In September 2024, Walther released the new PDP-F Pro Series. The Pro has all the features that made the original PDP-F desirable for those with smaller hands, including re-engineered ergonomics to reduce the grip circumference, shortened trigger reach and reduced slide-racking force (using a two-piece striker) along with some notable upgrades.
One of those upgrades is the F-Series Dynamic Performance Trigger, a new trigger “engineered to provide [a] crisp, consistent break” while still maintaining the reduced trigger reach of .24 inch. The trigger has a flat shoe design that is popular in competition performance triggers, with a trigger pull around 5 pounds, less than the standard PDP-F’s 5.6 pounds.
Another upgrade is a “precision-engineered aluminum magazine well, designed to enhance reload speed for faster transitions.” This magazine well pairs with extended magazine base pads, increasing capacity from 15 rounds for the original PDP-F to 18 rounds for the Pro. The resulting magazine well and base pad magazine pairing is meant to improve speed in loading and reloading.
The question is, do these upgrades make a noticeable difference in performance, and at an MSRP of $899, is it worth adding the PDP-F Pro Series to your collection?
Unboxing
The Walther PDP-F Pro Series 3.5-inch comes in a sturdy polymer box that includes three magazines, an upgrade from the usual two, as well as an ammunition loader, additional backstrap for customizing grip size, hex tool, and the requisite empty chamber indicator and gun lock. An included card explains the process for redeeming one free optic plate from Walther, as well as instructions on how to mount the plate and optic of your choice. Although there are a few optics that aren’t compatible, it’s a nice touch to not have to pay for a plate after purchasing the gun.
Performance
After running the Pro with its factory adjustable iron sights to get a feel for the trigger and ergonomics, I mounted a Gideon Optics Granite red dot optic with the Walther factory plate. I ran the Pro through its paces, first completing a standard shooting evaluation with groups of five shots each from bench rest at 15 yards. I’m admittedly not super comfortable with shooting from bench rest, but I was able to gain some useful information.
The Hornady Critical Defense 115-grain and the Federal HST 124-grain had similar results with group averages of 2.53 inches and 2.16 inches, not groups I was thrilled with as I know I am capable of better. After shooting the two sets of groups, I was doubting whether the grouping was from the ammunition or from my own performance, but when I switched to the 147-grain Blazer Brass for my last groups, I felt redeemed.
The Blazer Brass 147 netted an average group size of .91 inch, with two groups at .62 and .64 inch. The Pro really liked the heavier weight cartridges. As a side note, I had a similar experience with my personal standard PDP-F 3.5-inch using higher grain bullets, so it seems that the Walther PDP-F Pro has the same preference.
After running the standard checks on the Walther PDP-F Pro, I wanted to get a better feel for the trigger and manipulations by running some comparison drills against my personal PDP-F 3.5-inch standard.
I first ran back-to-back Casino Drills to compare my speed at accurate trigger presses and reloads. With very similar accuracy on both targets, I was a surprising 14 percent faster with the Pro’s F-Series Dynamic Performance Trigger than the standard PDP-F series trigger. The flat PDP-F Pro trigger is slightly more clicky, and the wall is easy to find quickly.
I had no issues with reloading the Pro, despite not having nearly as much time behind the gun. I ran a few drills where I loaded, fired, reloaded and repeated the action as fast as I could go to isolate loading manipulations with both my standard and Pro Walther models. I was once again pleasantly surprised that the wider Pro precision-engineered aluminum magazine well made it possible for me to reload 10 percent faster than with the standard. As a matter of fact, the one time that I did manage to reload faster with the standard PDP-F magazine well, the speed differential was only .01 second.
Through all of the time I had behind the gun, I had no failures to fire or any other malfunctions, even without lubing the gun until I added the optic. The cartridges loaded smoothly, the cases ejected properly, and the slide reciprocated without issue.
If I had to find something to pick on, the large ambidextrous slide release/lock might occasionally interfere with a high grip on the gun, but it’s a feature as much as a bug when you can access that slide release/lock from either side of the firearm. Shooting left or right-handed, there won’t be an issue using the slide release for a fast reload under pressure.
Lifestyle Application
So, can I conceal carry the PDP-F Pro? Yes, it is possible to carry this firearm, although it is on the bigger side of what I can confidently carry on my 5-foot, 2 inch frame. Because the PDP-F Pro has a shorter barrel, in 3.5-inch or 4-inch versions, it’s possible for shorter carriers to actually be able to sit down, something that most 18 round pistols don’t allow. Drawing requires less movement to clear the holster since the barrel is shorter, and the smooth finishes of the wide magazine well and magazines made carrying comfortable.
As a bonus, the PDP-F Pro is compatible with my current go-to Dark Star Gear IWB holster, as well as my CompTac OWB holster, so I don’t have to buy any new gear to switch from the standard to Pro versions.
Can I compete with the PDP-F Pro? Yes, I think that this is where the PDP-F Pro is going to gain traction. With the 147-grain ammo it loves, a capacity of 18 rounds, a fantastic trigger and the wider magazine well, the Pro is very much a firearm for competition. The increased reloading speed has me itching to get this firearm out to compete to see if my performance will be faster. Additionally, for those who like the idea of running competitions with carry guns, the Pro’s smaller overall size makes this a great choice.
Conclusion
For people with smaller hands, and for people who want a more compact option that still has all the features and performance of a full-size firearm, the Walther PDP-F Pro Series is a solid firearm choice that won’t feel like a compromise.
Walther PDP-F Pro Specifications:
- Manufacturer: Walther
- Action Type: Recoil-operated, semi-automatic
- Caliber: 9 mm
- Capacity: 18+1 rounds
- Grips: Polymer
- Frame: Polymer
- Barrel Length: 3.5 inches
- Sights: Blade front; pen post sights
- Trigger Pull Weight: 5 pounds
- Length: 7.25 ounces
- Width: 1.34 ounces
- Height: 5.4 inches
- Weight: 21 ounces
- Accessories: Three magazines, loader, two backstraps, manual, free optic plate for mounting gun
- MSRP: $899
