| Walther PDP | |
| Origin: | Germany |
| Type: | Semi-automatic pistol |
| Is Ranged: | yes |
| Manufacturer: | Walther Arms |
| Design Date: | 2021 |
| Variants: | See Variants |
| Cartridge: | 9×19mm Parabellum 9×21mm |
| Feed: | 15 round detachable box magazine (compact) 18 round detachable box magazine (full size) |
| Sights: | Three dot iron sights |
| Length: | 8.5 in (full size) |
| Part Length: | 4, 4.5, or 5 in |
| Weight: | 23.8 oz (full size, without magazine) 26.9 oz (with empty magazine) |
| Width: | 1.34 in |
| Height: | 5.7 in (full size) |
| Action: | Short recoil operated, locked breech |
| Ref: | [1] |
| Unit Cost: | $649 |
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]
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]
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. 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.
The trigger is cross-compatible with the PPQ, but is lighter due to a shortened takeup. It has a trigger pull of approximately 25N.
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.
Guns.com called the PDP's ergonomics "revolutionary",[12] and named it as one of the best guns of the year.[13]
In 2022, Walther released a new competition-oriented 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]
In December 2023, Walther released the PDP Match[16] and PDP Match Steel Frame.[17]
Carl Walther GmbH won the framework contract in May 2024 with the PDP to supply up to 6,500 pistols to the Bundeswehr. [19]
BAAINBw published in February 2023 a call for bid for the "System Pistole Spezialkräfte" programme. It is a framework contract (7 years) for the production and delivery of new pistols for the military special forces (KSK / KSM). The system is intended to replace the H&K P30 and the P9A1 (Glock 17 3rd generation). [20]
Variants planned with the programmes:
Germany
United States