I’m here to share my firsthand experience comparing two impressive handguns: the Beretta APX Vs Walther PDP.
As a professional shooter, I’m always on the lookout for reliable, high-performance firearms. Today, I’m taking you through an in-depth analysis of these two models.
We’ll dive into their specs, handling, and overall performance, all based on my real-world testing.
| Feature | Beretta APX | Walther PDP |
| Type | Striker-fired, semiautomatic | Recoil operated, striker-fired, semiautomatic |
| Cartridge | 9mm | 9mm |
| Capacity | 10+1 rds., 15+1 rds., 17+1 rds. | 15+1 rds. |
| Barrel | 4.25 inches | 4 inches |
| Overall Length | 7.55 inches | 7.5 inches |
| Width | 1.3 inches | 1.34 inches |
| Height | 5.6 inches | 5.4 inches |
| Weight | 1 lb. 13 oz. | 1 lb. 8.4 oz. |
| Sights | Steel, serrated black (rear); tritium dot (front) | 3 white dots, adjustable; optic ready |
| Trigger | 6 lbs. (tested) | 5 lbs., 9 oz. (tested) |
Overview of Beretta APX
The Beretta APX, a modern striker-fired pistol, is designed for reliability and ease of use. It’s a top choice for both professional and personal use.
Specs
- Type: Striker fired, semiautomatic
- Cartridge: 9mm
- Capacity: 10+1 rds., 15+1 rds., 17+1 rds.
- Barrel: 4.25 inches
- Length: 7.55 inches
- Width: 1.3 inches
- Height: 5.6 inches
- Weight: 1 lb. 13 oz.
- Sights: Steel, serrated, black (rear); tritium dot (front)
- Trigger: 6 lbs. (tested)
Overview of Walther PDP
The Walther PDP, a recoil-operated, striker-fired pistol, stands out with its adaptability and cutting-edge design, perfect for those seeking a balance of innovation and tradition.
Specs
- Type: Recoil operated, striker-fired, semiautomatic
- Cartridge: 9mm
- Capacity: 15+1 rds.
- Barrel: 4 inches
- Overall Length: 7.5 inches
- Width: 1.34 inches
- Height: 5.4 inches
- Weight: 1 lb. 8.4 oz.
- Sights: 3 white dots, adjustable; optic ready
- Trigger: 5 lbs. 9 oz. (tested)
Features Comparison: Beretta APX vs Walther PDP
1. Ergonomics
Beretta APX
The Beretta APX shines in ergonomics with its notably aggressive grip texture, providing a secure and stable grip. This is particularly evident on the back strap and front of the gun, enhancing the overall handling experience.
The APX also features a high undercut beneath the trigger guard, allowing shooters to achieve a higher grip for improved control. This design effectively reduces muzzle rise and aids in faster follow-up shots, ensuring a comfortable and stable shooting experience.
Walther PDP
Walther’s PDP excels in ergonomic design with its comprehensive and unique grip texture, enveloping the entire gun. This ensures a consistent and firm grip from any angle, crucial during dynamic shooting sessions.
The PDP also introduces an innovative shelf at the bottom of the grip. This subtle feature significantly aids in maintaining a flat shooting trajectory, particularly during rapid-fire scenarios. The shelf serves as a rest for the shooter’s hand, reducing fatigue and enhancing control during extended shooting sessions.
Winner
Comparing the two, the Walther PDP narrowly outperforms the Beretta APX in ergonomics. While both pistols offer excellent grip and control, the PDP’s all-encompassing grip texture and the added shelf on the grip give it a slight edge.
These features provide enhanced stability and comfort, especially in high-paced or stressful shooting situations. The PDP’s ergonomic design caters to a wider range of hand sizes and shooting styles, making it slightly more versatile and user-friendly than the APX.
2. Slide Serrations
Beretta APX
The Beretta APX boasts prominently aggressive slide serrations that extend along the entire length of the slide.
These serrations are not only aesthetically striking but functionally effective, offering a superior grip for slide manipulation. The spacing between the serrations is perfectly calibrated to accommodate the fingers, allowing for quick and confident slide-racking.
This feature is particularly beneficial in high-stress situations where rapid slide manipulation is necessary, such as in competitive shooting or tactical scenarios.
Walther PDP
The Walther PDP takes slide serrations to an advanced level with its exceptionally aggressive design. These serrations provide an unparalleled grip, ensuring that the slide can be manipulated with ease under any conditions, including wet or adverse situations.
The PDP’s slide serrations are designed to offer maximum traction, significantly reducing the likelihood of the hand slipping off the slide.
This feature is especially advantageous when clearing malfunctions or performing quick reloads, making the PDP highly reliable for tactical and defensive use.
Winner
In the aspect of slide serrations, the Walther PDP surpasses the Beretta APX. The PDP’s ultra-aggressive serrations provide an unmatched level of traction, ensuring reliable and efficient slide operation under a wider range of conditions.
While the APX’s serrations are effective, the PDP’s design is more conducive to quick, slip-free slide manipulation, a critical factor in scenarios requiring fast and reliable action. The PDP’s serrations enhance the pistol’s overall functionality and user confidence, particularly in urgent or wet conditions.
3. Sights
Beretta APX
The Beretta APX is equipped with robust and highly visible sights, featuring a steel serrated black rear and a tritium dot front sight. The larger size of these sights significantly aids in quicker target acquisition, a crucial aspect in both defensive and competitive shooting environments.
The tritium dot front sight provides an added advantage in low-light conditions, enhancing the shooter’s ability to quickly and accurately align the sights. This makes the APX particularly effective for rapid target engagement and precise shooting.
Walther PDP
The Walther PDP comes with 3 white dot sights, providing clear and straightforward sight alignment. The PDP’s front sight, though slightly smaller than the APX’s, offers adequate visibility for most shooting conditions.
A significant advantage of the PDP’s sights is their compatibility with Glock 17 sights, offering a vast range of aftermarket customization options.
This allows shooters to tailor their PDP’s sighting system to their specific preferences and needs, whether for competition, tactical applications, or personal defense.
Winner
When comparing the sights, the Beretta APX edges out the Walther PDP. The APX’s larger front sight allows for faster and more intuitive target acquisition, particularly beneficial in high-pressure scenarios where every second counts.
The tritium dot enhances visibility in varied lighting conditions, adding to its versatility. While the PDP’s Glock compatibility offers excellent customization options, the APX’s out-of-the-box sight configuration provides immediate user-friendliness and efficiency, making it slightly more advantageous for rapid and accurate shooting straight from the purchase.
Pros & Cons: Beretta APX
Pros
- Aggressive grip texture for secure handling.
- Lengthy slide serrations for efficient manipulation.
- Larger sight for quicker target acquisition.
- Modular design with a serialized trigger chassis.
Cons
- Trigger has a bit more mush compared to the PDP.
Pros & Cons: Walther PDP
Pros
- Unique, all-encompassing grip texture.
- Ultra-aggressive slide serrations for superior traction.
- Excellent trigger with a cleaner break.
- Glock 17 compatible sights for extensive aftermarket support.
Cons
- Front sight slightly smaller than APX’s.
- Slightly higher price point than APX.
Similarities between Beretta APX & Walther PDP
- Both are striker-fired, semi-automatic pistols.
- Both are chambered in 9mm cartridges.
- Similar overall dimensions (length, width, height).
- Both designed with ergonomics in mind.
- Each comes with a set of standard white-dot sights.
Differences between Beretta APX & Walther PDP
- APX has a serialized trigger chassis, PDP does not.
- APX’s trigger pull is slightly heavier than PDP’s.
- APX’s sights are slightly larger, aiding in faster target acquisition.
- PDP’s slide serrations are more aggressive compared to APX.
- APX is generally more budget-friendly than PDP.
- PDP’s grip texture is more comprehensive and covers the entire gun.
- PDP is compatible with Glock 17 sights, offering more customization options.
Final Verdict
After thoroughly testing both the Beretta APX and the Walther PDP, the decision on which handgun stands out as the top choice is not straightforward. Both pistols exhibit exceptional qualities, making them suitable for various shooting applications.
However, after considering all aspects of performance, ergonomics, and design, the Walther PDP marginally takes the lead as my preferred choice.
Its advanced ergonomics, coupled with superior slide serrations and a slightly more refined trigger system, make it exceptionally user-friendly and versatile for a wide range of shooting scenarios.
FAQ’s
Is Beretta APX a good gun?
Yes, the Beretta APX is a good gun, known for its oversized controls, well-designed grip texturing, fiber-optic front sight, and a natural grip angle, making it ergonomically pleasing for most shooters.
What gun is similar to the Beretta APX?
Guns similar to the Beretta APX include the Sig Sauer P320 M17, Walther PDP Compact 4″, Glock G17 Gen4, and notably, the Glock 19 stands out as a significant competitor.
Is Walther PDP good for carry?
Yes, the Walther PDP is excellent for carry, offering unmatched versatility, dependability, and effectiveness for both concealed carry and conventional service use.
Who uses Beretta APX?
The Beretta APX was designed primarily for law enforcement and military use but has also become a popular choice among concealed carriers for its options in 9mm or .40 S&W.
