PDP Pro-E vs Standard PDP
Two main differences separate the PDP Pro-E from the standard model that launched back in 2021: the trigger and the magwell. The Pro-E trigger is the upgraded Dynamic Performance Trigger, and the magwell is flared. While I was pumped to shoot this new variant, I never thought the original model had a bad trigger. It is largely a carryover from the PPQ lineup, which also had amazing triggers.
Still, I had shot and reviewed the PDP Pro-X PMM in between shooting the original PDP and getting this new variant, so I understood the upgrade this new trigger brought. This is one of the best – if not the best – stock triggers out of the box. Walther does a great job here.
I measured both triggers on my Lyman trigger gauge to see how close they were. My average for the Standard trigger was 4 pounds 1.5 ounces, and the Performance trigger clocked in a little lighter at 3 pounds 13 ounces, when doing a 10 pull average. While the standard trigger is great, the new flat-faced trigger fared a little better and provides extra control.
As for the magwell, I was unsure whether I would like it or not. While the Pro-X PMM also sports the flared magwell, I saw it as more of a competition gun and never intended to carry it. I fully intended to carry the Pro-E. I was concerned the magwell would print while carrying more than the standard PDP, but we’ll cover all that in just a minute.
Initial Range Visit
I’ve always appreciated that Walther goes the extra mile on the cases for its guns. After taking the gun out of a very nice case, I set up for a quick 50-round box of PMC Bronze. The trigger was incredible out of the gate. It has very little take-up, and the wall is pronounced yet easy to defeat with a quick reset.
I quickly ran through a couple mags and was eager to compare it to the other two PDPs I had on hand. Perhaps it wasn’t a fair comparison. My newly minted PDP Pro-E was the only one without optics, so I felt like I didn’t do the best job with the gun.
If there is one serious knock I would give the PDP lineup, it’s the sights. I’ve always found them to be small and difficult to pick up on target compared to other brands. Maybe it’s because Walther expects the user to add an optic, but it should be noted if you prefer shooting irons.
Not long after this first range trip, I received a new optic in the mail, the Vortex Defender XL Green Dot, which fueled my desire to shoot this gun even more.
Training with the PDP Pro-E
I’ve been shooting handguns for a little over 12 years, but I only describe myself as an average shooter when it comes to running a handgun fast and accurately. I’ve attended a handful of classes and worked with a couple of trainers on a 1:1 basis to help sharpen my skills.
If you’ve taken enough classes, you know that instructors often contradict themselves or provide additional information that may or may not be necessary. It was about 1,000 rounds into my testing of this gun that I felt like some of these contradictions had pushed me into some bad habits that were showing on the range.To help correct these issues, I turned to Vortex Edge. I had previously taken an Intro to Long Range class and was impressed by both the facility and the instructors.
The video above shows I have a lot of work left to do, but the proof is in the pudding when comes to training with the folks at Vortex. The instructors at the Edge are some of the best I’ve encountered, and the student-to-instructor ratio is kept low. They are salt-of-the-earth types who make sure that you walk away better than you arrived.
Classes at Vortex Edge
Over the course of two days, I went through a Pistol 1 and a Pistol 2 class at the Edge. During that time, I ran nearly 1,000 rounds of Federal Syntech, Federal Punch, Federal HST, PMC Bronze, ZSR, Sierra Outdoor, SIG Sauer, Remington, SimX, DoubleTap, and some cheap Turkish surplus ammo.
Through all that ammo, I had a handful of light primer strikes. Most occurred when using the cheap Turkish surplus stuff, but I had a single light primer with PMC Bronze as well. I’ve had many primer issues lately across different brands of ammo and guns, but it seems especially pronounced with the Turkish surplus ammo.
It started early for me, with a quick diagnostic check. It was apparent to the instructors that I was crushing my grip with my dominant hand and not applying enough pressure with my support hand. Hence I was dropping and pushing shots left. This is a point of training that I will need to continue to address. Bad habits take time to build; they also take time to break.
By the end of the day on Pistol 2, they had us running mini-USPSA courses. I took third place (out of six people, thus supporting my average-Joe hypothesis) in the final competition, leaving me a lot of room to improve.
The Pro-E’s 18-round mags made sure that training was quick and efficient, and I appreciate that Walther ships three mags with every gun. The flared magwell shined during these drills and competitions. I had to perform quick mag changes on the move, and the magwell did a great job devouring that mag. The possible qualm I had about the magwell was printing, so let’s get into that.
Video Review
Carrying the PDP Pro-E
Shortly after the first of the year, at about 1,000 rounds downrange, I decided to ditch my current micro-compact and start carrying the PDP Pro-E as my primary. My experience carrying the original PDP a few years back made me want to carry this gun as well. I already had a Tier 1 Concealment holster for the original PDP, which worked well and would have easily worked for this gun, but I wanted to kick up the style and comfort factor a notch.
I obtained a couple holsters from QVO Tactical and one from Falco Holsters to try and settle a personal debate: Kydex vs leather. The second personal debate I’m trying to settle is “sidecar vs mag carrier/pouch” for an extra mag. Since January, I have made the PDP Pro-E my first choice to carry, only seldomly falling back on my micros. All three holsters do a great job at concealing the gun due to their aggressive claws, though I think QVO might have the advantage in this department.
In winter, I never really have to worry about printing because I wear a hoodie most days. Now that the weather is warming up, though, I wonder if that flared magwell will influence the gun’s ability to print through fabric. So far, it seems that my concerns have mostly been arbitrary. Only very tight shirts – of which I own few – are going to print. The claw on all three holsters really helps with this.
Carrying the PDP Pro-E is a dream. The grip texture is aggressive enough to give a good weld to the hand, but not so aggressive as to chafe your skin under the shirt when carrying. While it's a bit more noticeable than carrying the CC9 or Bodyguard Carry Comp that are my other go-to guns for EDC, it’s not enough to make me forgo the extra accuracy and round count with the Pro-E. I can appendix carry this gun and sit behind a desk for eight hours without feeling that uncomfortable.
As for the debates I was having, in this case, I would pick the standard QVO holster with the NeoMag mag carrier for an extra magazine. There is no doubt that I’m quickest out of the holster with Kydex, and while it's slightly less comfortable than leather, I want any extra advantage. The sidecar holster is much more noticeable to carry, as is the Tier 1 holster. They are more cumbersome to put on and take off, so I tend to lean toward the more standard holster. Plus, NeoMag makes a deep-concealment mag carrier that is a great solution for extra rounds in a low-vis fashion.
Conclusion
I’m approaching 3,000 rounds through this gun and couldn’t be happier with the results I’ve had. The PDP Pro-E reminds me of everything I loved about the original lineup, but with some bonuses.
It’s a great gun to shoot, and an even better gun to train with and carry. The PDP Pro-E has found its way to the top of my rotation, so if you’re looking for a new concealed carry or home defense gun, I recommend giving it a try.
