Glock 49 vs. Walther PDP Compact 9mm Pistols

In the August 2024 issue of Gun Tests magazine, we’ve got an interesting head to head matchup of the Glock 49 and the Walther PDP Compact 9mm pistols.

The Walther PDP Compact is a compact-frame pistol with a 5-inch barrel and slide.

WALTHER PDP COMPACT 5-INCH 2844222 9MM LUGER, $570

The Glock 49 9mm is a Glock 19 compact frame with a Glock 17 service-pistol slide.

GLOCK 49 MOS PA495S203MOS 9MM LUGER, $620

These new pistols may be a good fit for many shooters with average to small hands, including concealed-carry handgunners.

The Glock 49 is a good shooter and is reliable.

In combat fire and recoil comfort, the Glock more than held its own. It will be a good addition to the Glock line and will be a good choice for many shooters.

The Walther’s accuracy is good, and the pistol’s grip texture and SuperTerrain cocking serrations are appreciated.

It, too, was reliable.

We also liked the Walther’s accuracy advantage off the bench.

A slight difference in overall length did not materially affect handling. We felt the trigger press performance was more important.

The grip frames are practically identical. The Walther is the more ergonomic, in our opinion.

Checkering treatment on the Glock is effective. The handle is nicely pebbled, and the front of the trigger guard is grooved.
Both the front strap and front of the Walther’s trigger guard are nicely checkered.

SuperTerrain cocking serrations on the Walther worked better than the Glock’s conventional serrations, we thought.

The Glock’s Marksman barrel is well fitted. Also, the muzzle end of the slide is beveled. Disassembly is simple enough, pure Glock.

We preferred the Walther’s field strip to the Glock. Fit and finish of its parts were good to excellent.

Accuracy slightly favored the Walther.