Walther PDP

The Walther PDP (Performance Duty Pistol) is a 9×19mm Parabellum semi-automatic pistol designed in 2021 by Walther Arms as a replacement for the Walther PPQ. The PDP has been designed to be more modular than previous Walther handguns, and has been described by Walther as their flagship handgun.[2]

Walther PDP
Walther PDP Compact grip frame and 4" barrel length slide
TypeSemi-automatic pistol
Place of originGermany
Production history
Designed2021
ManufacturerWalther Arms
Unit cost$649
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications
Mass23.8 oz (full size, without magazine)
26.9 oz (with empty magazine)
Length8.5 in (full size)
Barrel length4, 4.5, or 5 in
Width1.34 in
Height5.7 in (full size)
Caliber9×19mm Parabellum
9×21mm
ActionShort recoil operated, locked breech
Feed system15 round detachable box magazine (compact)
18 round detachable box magazine (full size)
SightsThree dot iron sights
References[1]

History

The first pre-production PDPs were distributed in 2020,[3] and the pistol was released in February 2021.[4] As the PDP was released, the PPQ ceased production.[5]

Design

The PDP is a striker-fired, recoil operated semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum,[6] with a longer grip and larger magazine capacity than the previous Walther design, the PPQ. The PDP is produced in full-size and compact grip frame variants.[7] The grip uses a custom texture, which makes acquisition of the red dot easier, and improves handling of the pistol in adverse weather conditions.[8]

The slide on the PDP is milled,[9] allowing it to accept red dot sights without prior modification,[10] and the slide contains serrations above the surface, making it easier to operate.[7] The three-dot iron sight line features the same mounting method that is used on Glock pistols, meaning the PDP can accept aftermarket Glock iron sight lines.[7]

The trigger is cross-compatible with the PPQ, but is lighter due to a shortened takeup. It has a trigger pull of approximately 25 N (5.6 lbf).[3]

Reception

American Rifleman called the PDP an "excellent addition to the market that will allow Walther to compete strongly against the established leaders", praising its "best-in-class trigger, excellent controls and exceptional accuracy." The author said that it outperformed other striker-fired pistols he had used in the past, and went on to call the PDP his "current choice" for striker-fired pistols.[11] Guns & Ammo described it as "the most modular and versatile pistol designed by Walther", also noting its accuracy and high quality trigger.[3]

Guns.com called the PDP's ergonomics "revolutionary",[12] and named it as one of the best guns of the year.[13]

Variants

In 2022, Walther released a new competition orientated variant of the PDP at that year's SHOT Show, the PDP SD Pro, which includes a threaded barrel, reinforced optic cut, flared magwell extension, and an improved trigger.[14]

In late 2022, Walther released the PDP F-Series which features “reduced trigger reach, reduced grip circumference, and reduced force necessary to operate the slide and you truly have the perfect tool for those with smaller hands.”[15]

While initially intended to be marketed primarily to females (F for female), the F-Series has gained popularity as a PDP variant that’s more easily concealed and also easier to manipulate for younger shooters or those suffering from disabilities causing compromised hand strength/dexterity.

References
  1. "PDP Full Size 5"". Walther Arms.
  2. B, Eric (2021-02-23). "New Flagship Handgun from Walther Arms: Performance Duty Pistol (PDP)". The Firearm Blog. Retrieved 2021-07-12.
  3. Poole, Eric R. (2021-04-01). "Walther PDP 9mm Pistol: Full Review". Guns and Ammo. Retrieved 2021-07-12.
  4. "New for 2021: Walther PDP Full-Size Handgun". Shooting Illustrated. Retrieved 2021-07-12.
  5. Flanigan, Eve (2021-03-02). "Walther Rolls Out New Performance Duty Pistol (PDP) Line". All Outdoor. Retrieved 2021-07-13.
  6. "NRA Gun of the Week: Walther Full-Size PDP 4.5"". American Rifleman. 2021-04-06.
  7. Martens, Jake (2021-05-25). "Review: Walther PDP". Shooting Sports USA. Retrieved 2021-07-13.
  8. Rodgers, Seth. "Unboxing the New Walther PDP Pistol". Guns.com. Retrieved 2021-07-30.
  9. "New for 2021: Walther PDP Full-Size Handgun". Shooting Illustrated. Retrieved 2021-08-02.
  10. Flanigan, Eve (2021-06-16). "Walther's New PDP 9mm: All It's Cracked Up to Be?". All Outdoor. Retrieved 2021-07-13.
  11. "Review: Walther Arms PDP". American Rifleman. Retrieved 2021-07-26.
  12. "Walther PDP vs Beretta APX in a 15+1 Shootout". Guns.com. Retrieved 2021-07-12.
  13. Doerr, Annette. "Best New Guns Released in 2021". Guns.com. Retrieved 2021-07-12.
  14. F., Benjamin (2022-01-17). "[SHOT 2022] Walther Unveils PDP SD Pro". The Firearm Blog. Retrieved 2022-01-17.
  15. https://waltherarms.com/pdp-f-series
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