By Allen Forkner, GunBroker.com Editor

Made for smaller hands, the F-Series packs big PDP energy

With the introduction of the PDP at the 2021 SHOT Show, Walther Arms kicked off a new flagship pistol for the iconic brand. Since then, we’ve seen Pro models, Steel Frame models and the topic of today’s test, the F-Series.

While F-Series may spark memories (good or bad) of certain pickup trucks with blue oval badges, in Walther’s world this is the PDP that’s been slimmed down for smaller hands. You can guess as to the meaning of the “F,” but there’s no reason to define this exceptional pistol by gender.

Expected Ergonomics

Being a Walther P model, I had certain expectations in mind as how the pistol would feel in my hands. Ever since the introduction of the P99 line, there have been few polymer-framed handguns that have the ergonomic fit of Walthers. The F-Series not only meets that expectation, but its entire reason for being revolves around fit and feel.

Much like its big brother, the PDP Pro SD 4.5”, the F-Series fits well with a generous beavertail, allowing for that high master grip I prefer. Its aggressive Super Terrain slide serrations are deep, steep and sharp. These ensure a solid grip in your hands even when wet, muddy, bloody, cold, gloved or dipped in motor oil. Time will tell, however, how well leather holsters will hold up to these machined teeth.

Red Dot Ready

The F-Series comes with an optics-ready slide standard. Simply order the optic footprint you want (one comes free), remove the blank plate installed and replace it with the optics plate. This system makes for a sure and solid base for almost any optic on the market. While having a solidly mounted optic is always a good idea, it is especially critical on a carry gun that may take a bit of a beating daily.

To further enhance its use as an optics pistol, Walther designed the grip with a slight bulge near the bottom. This bulge positions the firearm in the hand, making it easier than ever to pick up the red dot. I have carried and competed with red-dot firearms for years, but I admit that finding the dot is pretty much automatic in the PDP line.

F-Series Magic

Now we get to the differentiator of the F-Series from it’s beefier brothers. When Walther consulted with firearms instructor extraordinaire Tatiana Whitlock on what to call a PDP designed for smaller hands, she said not to over think it and call it the F-Series.

As a shooter outside that particular demographic, but firmly in the “kinda normal-sized, non-bear paw, can’t palm a basketball camp,” I love this pistol.

Sitting side by side on my desk next to the 4.5-inch PDP Pro, it’s a mental stretch to believe they are the same base gun. It feels like a NASCAR Camaro parked next to a base model Camaro. Sure, they look the same, but there doesn’t seem to be much in common.

Thorough testing, measuring, shooting, remeasuring and research, however, has proven that this is a regular old PDP just wearing skinny jeans. It uses the same sights, slide, trigger parts and magazines as the bigger PDP. And I have to say, I’m loving it.

Carry comfort

Clint Smith once said the purpose of carrying a gun is to be comforted, not comfortable. But with the F-Series, I’ve accomplished both. A Crossbreed Holster Supertuck was acquired for the test of the 4.5-inch PDP Pro, but unsurprisingly it’s a perfect fit for the F-Series as well. The slender grip and 3.5-inch slide simply disappear into an IWB rig.

The trigger is Walther’s Performance Duty Trigger, with a reduced reach that is great for smaller hands. The takeup features a short press, hitting a touch of springy resistance with a break that’s a bit unrefined. It’s not a glass rod, for sure, but I found the lack of a hard wall made it easy for the surprise trigger break we always strive. The reset, on the other hand, is super short and very distinct.

That said, I would consider putting the PDP line’s parts modularity to the test and drop in the flat-faced Dynamic Performance Trigger. Since it’s a factory trigger, I feel it meets the lawyer test for carry, but is an exceptional trigger with little take up and a crisp, broken-rod break.

Picking nits

And while we’re talking tweaks, the other thing I would consider before it became a regular in the carry rotation would be change of sights. Look, there’s nothing wrong with the factory sights. In fact, a slender front sight paired with a wing-protected adjustable rear pretty much describes all my 1911 race guns. But for carry, I’m of the opinion that adjustable sights are problems waiting to happen.

Fortunately, the PDP series is as user friendly as it gets and uses one of the most common sight cuts out there. I have a set of GLOCK-cut sights from our friends at Meprolight, and I’m pretty sure that’s going to be a project in the near future.

Well, at least it will be if I can get this gun back from my wife. She’s a self-professed Walther fanatic, and once she laid hands on the PDP F-Series, it quickly became a memory. I guess I might as well hop on GunBroker.com and find her a left-handed holster for it.

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