 10 years, but haven’t shot in over 4 years due to a relocation and new job. My usual pistol of choice is a Glock 17, with which I would call myself an average IDPA shooter.
Last year I purchased a Walther PPS in 9mm as a CCW. I’ve put enough rounds through it to become familiar with it, but I decided that this season I would use it exclusively for our local IDPA matches.
First match was today, and my first time with the sub-compact Walther. Since I have small paws, the PPS fits my hand really well. A few observations from today’s match;
I like the ambi magazine release on the trigger guard - I had zero issues with it and can manipulate easy with the middle finger of my shooting hand.
It is more than accurate enough. When I acquired a sight picture and squeezed off my shots, I dropped very few points.
For the close targets - 7 yards and under - I can point-shoot and pull the trigger as fast as I can on the Glock. A few dropped points, but all were good hits.
Overall gun handling for me was very smooth with no bobbles.
I did not feel any significant disadavantage (at least with today’s course design) being limited to 8 + 1 capacity.
I need a LOT more work shooting with one hand only, especially weak side.
I need a LOT more work at shooting the movers that only present themselves for a few seconds - the shorter sight radius requires more time to get precision shots.
Overall, I am pleased. The PPS shoots well, fits my hand well and is IMO an easy gun to manipulate. Due to its smaller size, I’m certainly at a disadvantage compared to using a full size pistol, but I am determined to get as good as I can with the PPS.
I read your post with interest. Our local club started a monthly CCW match last year. I haven’t competed yet but as I understand it’s not a fancy match; just shoot what you carry within reason. I recently purchased a PPS and so far I love it. It’s easy to shoot and the trigger reminds me a lot of my Glocks. I think it is going to make a great CCW gun. I plan to shoot it in one of our matches as soon as my new holster arrives. As glocktogo stated it should be good practice with my primary carry gun.
FWIW, I carry my PPS in a CompTac Minotaur MTAC IWB holster, and use the same for the matches. I’ve been “wearing” it almost every day since I got the PPS - it is extremely comfortable and concealable. The entire rig, including PPS, holster and a loaded 7-round mag weighs less than 2 pounds.
My next purchase will be their Twin Mag Pouch - pulling mags out of a vest pocket was not the speediest.
I have three 8-round mags for the PPS and in combination with a 7-rounder that I use for carry, is more than enough.
Finally, I shoot CCI Blazer 124 TMJs for my practice/match load. It’s inexpensive and the Walther (and my G17) handle it just fine. Carry load is Federal 124 JHP +P.
I certainly won’t win any matches this year but I feel really good about building my skills and confidence with the pistol that is my first line of defense.
Good on you bro! Great job Diving in and using what you carry! Not enough people do this, and that’s been my primary complaint with IDPA in the past. Our local clubs seem to be growing with new or new/old shooters that want to see a good place they can test their skills under pressure.
I also have a PPS and shot my first match in several months (prior to that a couple years due to deployments and life) yesterday. I used my cheat gun though which I do occassionally (winter) carry my Glock 34. I normally use a 19, 26 or just whatever I have on me. The PPS might come out next match just because…
I’ll be following this thread with interest as I’m looking at getting a PPS and am curious about its long term durability and reliability compared to the doublestack Glock and M&P standbys.
ETA: What’s the date code on your PPS, current round count, and function history?
I’ve been shooting mine hard in training classes for the last 800 rounds and it’s just starting to break in. I know if one with close to 3,000 rounds without a hiccup. All hard use!
I shot mine in a match last night. Pretty pleased with the results. Came in 10 out if 21 shooters. It was the smallest gun being shot in the match. I shot a 5.86 FAST drill with it in the match and that’s my personal first time shooting the FAST. So I’m pretty pleased with those results. But I carry mine when I can’t get away with a G19.