Walther PDP vs Sig P320: Similar or Different?

The Walther PDP and the Sig P320 are two of the most popular options on the market for selecting a dependable, high-performing firearm for personal protection or law enforcement.

Both pistols are highly sought after by gun enthusiasts and professionals due to their impressive features, exceptional accuracy, and durability. However, deciding between the Walther PDP vs Sig P320 can be difficult.

Walther PDP and Sig P320 have distinct advantages and disadvantages. This article dives into comparing and contrasting the Walther PDP and Sig P320. So you can make an informed decision on purchasing one.

Walther PDP vs Sig P320 1

Walther PDP vs Sig P320: Which One Should You Go For?

Quick Comparison Chart

FeaturesWalther PDPSig P320
Cartridge9mm, .40 S&W9mm, .40 S&W
SightThree Dot Iron SightsFixed Iron Sights
Magazine15 or 18 rounds17 rounds
Weight26.9 oz.29.5 oz.
Length8.5 in.7.2 in.
Barrel length4, 4.5, or 5 in4.7 in.
Width1.34 in.1.4 in.
GripTalon gripInterchangeable
SafetyTrigger safety, Striker indicatorTrigger safety, Takedown safety
Height5.4 in.5.5 in.
Gun TypeSemi-automaticSemi-automatic
FramePolymerPolymer

Both the Walther PDP and Sig P320 are great guns. Even the Sig fans agree on Walther PDP being just a phenomenal gun.

But true comparisons between the two are followed in the next section:

Related Post: Difference Between Sig P320 M17 vs Sig P320 M18

1. Sights:

The Walther PDP is equipped with Tritium sights. These are known for their exceptional low-light visibility. Tritium sights are self-illuminating, which means they don’t need any external lighting to be visible.

Moreover, the Walther PDP sights are vintage and they are elevation adjustable. The Sig P320, on the other hand, has night sights.

Both guns provide excellent visibility in low-light conditions. These sights typically use tritium inserts but also have phosphorescent paint that charges under light and glows in the dark.

However, the Sig P320 sights are iron sights that are not three-dot ones. So, users usually rent a separate three-dot sight with it. But some users are happy with the contrast or night sites shipped by Sig.

2. Slide Release:

With the Walther PDP, you get a very extended and tactile ambidextrous slide release. As it is an ambidextrous slide, both left- and right-handed shooters can use the gun.

However, some users have commented that the PDP’s slide release can be a bit stiff. Primarily when the pistol is new or hasn’t been broken in yet. But it gets smoother with time.

The PDP’s slide release is positioned on the left side of the frame, just above the trigger. And both PDP and the P320’s slide release are good examples of ergonomic design.

The slide on the P320 allows for easy and comfortable manipulation. The release lever is located on the left side of the frame, just above the trigger.

You can get a new slide for the Sig P320 that has the RDS cut out if you want. So seemingly the Sig P320 slide release is better by a small margin. However, it is also prone to jamming.

Related Post: Walther PDP Vs Glock 19: A Complete Comparison

3. Trigger and Recoil:

Many, if not most, consider the PDP to have the best trigger of the entire polymer/striker-fired lot of guns. Whereas the Sig P320 has a light trigger pull, similar to 1911. The original trigger has a spongey feel to it.

The PDP is a precise shooter. It also feels great in the hand. However, for some, the width of the slide is a disadvantage.

Furthermore, people report that the trigger does not work with the skeletonized Sig flat trigger with the apex trigger bar and the overtravel tube/spring.

The P320 is a very manageable recoil in all calibers, but especially in 9mm. PDPs are considered “snappy”, particularly the compacts.

The recoil spring weight of the Walther PDP is 16 pounds. While the recoil spring weight of the Sig P320 is 14 pounds, which is slightly lighter than the standard weight of the PDP.

The recoil spring weight of the PDP strikes a good balance between recoil control and dependability. However, the P320’s lighter recoil spring weight may result in faster follow-up shots.

4. Grip and Ergonomics:

Both the Walther PDP and the Sig P320 have a similar grip angle. Again the Sig P320 has a similar grip angle to the 1911s.

But in terms of ergonomics, Walther PDP will take you to a new level. The grip is very defined and provides a pinky rest. Moreover, they’ve added adjustable backstraps.

Moreover, users feel more secure and comfortable with the Walther grip. The X grip on the Sig P320 might make the grip better if you add it to the gun.

5. Weight:

The Walther PDP is generally considered to be slightly lighter than the Sig P320. The PDP’s lighter weight can make the pistol easier to carry and handle for extended periods.

Moreover, the PDP feels more balanced and well-proportioned than the P320. It has a center of gravity closer to the shooter’s hand.

This can make the pistol feel more comfortable and controllable, particularly during extended shooting sessions.

6. Aesthetics:

Many people call the Sig guns lego for the shooters. There’s so much plastic going on in these guns. “I don’t play with toys” one user says about the Sig P320.

Walther on the other hand has a milled slide with grooves. This new slide as of 2022 can alleviate the chunky slide problem. It is also more ergonomic than the P320.

7. Accuracy:

Accuracy is simply outstanding in Walther handguns. They can shoot 100 rounds without breaks with the likes of 135gr Hornady Critical Duty ammo. This hits the target pretty well in 7 yards.

In the case of the P320, 20-yard groups shrink from 3 to 1.5, with varied weights of HST. Which is good, but not as good as the PDP.

8. Range:

Many users say the Walther PDP is extremely accurate at medium to long ranges. It has a maximum effective accuracy range of 50 yards or more.

Many users report consistent accuracy up to 25-30 yards or more with the Sig P320. But others have reported successful shots at distances of 50 yards or more.

Cost Details Between Walther PDP vs Sig P320

The full-size Walther PDP costs about $699 (with prices ranging from around $600 to $800 or more depending on the features selected). And the compact ranges from $549.

The full-size PDP with optics and suppressor-ready features can be priced up to around $900 or more. Finally, the used ones cost 20-30% lesser than the price of new condition.

Sig P320 new guns cost $ 649.99 (with prices ranging from around $500 to $900 or more depending on the features selected). Whereas old guns can cost around 442.99 approximately.

The Walther PDP does cost a bit more than the Sig P320.

Walther PDP vs Sig P320 – FAQs

Are the Walther PDP and Sig P320 suitable for concealed carry?

Yes, both pistols are suitable for concealed carry due to their compact size and lightweight.

Which pistol is better for beginners, the Walther PDP or Sig P320?

Both the Walther PDP and Sig P320 can be good choices for beginners. But the Walther PDP might be better.

Which pistol is easier to disassemble and clean, the Walther PDP or Sig P320?

Both the Walther PDP and Sig P320 are generally easy to disassemble and clean. The field stripping procedure is easy due to easily accessible internal components.

Can the Walther PDP and Sig P320 be customized with aftermarket parts?

Yes, both the Walther PDP and Sig P320 have a wide range of aftermarket parts and accessories available for customization and personalization.

Can the Walther PDP and Sig P320 be used for competition shooting?

Yes, both the Walther PDP and Sig P320 are popular choices for competition shooting.

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