Walther Q4

{{Short description|Semi-automatic pistol model introduced 2020}}

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| name = Walther Q4 SF

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| type = Semi-automatic pistol

| origin = Germany

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| manufacturer = Carl Walther GmbH Sportwaffen

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The Walther Q4 SF is a semi-automatic pistol produced by German weapons manufacturer Carl Walther GmbH since 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://waltherarms.com/q4-steel-frame|title=Q4 | STEEL FRAME|access-date=2023-02-15|archive-date=2023-02-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215074958/https://waltherarms.com/q4-steel-frame|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/review-walther-q4-steel-frame/|title=An Official Journal Of The NRA | Review: Walther Q4 Steel Frame|publisher=National Rifle Association|website=AmericanRifleman.org|access-date=2023-02-15|archive-date=2022-08-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812113723/https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/review-walther-q4-steel-frame/|url-status=live}}

The pistol's frame is cut from a single piece of steel.{{Cite web|url=https://www.handgunsmag.com/editorial/walther-q4-steel-frame-pistol-review/387416|title=Walther Q4 Steel Frame Pistol Review|first=James|last=Tarr|date=January 8, 2021|website=Handguns|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=February 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220014214/https://www.handgunsmag.com/editorial/walther-q4-steel-frame-pistol-review/387416|url-status=live}} The pistol weighs about {{Cvt|40|oz}}, which is heavier than Walther pistols which have polymer, or plastic, frames.{{Cite web|url=https://www.handgunhero.com/compare/walther-ppq-m2-9mm-4-vs-walther-q4-sf|title=Walther PPQ M2 9mm 4" vs Walther Q4 SF size comparison | Handgun Hero|website=www.handgunhero.com|access-date=2023-02-20|archive-date=2023-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220014123/https://www.handgunhero.com/compare/walther-ppq-m2-9mm-4-vs-walther-q4-sf|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.usacarry.com/benefits-polymer-framed-pistols/|title=US Carry Magazine, a journal of handgun carry lifestyle|date=16 June 2020|access-date=20 February 2023|archive-date=20 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220014121/https://www.usacarry.com/benefits-polymer-framed-pistols/|url-status=live}} The pistol is more stable and produces less recoil than Walther's polymer-framed nine millimeter pistols.{{Cite web |url=https://www.recoilweb.com/walther-q4-sf-optics-ready-reviewing-heavy-metal-166181.html |title=Walther Q4 SF Optics Ready: Reviewing Heavy Metal |website=Walther Q4 SF Optics Ready: Reviewing Heavy Metal |date=12 March 2021 |access-date=20 February 2023 |archive-date=20 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220014123/https://www.recoilweb.com/walther-q4-sf-optics-ready-reviewing-heavy-metal-166181.html |url-status=live }} Walther introduced the Q4 SF in 2020, after the success of a larger-format pistol, the Walther Q5 SF, another steel pistol. Because of its smaller size, the Walther Q4 SF is designed for self-defense, and is a pistol that can be carried; in contrast to the Q5 SF, which is larger and is primarily a marksmanship pistol.

The pistol fires 9 mm cartridges, or bullets, which are similar to the American .40 caliber.{{Cite web |title=.40 S&W - Information and Comparisons | Diffen |url=https://data.diffen.com/.40_S%26W |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318012056/https://data.diffen.com/.40_S%26W |archive-date=2023-03-18 |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=data.diffen.com}}

The Walther Q4 SF borrows characteristics also from another Walther pistol, the Walther PPQ, a polymer, or plastic-framed, pistol.{{Cite web|url=https://gunsmagazine.com/guns/handguns/walther-q4-sf/|title=Walther Q4 SF|first=David|last=Freeman|date=February 18, 2021|website=GUNS Magazine|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=February 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220014214/https://gunsmagazine.com/guns/handguns/walther-q4-sf/|url-status=live}} Both pistols are single-action. The trigger on a single-action pistol releases the cocked hammer, striker, or firing pin, and performs no other mechanical function.{{Cite web|url=https://www.usacarry.com/walther-ppq-m2-sub-compact-review/|title=Walther PPQ M2 Sub-Compact Review [HANDS-ON]|first=Ben|last=Findley|date=March 15, 2018|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=February 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215080744/https://www.usacarry.com/walther-ppq-m2-sub-compact-review/|url-status=live}} The Walther Q4 SF uses a striker, which is a spring-loaded firing pin, rather than a hammer. The combination of a striker-fired, single-action pistol allowed Walther to adjust the trigger pull based on the perceived shooter's requirements and not the pistol's mechanical needs.{{Cite web|url=https://www.snipercountry.com/walther-ppq-m2-review/|title=Walther PPQ M2 Review: German Police Pistol|date=November 19, 2022|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=January 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127141604/https://www.snipercountry.com/walther-ppq-m2-review/|url-status=live}} A slow, steady, even trigger pull aids in accuracy.

The pistol comes with high visibility sights, which are designed for quick target acquisition and low light.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lpasights.com/en/prod/pistols/|title=LPA Ghilardi|website=www.lpasights.com|access-date=2023-02-15|archive-date=2022-12-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204113150/https://www.lpasights.com/en/prod/pistols/|url-status=live}} The Q4 SF comes with magazines that hold 15 bullets (nine millimeter cartridges).