The Walther CCP is a compact 9mm pistol that uses a gas delayed blowback system to operate the gun. The system, dubbed SOFTCOIL, offers two main benefits according to Walther: reduced muzzle rise during recoil and light resistance when manually manipulating the slide.

At the Industry Day at the Range event prior to the SHOT Show, I had a chance to shoot the CCP pistol. Additionally, I observed two others shoot the gun. Between us, we were only allowed to put 24 rounds down range. Hardly enough to be qualified as a test, but enough to give you my initial impression of the gun.

First, the gun was reliable for the short time we had it. When I arrived at the Walther shooting lane, it was mid-morning. Based on the number of people who had been through the area, I suspect the gun had been shot quite a bit prior to my arrival, though I do not have any numbers on shooters or round count. It was obviously dirty, but ran fine for three 8-round magazines.

Second, the gun felt pretty good in the hand. It seemed to fit my small to medium sized hands fine. Trigger reach seemed very good and my entire hand fit onto the grip.

Lastly, recoil may be less than other small 9mm pistols, but the SOFTCOIL system is not a miracle product. Recoil and muzzle flip still existed. The above picture shows the CCP under recoil, and the muzzle flip is obvious.

The CCP is worth taking a look at if you are in the market for a compact 9mm pistol. Like any handgun, it is a balance of features and compromises. Only you can decide if it might make sense for your needs.