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Walther PDP Full Size 9mm
9mm Luger • Walther

Walther PDP Full Size 9mm

Model: 2842475

18
CAPACITY
4.5"
BARREL
1.4
LBS
Semi-Auto
ACTION
9mm Luger
CALIBER
$699
MSRP

Full Specifications

Action Type Semi-Auto
Trigger Striker-Fired
Trigger Pull 5.6 lbs
Safety Trigger Safety, Firing Pin Safety, Disconnector
Optic Ready Yes
Magazines Included 2
Overall Length 8.0"
Barrel Length 4.5"
Height 5.7"
Width 1.34"
Weight 22.3 oz (1.39 lbs)
Frame Material Polymer
Slide Material Carbon Steel
Slide Finish Black
Barrel Material Stainless Steel
Grip Type Performance Duty Texture, Interchangeable Backstrap
Country of Origin Germany

About This Firearm

At 22.3 oz unloaded, the Walther PDP Full Size is the lightest full-size 9mm on the market. It weighs less than the Glock G17 Gen5 at 24.87 oz and the HK VP9 at 25.56 oz while carrying 18 rounds to their 17. The 4.5-inch barrel and 8.0-inch overall length match standard full-size dimensions. The difference shows up during extended carry: 6 oz less than a Sig P320 Full Size (28.3 oz) makes a measurable difference after 8+ hours on the belt line.

The Performance Duty Trigger breaks at 5.6 lbs with barely any pre-travel before hitting a clean wall. Reviewers consistently describe the reset as quick and easy to track by feel. The optic-ready slide accepts 14 different red dot footprints without adapter plates, which beats plate-based systems that add height between the optic and the slide. German manufacturing from Walther's Ulm facility carries a different quality expectation than Turkish or Croatian production. The interchangeable backstraps let you adjust grip circumference to fit your hand.

Walther introduced the PDP in 2021 to replace the PPQ. Early production runs had a small number of slide cracking reports after high round counts. Walther addressed this with a slide redesign and free replacements through warranty. Current production uses the updated design. The PPQ already had a strong following in competitive and duty circles, and the PDP builds on that foundation with the optic-ready slide and improved trigger.

Best For

GOOD
All-Day Carry
At 22.3 oz with 18 rounds, this is the lightest way to carry a full-size 9mm. The weight advantage over 28+ oz alternatives becomes obvious during extended wear. Owners report the difference matters most during 8+ hour carry days when heavier guns cause fatigue and constant adjustment.
GOOD
Duty / Professional Use
The 18-round capacity, optic-ready slide accepting 14 footprints, and 4.5-inch barrel handle duty requirements. The 6.9-inch sight radius is longer than most full-size competitors, which helps with accuracy at qualification distances. Lighter weight reduces fatigue during 12-hour shifts.
FAIR
Competition (USPSA Carry Optics)
The 5.6 lb trigger is adequate for competition but runs heavier than the Canik Rival's 3.5 lb pull. The 22.3 oz weight means less mass to absorb recoil during rapid fire. Competitors who prioritize fast splits may prefer the recoil-dampening effect of heavier steel or aluminum-framed options like the CZ SP-01.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths
  • At 22.3 oz unloaded, it is the lightest full-size 9mm available. That 6 oz weight savings over a Sig P320 Full Size (28.3 oz) becomes noticeable during all-day carry
  • The optic-ready slide accepts 14 different red dot footprints directly without adapter plates, more mounting options than any competitor in the full-size class
  • Eighteen-round capacity beats the Glock G17 Gen5 and HK VP9 by one round while weighing less than both
Limitations
  • The 22.3 oz weight means less mass to absorb recoil. Reviewers note the PDP shoots snappier than heavier alternatives like the Sig P320 or HK VP9 during rapid fire
  • Walther magazines are less widely stocked than Glock or Sig magazines. Local gun store availability is inconsistent, so ordering online is the reliable option

Category Rankings

How the Walther PDP Full Size 9mm ranks among full-size 9mm Luger handguns.

Capacity
#5 of 22
Top 23%
18 rds
Weight
#1 of 22
Top 5%
1.4 lbs
Barrel
#7 of 22
Top 32%
4.5"
Trigger Pull
#13 of 20
Top 65%
5.6 lbs
MSRP
#14 of 21
Top 67%
$699
Overall Length
#15 of 22
Top 68%
8.0"

Compatible Ammunition

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Where to Buy

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Alternatives to Consider

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NAME BEST PRICE
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IWI
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Smith & Wesson
Taurus G3 9mm
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Glock G17 Gen5 MOS 9mm
Glock
HK VP9 9mm
Heckler & Koch

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Walther fix the early PDP slide cracking issue?

Yes. Early 2021 production runs had reports of slide cracks developing after high round counts, typically above 5,000-10,000 rounds. Walther redesigned the slide and offers free replacements for affected serial numbers. Current production uses the updated slide. Check your serial number with Walther if buying used to confirm it has the revised design.

What is the difference between the PDP Full Size and the PPQ?

The PDP replaced the PPQ in 2021. The PDP adds an optic-ready slide, improved trigger with less pre-travel, and 18-round capacity (versus 15 in the PPQ M2). The grip texture pattern is also different. PPQ holsters do not fit the PDP due to the optic cut changing the slide profile. The PDP is the current production model; the PPQ is discontinued.

What red dots mount directly on the PDP without adapter plates?

The PDP's optic cut accepts 14 footprints including Trijicon RMR, Holosun 407C/507C, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, Aimpoint ACRO, and Sig Romeo1 Pro. Walther includes mounting hardware for multiple patterns. The direct-mount design eliminates the adapter plate height that Glock MOS and similar systems add between the optic and the slide, giving a lower co-witness with iron sights.