Gun Review: Walther CCP M2: Top-of-the-Line 9mm Compact Carry Pistol

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https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/blog/gun-review-walther-ccp-m2-top-of-the-line-9mm-compact-carry-pistol/

Scott W. Wagner - 11/07/2019

When Walther introduced the 9mm single-stack CCP M2 pistol, I thought it would be a good time to test the upgraded version of this fine pistol. I tested the original CCP in 2015. One major upgrade from the get-go was the elimination of a specialized tool for disassembly. I requested the CCP M2 Viridian — which includes a red Viridian laser sight mounted on the front rail.

A Bit of CCP History
Rather than using a locked-breech recoil-operated system, the sleek CCP/CCP M2 pistols operate in a manner quite unlike any other defensive handgun currently on the market. These handguns utilize a gas piston/delayed blowback system called Softcoil, which works to greatly reduce felt recoil. The Softcoil system bleeds a small amount of gas from the fired cartridge via a port on the fixed barrel to cycle the action. This setup gives the CCP phenomenal accuracy since the fixed barrel is never in motion.

Walther CCP M2 Design Details
The extremely ergonomic polymer grip frame must be felt to be believed. The grip literally melts into your hand. Walther has always focused on good ergonomics, starting with the original PP series. The CCP doesn’t disappoint. Unloaded weight is 20 ounces, which further helps to reduce recoil without being burdensome to carry.

The slide has front and rear cocking serrations. Sights are basic 3-dot and fixed. The nicely curved 5.5-pound double-action-only (DAO) trigger pull is relatively long but smooth with a crisp let off. This also contributes to superb accuracy. A 1911-style manual safety sits on the left side of the frame as an additional safety feature. There is a very vivid red cocking indicator at the rear of the slide to let you know the CCP is ready to fire. The magazine release is reversible, and two magazines are included.

The red Viridian Laser comes mounted to the accessory rail and trigger guard. The activation switches are ambidextrous and work in an on/off only mode. The switches are recessed to prevent accidental activation when holstering and drawing. It is a well-designed laser module setup that takes up relatively little room.

Walther CCP M2 Specs
Action Type: Double-Action, Striker-Fired
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 8+1
Barrel Length: 3.54 inches
Weight: 20 ounces
Overall Length: 6.41 inches
Overall Height: 5.12 inches

Walther CCP M2 at the Range
Initially, I planned to use SIG Sauer’s 365 9mm load for testing. The 365 ammo is designed specifically for compact and micro 9mms such as SIG’s P365. It is loaded with a 115-grain bullet to a mild 1,050 FPS. However, as I thought about the recoil-reducing CCP Softcoil system, it seemed a better idea to test it with the hottest 9mm load I could come up with — SIG’s 124-grain +P M17 NATO ammo. The M17 ammo — both the FMJ practice load and the V-Crown defensive load — leaves the muzzle of the M17 Pistol at 1,198 FPS, just 32 FPS shy of SIG’s 125-grain .38 Super load at 1,230 FPS.

The Softcoil system is no joke or advertising ploy. Between the Softcoil system and the CCP M2’s ergonomics, I felt like I was shooting standard-pressure 115-grain 9mm practice ammo. There was little muzzle rise, and the smooth trigger face prevented any bite on my finger. The CCP M2 was simply one of the most fun-to-shoot compact 9mms I have ever fired.

Accuracy from the CCP M2’s fixed barrel was tack-driving. At 30 feet, fired two-handed standing, I was able to easily produce eight-shot groups in the 1 ½-inch range that landed dead center. I didn’t have an opportunity to try the laser as I was shooting outside on a somewhat sunny day.

Final Thoughts on the Walther CCP M2
While the CCP M2 no longer requires a special tool to disassemble, it is more complex to strip than a Walther PPK. The increased complexity is to be expected because of the gas piston operation. It certainly should not be a factor in not selecting the CCP M2 as a defensive arm.

The CCP M2 in black Cerakote retails for $469, the silver slide model is $489 and the Veridian laser-equipped model is $499. If you are looking for a concealable, precision combat 9mm, look no further than the CCP M2. In my opinion, it is the best pistol in the entire Walther lineup.

Sources:
Walther: WaltherArms.com

About Scott W. Wagner
Scott W. Wagner has been a law enforcement officer since 1980, working undercover in liquor and narcotics investigations and as a member, sniper and assistant team leader of a SWAT team. He currently works as a patrol sergeant. He is a police firearms instructor, certified to train revolver, semi-automatic pistol, shotgun, semi- and fully automatic patrol rifle, and submachine gun. Scott also works as a criminal justice professor and police academy commander.