NRA Gun of the Week: Walther Full-Size PDP 4.5"

by
posted on June 4, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

From the gun’s excellent dodecahedron-style texturing to the SuperTerrain slide serrations, to the its 18-round capacity magazines, the Walther Performance Duty Pistol (PDP) is dressed to impress. Over the last decade, we’ve been witness to Walther’s modern focus on ergonomics, and this latest market entry is nothing short of exemplary.

black pistol handgun metal plastic gun left side with text noting make and model "walther arms pdp full size 4.5""

 

The Walther Arms Full-Size PDP 4.5” is a user-friendly, ergonomic pistol made for the modern era, chambered for 9 mm Luger and enhanced by engineering to accommodate pistol optics. Even though the striker-fired PDP can be traced back to the company’s PPQ and Q Series guns, it is most certainly a different gun that is designed to help the shooter optimize his/her performance on the range.

black pistol in hand shooting guns green shirt

 

With the PDP Full-Size 4.5” model, you get a duty-size pistol that measures 5.7" tall with an overall length of 8". Empty weight of this model PDP tips the scale at 22.3 ozs., add in an empty 18-round magazine and the weight jumps up nearly three ozs.

gun pistol parts pieces modules black plastic handgun

 

All of our tests with the Performance Duty Pistol concluded that this recoil-operated semi-automatic is a feature-rich design and provides a lot of features for the money. The addition of optic plates to customize the pistol to your style of red-dot optic is a worthwhile feature in a market that is increasingly more saturated with optic-ready options.

right side pistol handgun black outdoors sticks leaves wet

To learn more about the Walther Arms PDP Full-Size 4.5” pistol, watch our NRA Gun of the Week video above.

Walther Arms PDP Full-Size 4.5” Specifications
Importer: Walther Arms
Manufacturer: Walther GmbH (Germany)
Action Type: recoil-operated, center-fire, semi-automatic pistol
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Barrel: 4.5”
Slide: carbon steel
Frame: polymer
Sights: polymer, three white dot with adjustable rear
Trigger: striker-fired; 4-lb., 8-oz. pull
Magazine: 18-round detachable box
Height: 5.7"
Length: 8"
Width: 1.34”
Weight: 22.3 ozs. (empty)
MSRP: $649

Latest

Icarry DD H9 1
Icarry DD H9 1

I Carry: Daniel Defense H9 in an ANR Designs Holster

In our latest “I Carry” segment above, we’re taking a closer look at the Daniel Defense H9, a unique, striker-fired design that borrows popular features from several different handguns. 

A Surprising Conversation on Just How Far an Anti-Gun State Can Go

In Massachusetts this fall, ballot question 9 is an effort to repeal 2024 legislation known as “An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws,” a complex package of fees, red tape, training requirements, and other burdens placed on law-abiding gun owners. 

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 2, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Are Snub-Nose Revolvers Still Relevant?

In a world of micro-compact handguns, does the venerable snub-nose revolver still have a place? Here are four reasons why you might still consider carrying a snubby.

Behind Federal's 7 mm Backcountry Cartridge

In 2025, Federal Ammunition introduced its new 7 mm Backcountry cartridge, which operates at higher pressures than any previous commercial ammunition offering.

New for 2026: Beretta 94X Performance

The latest step in the evolution of Beretta's 90 series of handguns is the 94X Performance, a handgun that the company calls “the ultimate evolution of the Beretta competition pistol for IPSC and USPSA.”

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.