Best plinking auto I've ever fired, and 99.9% reliable for me (It HAS jammed once, a FTE IIRC. I think it was an underpowered round, IE, the ammo company forgot to put powder in the cartridge).
Now, if the Ruger won't fit his hands... The Walther could make an acceptable stepping stone to the Ruger.
(Can you tell I'm biased?
)