Preview: Walther Q5 Match SF (Steel Frame)

by
posted on January 1, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
waltherq5sf1.jpg

Walther rocked the action pistol world with the Q5 Match, a gun immediately embraced by competitors and so seemingly flawless that it begged the question of whether it could be improved upon. The answer may well be no, as far as the limits of the material from which it is fabricated polymer. So, what did the company do to satisfy its own impulse to innovate? It changed the frame material.

Walther Q5 Match Steel Frame profile views
The all-steel Walther Q5 Match SF includes competition-friendly features like a ported slide and that famous Walther ergonomic sensibility.


Walther has just introduced the Q5 Match SF (Steel Frame). It’s simply the Q5 with a steel frame, but for competitors, that simple distinction has serious positive repercussions. MSRP for the Walther Q5 Match SF begins at $1,499.

Walther Q5 Match SF (Steel Frame)

Though polymer works well in pistols, there are some inherent advantages to steel that polymer simply can’t replicate. Foremost may be weight. Though Walther engineers attempted adding weight to the polymer frame, the weight and weight distribution of steel could not be satisfactorily approximated. The steel frame’s weight reduces felt recoil and muzzle rise, making for a steadier pistol and rapid follow-up shots. Testing the Q5 Match SF, Walther pro Michal Riha found that it reduced his split times 46 percent. At a recent unveiling of the pistol in Tulsa, OK, Walther shooters generated hits on steel so fast that it sounded as though they were firing machine pistols.

The gun requires very little familiarization (read the manual, of course), and feels substantive but well-balanced. In addition to the mass of the steel, the extended dustcover (with rail) and beavertail help lever the gun back down, getting you back on target fast. Also, the grips are instantly comfortable for a wide range of hand sizes. Though a lot of competitors like to customize the texture of their grips for best purchase, that really didn’t feel like an urgent need with the Q5 Match SF.

Walther Q5 Match Steel Frame

As for the trigger, Walthers have a reputation as the best out-of-the-box factory bang switches of any striker-fired polymer pistols. The new gun may be steel, but it does nothing to lessen the reputation of Walther triggers.

The company says that the Q5 Match SF, which is machined entirely in Ulm, is merely the beginning in a line of steel-frame pistols for competition, duty and self-defense. Already the company is supporting the Q5 Match (both polymer and steel) by offering a line of accessories including a mag well, extended base pads and spring kits.

If subsequent products are anything like the Q5 Match SF, a lot of shooters will be rocking Walthers in the near future.

Learn more at www.waltherarms.com.

Latest

USPSA 40K Members 1A
USPSA 40K Members 1A

USPSA Membership Surges Past 40,000, Shattering All-Time Record

USPSA & Steel Challenge top 40,000 members for the first time, marking a major milestone and reflecting booming grassroots participation and competitive growth.

New: Laser Ammo Flash Bolt For AR Dry-Fire Training

Laser Ammo’s new Flash Bolt turns your AR into a dry-fire practice powerhouse.

Bunker Club Fuels 22 Junior Athletes With 2025 Grants

Bunker Club awards 22 junior shooting athletes $6,363 each to support their competitive journey in 2025.

4 Illinois Rifle Teams Set Sights On 2025 NRA F-Class Nationals

Four Illinois rifle teams set their sights on the 2025 NRA F-Class Nationals, ready to compete in Mid-Range and Long-Range events.

USPSA: Celebrating Growth, Fueling The Future

USPSA celebrates surpassing 40,000 members, with growing participation signaling a dynamic new chapter for the practical competition shooting community.

Competitors’ Corner: July 2025

Highlights from the July 2025 issue of Shooting Sports USA, the NRA’s competitive shooting journal.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.