Walther PDP Compact: New 9mm Compact Pistol Features 15+1 Capacity

Being a big fan of Walther guns pretty much my entire life, I always wanted to carry one but haven’t really found the right one. The Q5 is just fantastic but a bit too large and my PPS and PPQ are great at the range but just a little heavy for everyday carry. I just never was able to comfortably carry them. When I approached the Walther booth at the 2020 Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous, I was immediately drawn to a new pistol that didn’t really look like any Walther I have shot before, the PDP Compact.

Walther PDP Compact Details

I picked up this new PDP and grabbed a loaded 15-round magazine and started shooting. The guys from Walther asked me how I liked it to which I replied, “I don’t know, I think I need a few more magazines.” This was because it was awesome and I didn’t want to put it down yet. Walther had both offerings of the pistol, the Full Size (reviewed by Tactical-Life.com) and Compact, but I really fell in love with the compact version.

Walther built the PDP Compact for carry. All PDP models come red dot-ready for those shooters looking to make the switch to a red-dot sight system. However, if you don’t want to run a red dot, the PDP comes with a cover plate to maintain that factory look and feel.

If you don’t want to make that jump to a red dot system just yet, the standard iron sights that come installed on the PDP offer windage and elevation adjustment right out of the box.

The Compact pistol features a 4-inch barrel with a very unique slide. The slide features what Walther calls Super Terrain Serrations. The uniquely designed slide serrations on the front and rear of the slide allow for quicker and more responsive hands-on engagement with the pistol and positive press checks.

Walther PDP Compact pistol, left, reup — (Photo by Alex Landeen)

Walther’s innovative stepped chamber offers better performance and long-term dependability from any ammunition. A performance based, duty trigger also features a crisp break and smooth reset. It gives the shooter confidence and provides a simple pull, boosting accuracy, combined with the grip ergonomics and new performance-based duty texture found on the Walther PDP.

Rounds Downrange

I only put about 45 rounds through the PDP Compact on the range. But the pistol impressed. The basic sights helped get get my shots on target. The red dot-mounted pistol proved dialed right in. I was smoking steel plates at distances from 10 yards out to 50 yards in the short time I got to handle the gun.

The trigger was pretty basic looking, but felt great. Like pretty much all newer Walther models the frame ergonomics are just fantastic. The grip filled my entire hand very well. Meanwhile, the stippling provided a positive grip with a grip angle that pointed naturally and comfortably.

Walther seems to have hit all the need, wants, and requirements of shooters, whether they’re new to carry or veterans of concealability. The Walther PDP seems to cater a bit to everyone. Normally a gun with this much thought comes with a price tag that keeps it out of reach of many looking for an amazing everyday carry gun. However, The PDP Compact has an MSRP of only $649. It remains a very affordable and extremely good option for pretty much anyone. For even more info, please visit waltherarms.com. Also, for some video on the PDP series, check out BallisticMag.com.