By Joe Ferronato
Summer is fun, but damn it makes it hard to carry the guns I want comfortably. Smaller subcompact guns work in a pinch, but I’m much more confident relying on a full-size shooter if I was ever required to use it.
That’s why I love the fall and winter; I guess even early spring for that matter. Maybe that’s why I live out West. I’m not a fan of the heat, and I love wearing jackets. Luckily, living in the Rockies, jackets are a staple part of daily attire for most of the year.
Even though it’s still August, as I write this a storm is rolling through that has fall nipping at its heels. It’s a cool breeze and the seasons are starting to change. Thankfully, I’ve had enough of the 100-degree heat. The best part of the temperature change is knowing I’ll soon be able to carry my Walther PDP Full-Size in short order.
Walther PDP Full-Size Features
I love to carry full-size guns, but they are much harder to conceal than the smaller EDC options. That’s why when fall rolls around and I get to slap a jacket on when I leave the house, the Walther goes on my hip. With a little bit bulkier clothing, the full-size, 4-inch PDP conceals well, plus it holds 18+1. Hopefully that many rounds would never be necessary, but I’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
Walthers shoot well, and I added a Trijicon RMR with the 3.25-MOA dot atop my PDP to increase accuracy. The low profile of the RMR makes it a great choice when concealing as well. It sits low to the gun and rides well on the hip without much discomfort coming from it digging into my body. But it still offers a large sight window with clear glass, making it easy to see the dot on target. To top everything off, I’ll be carrying the Fiocchi CovertX which performs great. It’s a lethal combination.
The frame of the full size fits my big mitts perfectly, and because of that the gun points naturally and quickly. Sight acquisition is fast, and once that dot is on target, running the trigger is just fun since that larger, heavier gun stays pretty level. The standard PDT trigger isn’t the best in the world, and I’d prefer to have the Dynamic Performance Trigger that is found on many of the Pro models, but I won’t complain about it too much.
In the Leather
Now let’s get to the carrying part. My preferred method of carry for the Walther PDP is in an OWB holster in the five o’clock position. I’ve found that this position is comfortable for really anything I’m doing as it doesn’t impede movement and is still comfortable while seated. I’ve carried full-size guns in the appendix position before, which is fine, but it’s gets uncomfortable when you’re carrying all day.
Carry OWB requires larger outwear, though, which is why I tend to carry this gun as temps start to drop. Tossing a shirt-jac on usually provides all the concealment I need for this setup. I may print a bit when I bend over, but I live in Idaho, and anyone who picks up on the fact that I have a gun under my jacket is probably carrying one as well and likely won’t Karen me.
That pretty much does it for this setup. Now all I need is the temps to keep dropping and fall to really show up.
Cost: $699 (PDP), $779 (RMR).
Pros: Full-size gun that fits well and is very accurate; reliable; great optic that is reliable and easy to use.
Cons: Trigger could be better; carrying OWB really only works in the fall and winter when you’re wearing a jacket.
