If the events of 2020 and early 2021 taught us anything, it’s the importance of expecting the unexpected and being prepared for life’s curveballs. Aside from the virus-related blows we absorbed and dodged, the United States also saw social protests, angry riots, city blocks burned and destroyed, and political upheaval. Are you prepared if that kind of uncertainty or unrest comes to your street?

In addition, think about the normal, everyday crime or threats you could encounter: middle-of-the-night home break-ins, broad-daylight store robberies, run-of-the-mill stick-em-ups on your way out of the ATM. We’re not suggesting you should live in fear, but there’s no denying it —it’s your duty to be prepared to face threats to yourself and your family.

Preparedness involves several factors, including a heightened level of awareness, a defensive mindset, and plans to address specific situations. But when all else fails, you should be prepared with a method of self defense that you can rely on. For most of us, that’s a firearm that we carry on our person as we go about our daily life.

Walther is here for you with the firearm that’ll always be ready when you are: the brand-new Walther PDP. Designed to phase out the PPQ, the PDP (Performance Duty Pistol) is purpose-built to help you carry out your duty to be prepared.

With readiness in mind, all models of the PDP come red-dot ready, and the RDS ergonomics of the pistol are all designed for a red-dot shooter. The grip angle is designed for a natural aiming position, with a bumpout at the bottom of the grip that naturally forces a shooter to point the gun down, making it faster to locate the dot. Performance Duty Texture gives the grip an aggressive, non-abrasive surface, helping a shooter maintain a proper grip without slipping in mud, rain, sweat, ice or other harsh conditions. The harder you grip, the more the PDP will stick to your hand — but it won’t rub the wrong way against your skin when you’re carrying concealed.

SuperTerrain serrations on the slide give you quick, sure hands-on engagement. Rather than being cut into the slide, these serrations actually protrude, offering a new, more positive feel without making the slide bulky.

Walther calls the PDP its most modular and versatile pistol ever, and with two distinct frame sizes and three slide lengths, it’s easy to see how this is true. Any slide length can fit on any frame, even if it’s not a factory offering, as long as it matches barrel length. Want a shorter dust cover with a longer slide or a shorter slide than your dust cover? Walther can do that. The recoil system is the same on all models, as are the sights, and most parts are interchangeable from the compact to the upcoming full-sized models. One exception to this are the backstraps, of which there are three different options. With the ability to customize this gun to your hands and your preferences, you will truly be as ready as you can be.

A carry pistol is only as good as its trigger, and in the spirit of helping you stay ready, Walther has designed a brand-new PDT (Performance Duty Trigger). With a shorter length of travel and a more distinct, tactile trigger break, this striker-fired trigger has a recognizable feel for repeatable accuracy. It’s a two-stage, pre-cocked trigger similar to the one on the PPQ, but with some improvements. The first stage is lighter, making it easier to feel the second-stage wall, with a shorter take-up and a firmer reset. You can be confident that the PDT will be ready when you are.

As mentioned, the PDP comes optics-ready, but a cover plate is included if you prefer the factory look. Each PDP comes with a free optic plate of your choice, accommodating optics like the Holosun C, RMR, Riton options, the Leupold DPP, DR optic, the Vortex Venom and more. Additional plates are available for other optics as needed, for a fee.

Out of the box, the PDP’s sights are adjustable for windage and elevation, and different styles and heights are also available, including optic-specific sights that are optimized to co-witness with a particular optic.

The “readiness” options on the PDP aren’t just external. Inside, a stepped chamber lets your gun operate more cleanly over a high round count while maintaining match-grade accuracy. The stepped chamber offers you more velocity from any ammunition — about 50 fps faster than the gun’s competitors — and will last longer than a traditional chamber.

An ambidextrous slide stop and reversible magazine release offer flexibility for any shooter, while the tenifer-coated slide offers durability and wear-resistance. And no need to wait — the PDP is ready to carry today, with OWB, AIWB and IWB holsters from Safariland, C&G, DeSantis, Tier 1 Concealed, Phlster, T-Rex Arms, Comp-Tac, LAG and more already in production. Add in a 30-day money back guarantee, a lifetime warranty and Walther’s promise of a 48-hour turnaround on customer service, and the PDP offers readiness and peace of mind in more ways than one.                                   

Two models will be available: an 18-round full-size in 4- and 4 1/2-inch variations; and a 15-round, 4-inch compact, which uses the same magazine as the PPQ M2. The compact is hitting dealer shelves as you read this, with the full-size model on its heels. All are chambered in 9mm and carry an MSRP of $649.

Walther considers it their duty to make the best-performing firearm possible, and it’s your duty to be prepared for whatever comes your way. The PDP is ready to help you get there — are you ready?