Walther PDP
| Walther PDP | |
|---|---|
 Walther PDP Compact grip frame and 4" barrel length slide | |
| Type | Semi-automatic pistol |
| Place of origin | Germany |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 2021 |
| Manufacturer | Walther Arms |
| Unit cost | $649 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 23.8 oz (full size, without magazine) 26.9 oz (with empty magazine) |
| Length | 8.5 in (full size) |
| Barrel length | 4, 4.5, or 5 in |
| Width | 1.34 in |
| Height | 5.7 in (full size) |
| Caliber | 9×19mm Parabellum 9×21mm |
| Action | Short recoil operated, locked breech |
| Feed system | 15 round detachable box magazine (compact) 18 round detachable box magazine (full size) |
| Sights | Three dot iron sights |
| References | [1] |
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]
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] In 2022, Walther released a new variant of the PDP at that year's SHOT Show, the PDP SD Pro, which includes a threaded barrel, optic cut, and an improved trigger.[6]
Design
The PDP is a striker-fired, recoil operated semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum,[7] 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.[8] The grip uses a custom texture, which makes acquisition of the red dot easier, and improves handling of the pistol in adverse weather conditions.[9]
The slide on the PDP is milled,[10] allowing it to accept red dot sights without prior modification,[11] and the slide contains serrations above the surface, making it easier to operate.[8] 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.[8]
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.[12] 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",[13] and named it as one of the best guns of the year.[14]
References
- ^ "PDP Full Size 5"". Walther Arms.
- ^ B, Eric (2021-02-23). "New Flagship Handgun from Walther Arms: Performance Duty Pistol (PDP)". The Firearm Blog. Retrieved 2021-07-12.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b c Poole, Eric R. (2021-04-01). "Walther PDP 9mm Pistol: Full Review". Guns and Ammo. Retrieved 2021-07-12.
- ^ "New for 2021: Walther PDP Full-Size Handgun". Shooting Illustrated. Retrieved 2021-07-12.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Flanigan, Eve (2021-03-02). "Walther Rolls Out New Performance Duty Pistol (PDP) Line". All Outdoor. Retrieved 2021-07-13.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ F., Benjamin (2022-01-17). "[SHOT 2022] Walther Unveils PDP SD Pro". The Firearm Blog. Retrieved 2022-01-17.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "NRA Gun of the Week: Walther Full-Size PDP 4.5"". American Rifleman. 2021-04-06.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b c Martens, Jake (2021-05-25). "Review: Walther PDP". Shooting Sports USA. Retrieved 2021-07-13.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Rodgers, Seth. "Unboxing the New Walther PDP Pistol". Guns.com. Retrieved 2021-07-30.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "New for 2021: Walther PDP Full-Size Handgun". Shooting Illustrated. Retrieved 2021-08-02.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Flanigan, Eve (2021-06-16). "Walther's New PDP 9mm: All It's Cracked Up to Be?". All Outdoor. Retrieved 2021-07-13.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Review: Walther Arms PDP". American Rifleman. Retrieved 2021-07-26.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Walther PDP vs Beretta APX in a 15+1 Shootout". Guns.com. Retrieved 2021-07-12.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Doerr, Annette. "Best New Guns Released in 2021". Guns.com. Retrieved 2021-07-12.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)