Walther PDP F-Series Review
In return for an honest review, Walther sent me their PDP F-Series, a PHLster Enigma Holster, and a Trijicon plate and optic.
FULL-SIZED Gun For Women
Concealed carry is increasingly important in today's unpredictable climate. It has the potential to save lives and provide peace of mind for the carrier. Carrying a gun on a daily basis can be especially necessary for women, so this begs the question, why is the gun industry still geared so heavily towards men?
With the "F" in Walther’s newly launched PDP F-Series standing for female, this handgun finally provides a solution that goes beyond the "shrink it and pink it" method. Don’t get me wrong, I love the color pink! But in the gun industry, "shrink it and pink it" is a phrase with a negative connotation that means making a gun smaller, giving it a pretty color, and then marketing it to women. While the method does create sales, Walther recognized they could provide a better product for their customers by considering proportions, ergonomics, and a proper fit.
Side by side of the Glock 19 (left) and the Walther PDP F-Series (right)
Walther’s Concept behind the PDP F-Series
Behind any great innovation lies a problem to be solved. Walther designed this pistol with women in mind, including policewomen, women who want to carry a concealed full-size gun, or simply want a gun for home defense. The benefits of a full-sized firearm over a compact gun include lower felt-recoil, improved accuracy due to a longer sight radius, higher magazine capacity, and better control. The objective was to design a firearm to fit those with smaller hands, who struggle to rack a semi-automatic slide, or must adjust their grip to manipulate the gun.
Who is this gun for?
In our interview with Olympic shooter and firearms instructor, Gabby Franco, who had a role in designing this gun, she said “Even though this gun is tailored for women, tell the guys not to hesitate to pick it up. It’s also good for youth shooters getting into USPSA and IDPA. There are not many guns available that offer the features this gun offers.” This touches on the unmatched versatility of this series.
Gabby's involvement in the creation of the F-Series began when she was teaching a class for Walther. The class of female troopers was shooting 45-caliber handguns that they were handling okay, but she saw a need for something different. The Walther team listened to her concerns and dove into designing the new PDP.
After much development, Gabby flew out to the factory to view the frame. When picking it up she thought, “This is the Holy Grail!”
Specifications
There are two guns available in the Walther PDP F-Series, with size being their only differentiating factor. You have the choice of a 3.5" or 4" barreled model. Both guns are chambered in 9mm Luger with a 15-round magazine capacity.
Each gun comes optic-ready, and Walther will even send you a free optic plate when you make a request. The gun also comes with two magazines.
The suggested retail price on the pistols is $699. Below are the specs for the 3.5” model, which is slightly easier to conceal since it is a little smaller and lighter.
Walther offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a lifetime warranty.
● Model: 2849313
● Caliber: 9mm Luger
● Color: Black
● Slide Material: Steel
● Frame Material: Polymer
● Overall Length: 6.5”
● Slide Length: 6.5”
● Width: 1.34”
● Height: 5.4”
● Barrel Length: 3.5”
● Sight Radius: 5.9”
● Trigger Reach: 2.56”
● Grip Circumference: 5.5” (Med Backstrap)
● Weight Without Magazine: 20.3 oz
● Weight With Empty Magazine: 23.3 oz
● Magazine Capacity: 15
● Mags Included: 2
● Trigger: PDT-F
● Safeties: 3-Auto
● Trigger Pull: 5.6 lbs.
● Trigger Travel: 0.24”
● MSRP: $699.00
Note: The PDP F-Series 3.5″ is available with 10 round magazines as Model#: 2871823
Carrying the F-Series
As far as concealed carry goes, the F-series was designed for those who want to carry a full-sized pistol. As a petite woman who normally carries a compact gun, I was surprised to discover I was able to find a way to conceal this firearm. Walther sent me the Enigma Express holster which works very well to decrease printing. I have previous experience with the Enigma and find it very effective for appendix carry. You can read my complete review of the Enigma HERE to learn more about it.
Holster: Phlster Enigma Express | Read Review Here
The combination of a loose shirt with a pattern concealed the F-Series perfectly.
Not every clothing item in my concealed carry wardrobe worked for concealing the PDP F-series, but I was able to find several outfits that did. By compromising and making a few changes to my clothes, I gained the advantages of carrying a full-sized gun: more ammunition, better control, and the PDP F-series produces less felt-recoil than smaller guns of the same caliber.
Without the jacket, the grip of the gun printed a small amount. I felt much more confident with the jacket on.
Handling and Operation
Fit
In terms of overall size, the PFP F-Series is similar to the Glock 19 but has a smaller grip circumference. At first, the grip felt strange, but the more I used it, the more I realized it was a better fit for my hands. A friend with larger hands noticed a gap when he gripped the gun, but my hand molded to the grip nicely, giving me better control.
Handling
What I like best about the PDP F-series is that I’m able to eject the magazine and release the slide lock with one hand, which is something I can’t do with the Glock 19. I see what Tatiana means when she says, a quarter of an inch can either make or break your interface with a gun. Even though the slight size variations might not be obvious to the casual onlooker, I can definitely tell the difference.
Manipulating the gun with one hand.
Left and Middle: Pushing the magazine release button | Right: it’s simple to reach the slide release
Firing the PDP F-Series
Speed, Accuracy & Recoil
I have noticed a pattern when I fire a gun for the first time. At first, the recoil seems excessive and affects my accuracy and speed, but after I get used to it, I return to my normal accuracy and speed. With the F-Series, I got into my normal rhythm very quickly, and I can see how it’s easier to excel with a gun that fits you well. The recoil is similar to that of other pistols I frequently use, such as the Sig P365 and Glock 19 but one thing that stood out was the trigger.
Trigger
I like the trigger for two reasons. First, it was easy to pull. With some guns like the Glock 19, it feels like I have to squeeze hard to pull the trigger and this tires my hands quickly. Thanks to the decreased grip circumference, my finger is perfectly positioned to pull the trigger back smoothly and without straining.
Second, I like how the trigger break is clean compared to other triggers that have building pressure. If you aren’t familiar with the term "clean break," not all triggers require the same amount of finger pressure through the entire length of the pull. The early part of the pull requires relatively little pressure, but near the point of discharge, the required pressure increases noticeably. This point is called the pressure wall. A "clean break" describes a trigger whose pressure wall is obvious and easy to find. I’ve come to appreciate this type of trigger because it allows me to pick up the slack and take the next shot more quickly.
Enigma Express keeps all sides of the gun close to your body.
Pros & Cons of the Walther PDP F-Series
cONCEALED cARRY
The Walther PDP F-Series is a great full-sized concealed carry option. Compact guns are not for everyone due to their higher perceived recoil, smaller ammo capacity and their grips that may be too short. The F-series grip is long enough to fit your entire hand and the reduced grip circumference of only 5.5” is allows for better control.
Concealed Carry Holster Tip: Wearing the gun at a lower ride height can help conceal a large gun better. *Make sure to practice your draw because this can make it more difficult to grip the gun.
FiT FOR SMALL HANDS
Firearms trainer, Tatiana Whitlock, who played a role in the development of the F-Series explains
“The fit and fill of your hand around the gun is kind of a big deal. The reach to certain components is a big deal. The difference in size between a man and a woman's hand isn’t that much, maybe a quarter of an inch, but it’s just enough to throw us off.”
A major pro of this pistol is that it puts people with small hands or short fingers on the same playing field as others. Without a good grip, shooting is impaired and requires more effort.
Gabby Franco explains that grip size can affect the shooter’s ability to reach the trigger and may require rotating your hand counterclockwise (for right-hand shooters) to provide adequate reach. When this happens, it will cause the thumb and the base of the thumb to receive the recoil instead of the stronger wrist. I found this to be true with my experience with the PDP F-series.
Magazine Compatibility
Another pro of the PDP F-Series is that the magazine is compatible with the PDP family of guns. If you own other guns in this family, the interchangeable magazines can be a big convenience and money saver.
Marketing
A con of the marketing of this pistol is that some men with smaller hands may not want to buy a gun from a series that was designed for female shooters. Of course, there is no shame in this as females have been using guns with a design geared to men for years! We all should use the gun that is most effective for us regardless of who it was designed for.
Alternative Choices to Walther PDP F-Series
● Sig P320
● Glock 19
Conclusion
Walther’s PDP F-Series is a larger gun than I like to carry, but it truly does fill a void in the gun market. I haven’t seen anything quite like it and it levels the playing field for those with small hands who want to carry a full-size pistol. As Tatiana Whitlock said, “If you can put a good shooter in the right fitting gun, they become a great shooter. You’ve got to match the person to the equipment.”
This series is a big step for those with small hands as it shows we don’t have to compromise when it comes to our safety and second amendment rights as Americans.