On Tuesday, Walther announced the launch of their newest pistol, the Performance Duty Pistol (PDP). It’s a polymer-frame, striker-fired 9mm handgun that retains some of the frame features that we saw on the steel-framed PPQ released back in 2018, but with a completely redesigned slide assembly.
In fact, the barrel is the only part of the slide assembly that is the same as the PPQ. The slide has red dot ergonomics engineered into it with new sight cuts, so it’s an optics-ready platform, compatible with many of the red dot sights out there on the market.
The slide profile is different, too. Essentially, they raised the serrations, (Walther calls them SuperTerrain), so if you’re wearing gloves or your hands are slick, racking the slide is going to be much easier.
The Walther PDP launched with informational videos explaining all the new design features on this handgun. Let’s take a closer look.
SuperTerrain Serrations
Performance Duty Trigger
As for the new trigger, Walther says it shortens the length of travel and increases the tactile definition of the trigger break.
“The incredible result is a highly distinct, recognizable feel for repeatable accuracy that will maximize your confidence. When you are READY to take the shot, this is the trigger you want. Walther has always had the best striker fire trigger in the market.” ~Walther social media.
Performance Duty Texture
As mentioned before, the duty grip texture is the same as what they had on the steel-framed PPQ. The tetrahedron design is non-abrasive, so it won’t be irritating to the skin or clothing.
Performance Duty Pistol Modularity
According to Walther, the new PDP is the most modular and versatile pistol they’ve ever designed and they’ve launched it in two distinctly different frame sizes – compact and full size. It’s also available in three different – 4” and 4.5” in compact models, and 4”, 4.5” and 5” in full-size models.
PDP Overview
In the video below, Larry Vickers goes through the historical development of Walther pistols leading up to this newest model.
From Walther:
“Over a century of engineering passion, precision workmanship and innovation are behind the design of the new Walther PDP (Performance Duty Pistol). We challenge ourselves to produce the best performing pistols possible. The rest is up to you. It’s your DUTY to be Ready.”
Read more about the Walther PDP at Walther Arms.
