Poll PDP Compact vs Echelon 4.0c

[Gawernator]

Walther PDP owners

hey girl wanna know about my Echelon™ 4.0FC california compliant Handgun in 9mm *pushes up glasses*

 

[9mmGuy]

Some of us are compact, not full size. If it fits...

 

[vplaza96]

Finally got to shoot the PDP Compact with the red dot today to get a better comparison with the Echelon 4.0C (and my 4" XD9).

For sure, the trigger on the PDP is a bit better than the Echelon and a lot better than the XD9.

From a shooting 'feel' perspective, I like the Echelon more. To me, the PDP feels similar in my hands to my XD9, meaning it almost feels like a full size rather than a compact gun. The recoil also feels the same to the XD9.

The Echelon, in the other hand, feels different in my hands than my XD9, which I think is an improvement. More compact, and with the NDZ recoil guide and spring, the recoil felt a lot less. The gun felt more natural to shoot.

Both guns had similar accuracy, so that's not really a factor. I think that the smaller Echelon will feel better/easier to carry all day for me. But that's not saying the PDP will be uncomfortable. I just need to practice carrying them more to really tell.

IMHO, you can't go wrong with either, but for me, I think I'll wind up carrying the Echelon more than the PDP. Oh, it helps that is been easy to get mags for the Echelon on sale from SA. It's been a chore to find PDP Compact mags.

 

[Gawernator]

Finally got to shoot the PDP Compact with the red dot today to get a better comparison with the Echelon 4.0C (and my 4" XD9).

For sure, the trigger on the PDP is a bit better than the Echelon and a lot better than the XD9.

From a shooting 'feel' perspective, I like the Echelon more. To me, the PDP feels similar in my hands to my XD9, meaning it almost feels like a full size rather than a compact gun. The recoil also feels the same to the XD9.

The Echelon, in the other hand, feels different in my hands than my XD9, which I think is an improvement. More compact, and with the NDZ recoil guide and spring, the recoil felt a lot less. The gun felt more natural to shoot.

Both guns had similar accuracy, so that's not really a factor. I think that the smaller Echelon will feel better/easier to carry all day for me. But that's not saying the PDP will be uncomfortable. I just need to practice carrying them more to really tell.

IMHO, you can't go wrong with either, but for me, I think I'll wind up carrying the Echelon more than the PDP. Oh, it helps that is been easy to get mags for the Echelon on sale from SA. It's been a chore to find PDP Compact mags.

...How? https://gunmagwarehouse.com/magfinder/walther-pdp-compact

 

[vplaza96]

...How? https://gunmagwarehouse.com/magfinder/walther-pdp-compact

Cool, those were not in stock when I looked before I went on vacation.

 

[No_glonks]

Also, you can likely pick up a "gear-up" bundle with the Echelon. Get xtra mags, loader, green dot & range bag for a few bucks more than the PDP. Great value, if the makes a difference to you.

Not considering gear up promo. Comes with white dot sights instead of night sights, and dot is pretty meh

 

[Gawernator]

 

[pancakes]

a 4.0c comp im about to list for $550

 

[No_glonks]

a 4.0c comp im about to list for $550

lets talk

 

[pancakes]

lets talk

Prob too far from ya im in zipcode 93550

 

[No_glonks]

Prob too far from ya im in zipcode 93550

Glendale

 

[Spork]

Not considering gear up promo. Comes with white dot sights instead of night sights, and dot is pretty meh

That always rubbed me the wrong way about their gear up packages. Not only are you paying sin tax on accessories that aren't all that great (The viridian doesn't have the best of reviews) but also you get worse irons if you decide to remove the crummy red dot.

 

[Gawernator]

Paying excise tax on the value of an accessory bundle doesn’t even seem right. Wow

 

[Spork]

Paying excise tax on the value of an accessory bundle doesn’t even seem right. Wow

Yeah for the almost $100 buck you are losing to the state may as well get a couple mags and a quality dot later.

 

[Gawernator]

Sounds like more reason to get the Walther

 

[shooterMcGavin]

Hey, did OP make a final decision? Which one did he get? lol
Currently looking at both of these right now, I’m trying to make decisions. I probably need to shoot them first.

 

[RustVendor]

Hey, did OP make a final decision? Which one did he get? lol
Currently looking at both of these right now, I’m trying to make decisions. I probably need to shoot them first.

I haven't shot the PDP compact, I did however pick up the Echelon Alpha for 550 and I really like it. I have large hands so the ability to change to the Large compact grip module made a big difference. The trigger is perfectly serviceable, not as good as the PDP but not nearly as bad as a Glock. Another advantage is the MD is easy to remove and it also comes with pins for the RMR optic, the PDP you have to order a (free) plate but apparently they are hard to actually get from Walther.

 

[No_glonks]

Hey, did OP make a final decision? Which one did he get? lol
Currently looking at both of these right now, I’m trying to make decisions. I probably need to shoot them first.

I said F that and got these two instead

Still interested in Echelon over PDP tho. Looking to pick one up over PPT, but prices for listings here are ridiculous
I just got my ccw renewal today, so not in the rush

 

[vplaza96]

I haven't shot the PDP compact, I did however pick up the Echelon Alpha for 550 and I really like it. I have large hands so the ability to change to the Large compact grip module made a big difference. The trigger is perfectly serviceable, not as good as the PDP but not nearly as bad as a Glock. Another advantage is the MD is easy to remove and it also comes with pins for the RMR optic, the PDP you have to order a (free) plate but apparently they are hard to actually get from Walther.

I have both the 4.0C and PDP Compact. Yes, the MD is easy to remove on the Echelon, which is a must because it didn't allow the mag to drop freely. On the PDP, mag drops fine with it, so not going to remove it.

And yes, the plate was a PITA to get, but not impossible. Just need to have your dealer hound Walther. The pin system on the Echelon is great, no plate needed, meaning lower mount for the optic.

 

[aema15]

If you're in between two guns, the answer is whichever you can more easily find spare parts and has more aftermarket support.