Walther firearms definitely need no introduction. From its founding in Germany in 1886 by Carl Walther to opening a North American HQ in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, in 2012, Walther Arms has been around the block and then some. This experience has led Walther to produce outstanding, purpose-built handguns, like its latest PDP Pro-E.

The Walther PDP PRO-E Compact

Perhaps, the best-known Walther pistol is the iconic Walther PPK (.380 ACP). It was issued to British Superspy James Bond back in the 1958 novel Dr. No. Then in 2002, in the movie Die Another Day, James Bond was armed with the newer Walther PPQ (9mm).

I can say from personal experience owning both a PPQ Classic and a PPQ M2, they are what cemented my love of Walther firearms.

Walther listens to its customers. Its pistol line-up is constantly evolving and upping itself. If you look up the symbols stamped onto the right side of the frame, it’s a neat education.

The little stag horn symbol, for instance, is a mark from a proofing house denoting where the inspection and quality control process took place. Walther uses the proofing house in Ulm, Germany, for this. For comparison, it’s the same proofing house that H&K uses for its QC process.  

Then Walther upped its game with the PDP (Police Duty Pistol). I’d venture to say that Walther has the finest striker-fired trigger out of the box.

Now, to add to the Walther Firearms evolution, the Walther PDP PRO-E was recently released in 4”, 4.5”, and 5.1”. It is available in all black, black and tan, black and grey, and a model with a threaded barrel is also an option. Walther is really stepping up its game with the release of the PDP PRO-E.

The PDP vs. PDP PRO-E Compact

So, what is the big difference between the PDP and the PDP PRO-E? Walther states that it bridges the gap between the base model PDP and the top-of-the-line PDP PRO-SD models. One of the first things I noticed was what Walther calls its Performance Duty Grip Texture.

The easiest way to put it, is Goldilocks herself would approve of the way this model fits in one’s hand. The texture isn’t too aggressive but still sticks to your hand just right. Likewise, the slide serrations are deep, large, and simple to utilize. Press checks have never been so easy. The addition of the aluminum magwell is a plus, as it helps with reloads.

The Walther PDP PRO-E Compact comes factory with three 18-round magazines. However, if you live in a restrictive state like I do, then you only get 10-rounders. There is a slide release on both sides of the frame for ease of ambidextrous use. Likewise, the magazine release is swappable to the right side for us Southpaws out there.

I’d venture to say that the reason so many Walther PDPs fly off of the shelf is for their amazing factory trigger. The PDP PRO-E doesn’t disappoint, as it comes factory with a flat-faced trigger featuring a polymer trigger shoe. This results in a constant crisp break with every pull.

Words alone just can’t describe how nice this trigger really is. You can comfortably bring it to the wall every time. Then, either let off if there is no more threat or pull past the wall to dispatch a freedom seed. It’s as simple as that—a truly remarkable trigger from the factory.

Adding an Optic to The Walther PDP PRO-E Compact

Out of the box, this Walther PDP PRO-E is ready for optics mounting. The manufacturer listened, precut the slide for optics, and offers a selection of adapter plates for the various optic footprints out on the market. Or you can just opt to go with a Holosun SCS which is specifically cut for certain make/models. In this case, the Walther PDP 2.0.

Choosing the “right” optic for a pistol is a very personal task, as everyone has different tastes. Anyone who’s read any of my previous articles knowns that I’m a huge fan of Holosun optics. I have proven through rigorous torture tests on various Holosun optics that they are worthy of being called an industry leader.

I’m truly shocked while at the same time impressed with the amount of abuse that a Holosun optic can take. I’ve got a HS507C X2 that is missing a couple of solar panels from a previous beat down test and it’s still going strong.

The Holosun SCS

The difference with the Holosun SCS is that it has no external battery. SCS stands for Solar Charging System, as this is what powers the internal, rechargeable 20k hour rated battery. The SCS can potentially operate indefinitely using its internal battery and solar panels.

It contains multi-directional light sensors that automatically adjust the brightness in “dynamic situations.” Holosun states that the SCS can potentially operate indefinitely using its internal battery. The company states that even with moderate exposure to bright light, you will never need to change batteries again.

The SCS also includes an intensity override function which locks the optic into a high brightness mode for 30 minutes. Correspondingly, it includes a low power indicator, which will signal if charging is needed upon system start up.

This model is an open emitter type with one window. The bonus is that it’s low profile and allows the use of factory sights.

Adding a Weapon-Mounted Light

Given that this Walther PDP PRO-E can pull double duty as an EDC or a home defense gun, a good light was needed. One needs to be able to differentiate in the dark between friend and foe.

Holosun has entered the lighting segment of the weapons accessory market with its new Positive Identification Device (PID). This is a cool light! Given my past beat-down tests on Holosun optics, I figured I’d give the new PID a try. I know that the quality and technology are there.

The Holosun PID attaches to the front frame rail like other weapon-mounted lights. Activation is slightly different as you simply push on the switch (located on both sides of the trigger guard), and presto, you now have a max of 1000 lumens (23k candela) for 60 min. (on high) to light your way.

I like how I can use my support thumb to quickly activate the light without utilizing my trigger finger. It includes a USB magnetic charging cable. So, as an added bonus, one doesn’t need to remove the light to recharge it.

Shooting the PDP PRO-E Compact

The Walther PDP PRO-E does not disappoint. This is a great gun out of the box. After spending some time behind the trigger, I have to wonder why more US Law Enforcement agencies don’t issue the PDP as a service weapon. Perhaps it hasn’t caught on as of yet, but it should.

I can’t rave enough about this trigger! It’s absolutely the finest factory striker-fired trigger I’ve used yet. Recoil is very manageable, quickly getting me back on target for follow-up shots.

One of my only complaints is that I would like to see more of a trigger undercut on the PDP. The other is that the slide is a BRICK! It would do Walther well to slim it down a bit. A perfect example is the Walther PPQ, as its slide was the perfect size. This is more of a personal opinion, but worth noting, nonetheless.

Other than that, it feels great in the hand and is a hoot to shoot! I would have much rather carried this Walther PDP PRO-E for duty than what we were issued back in the day.

I really like how low profile the optic is on the slide. That being said, I felt that the optics window was a little on the smaller side and could be bigger, like the HS507C X2. Other than that, this is a great little setup.

The Holosun SCS was pretty much dead on out of the box though, and its reticle was bright and crisp. It may take some getting used to the much smaller window. However, it’s a solid optic that I expect to last a lifetime.

Final Thoughts

Paired with the right holster, the Walther PDP PRO-E shouldn’t profile when carrying concealed as an EDC. When you get home, it goes where you put your home defense pistol and pulls double duty as an EDC and home defense gun.

It’s got an optic for rapid target acquisition as well as a light to help identify a threat at night. That’s more than I had as a street cop, so the added technology is a great thing.

One thing is for sure: You can’t go wrong with a Walther PDP series or this Walther PDP Pro-E Compact. It’s an outstanding pistol. Buy this heater with nothing but confidence.

For more information, please visit WaltherArms.com.

Walther PDP PRO-E Compact Specs

Caliber	9mm (9×19)
Magazine Capacity	18+1
Magazine Type	Metal
Trigger Weight	Approx. 4.5lbs
Sights	Factory white dot
Barrel Length	4” (w/ 1/10 twist)
Weight	26.2oz. (empty mag)
Overall Length	7.5”
Height	5.4”
Safety	Striker Fired
Optic	Holosun SCS PDP—MSRP: $412.00
MSRP	$779 (pistol only)

Performance

	Velocity:	Accuracy:
American Sniper 124gr. FMJ	1132 FPS	.8”
American Eagle 115gr. FMJ	1236 FPS	1”
HSM 115gr. JHP	1027 FPS	1.1”
Sig Sauer 115gr. FMJ	1158 FPS	1.3”

Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in FPS by Garmin Xero C1 Pro Chronograph, and accuracy in inches for best four-shot groupings at 12 yards, from a bench rest.  Ambient Temp was 78 degrees F.   Garmin Xero C1 is protected by Pelican and Annex Defense.