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PDP Guide Rod &Spring Options, Aftermarket & Stock

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#43 ·
kbmcml said:
You have to dig a little bit 😊

https://zrtacticalsolutions.com/shop/walther-ppq-pdp-captured-guide-rod/
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If you click on that link, under "Description", you will see that it says this:

"Compatible with GEN3 Glock 17/34 or 22/35 in conjunction with ISMI flat wire springs "

The Glock 17 uses a 17lb recoil spring. I have no idea how Walther measures their spring weights, but 11 or 13 pounds seems way too light to me. It isn't just about possible reliability issues, but you could be battering the frame using springs this light.
 
#44 ·
I have the Tungsten 50N. I also do not see much of a difference from the stock one with felt recoil. I did notice in the PDP video manual that you should replace the guide rod every 5000-8000 rounds using 115gr. Or if you're really cautious, 2500. That's for the stock one. I wouldn't spend $129 that often. I wish I knew that before buying.
@OBD2023 You modified the slide stop because it was tearing up your thumb under recoil? Did you mean using the stop to send the slide forward, into battery I think, after inserting a full mag after emptying one? That's one of my problems w/ the PDP. Can you clarify how you did that?
 
#45 ·
JMK9753 said:
I have the Tungsten 50N. I also do not see much of a difference from the stock one with felt recoil. I did notice in the PDP video manual that you should replace the guide rod every 5000-8000 rounds using 115gr. Or if you're really cautious, 2500. That's for the stock one. I wouldn't spend $129 that often. I wish I knew that before buying.
@OBD2023 You modified the slide stop because it was tearing up your thumb under recoil? Did you mean using the stop to send the slide forward, into battery I think, after inserting a full mag after emptying one? That's one of my problems w/ the PDP. Can you clarify how you did that?
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Because of my grip and thumb placement,the length of and sharpness of the edges dug into my thumb.I actually removed metal from the front of the slide stop/release and polished the whole surface.I literally made a smooth surface for my thumb.It works for me because I semi-polished the slide which left black highlights. With a stainless thread protector and natural aluminum back strap....it looks ok.
 
#46 · (Edited)
@OBD2023 …Did you mean using the stop to send the slide forward, into battery I think, after inserting a full mag after emptying one? That's one of my problems w/ the PDP. Can you clarify how you did that?
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You don‘t have to use the slide release lever after putting a fresh mag in the gun. You can just pull back the slide a little (from the rear serrations) and then let it go. The little tab on the plastic mag follower that holds the release lever up will have been pushed down by the new rounds in the mag, so as you pull the slide back, the lever will move down and just a little tug and release of the slide will free it up and allow it to move forward.
 
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#47 ·
OBD2023 said:
Because of my grip and thumb placement,the length of and sharpness of the edges dug into my thumb.I actually removed metal from the front of the slide stop/release and polished the whole surface.I literally made a smooth surface for my thumb.It works for me because I semi-polished the slide which left black highlights. With a stainless thread protector and natural aluminum back strap....it looks ok.
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Image
 
#48 ·
Interesting. With my (right-handed) grip my right thumb falls just under the locking lever so it doesn't bother me at all. I do use the large Walther backstrap though - I wonder if that makes a difference?
 
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#50 ·
OBD2023 said:
It's my left thumb that is the problem.I'm sure everything makes a difference.I had to do the same thing on a VP9.It's all good now.
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Ah, I see. My left thumb is way forward. So much that I put a little piece of Talon grip material up where CARL WALTHER ULM/DONAU is moulded into the poly frame. My left thumb automatically searches for it.

But of course we are all different and what works for one won’t automatically work for another. I’m glad you found a solution.
 
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#51 ·
Update on PDP Pro Compact.First 100 rounds with the pistol configured with the following. Sprinco recoil system guide rod(Yellow reduced load recoil spring),and Strike Industries Micro Threaded Comp Quad.The gun had less than 200 rounds fired before this range session.The ammunition used was AAC 9mm Luger 115 grain FMJ,at a stated 1165fps.I am pleased to state,no malfunctions at all.No FTF,FTE,or failure of the slide to lock back on the last round.The ejected cases averaged landing an average of 4 to 6 feet from the gun.The comp did require re zeroing the sight as POI had changed. The comp and recoil spring system build quality was excellent.I would follow the instructions on mounting the comp as mine stayed solid and didn't loosen up at all.Subjectively....the parts did make a difference on felt recoil and sight recovery.Was it dramatic....NO!Are the parts staying on...yes! Hope this helps with someone trying
Image

to decide whether to go this route.I will try different loads and report how they perform with this configuration.
 
#52 ·
ThatPDPGuy said:
So this is a topic that obviously is talked about. Be it a concern that the stock “plastic” guide rod may break or not be reliable or that the stock PDP is “oversprung” and certain shooters want something that shoots flatter or has less felt recoil……. Etc.
I’m hoping we can see what shooters who have changed out the stock guide rod and recoil spring are now running and what the experience has been with the aftermarket setup, pros and cons.
Not wanting to debate functionality of the stock setup. Stock setup to me is awesome, this gun just runs, and I don’t question or hesitate to pick my PDP up knowing it’s gonna perform.
But wanting to change things up, hoping to improve on an already great platform is always on our minds. So let’s see what the community has to say about what they are doing.
I personally have a full size 5” pdp. Can it be better? Let’s hear what you guys and girls have been doing?
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kbmcml said:
I replaced the stock recoil guide rod assembly of my PDP FS 4.5" with Walther's 50N Tungsten RSA. The difference is subtle, but it's there. With the slight increase in weight I do feel that target realignment is a little faster and recoil a little less. It helps me shoot more accurately; not that I ever felt that the PDP was anything but a fairly soft recoiling gun.
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Has anyone with a PDP ever had a plastic guide rod failure? I have heard reviewers like Honest Outlaw say that plastic parts are always a concern BUT that's what they said about PLASTIC GUNS......... I have well over 1000 rds through my PDP with no issues. The action is very linear with the spring absorbing energy. We have metal parts that need replacement or have recommended replacements every few thousand rds and that seems to be acceptable. Is there a known rd count recommendation for replacing the plastic guide rods? Hoping to get some feedback from people who have had this kind of failure with their PDP. I have/had many different pistols from other brands but I'm a newbie to Walther. My PDP has been a game changer (especially after I installed the Dynamic Trigger). I now have a PDP Pro as well. Anyway, hope to learn more from this feed.
 
#54 ·
Thanks everyone for all the insight. I was interested in possibly changing out my guide rod to the Walther Tungsten one they offer but the difference from what i have read seem negligible. I have about 2000 rounds through my PDP at the moment and no issues at all.
 
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#55 ·
jg07 said:
I have the PMM comp on mine with the Springco recoil management guide rod. It includes the red spring but for the comp you need to run the yellow spring.
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Quoting an older post I know, but…

I added a Parker Mountain Machine comp to my PDP. I’d been following this thread, thinking I might need to play with springs.

Today I went out and fired a few hundred rounds with the factory spring. No problems. All were 115 grain brass cased. mixed lot, four different brands. Just as reliable before.
 
#56 ·
Pete Rock1 said:
I replaced my plastic guide rod with SpringCo guide rod system. It makes a very nice difference especially with their recommended yellow spring. I also have a comp installed with a 507c and C&H plate and have had no issues at all with cycling.
I can’t believe Walther “flagship model” comes with a plastic guide rod. Seems like it can be a failure point in the future… I would suggest replacing it with something more reliable. View attachment 109224
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Does the PDP pro come with a plastic guide rod also?
I didn’t know that but just reinforced why I’m here to learn

I’m buying a PDP F and that’s the first thing along with night sights I’m buying to upgrade my gun
 
#58 ·
ThatPDPGuy said:
So I’ve been waiting for ZR Tactical to release their stainless guide rod with a captured spring option and I just picked it up about 2 weeks ago. I’m running a 13lb flat wire spring which they offer 11, 13 and 15lb springs. They also have a replaceable retainer clip and a tool if you want for spring removal. I’ve put about 300 rounds through it using 124 grain Norma ammo and it ran with zero issues. A very noticeable difference in how snappiness from the stock spring to the 13lb spring. Very enjoyable to shoot. I ran through the 300 rounds in 2 hours running different drills. Super happy with my decision. I will be trying the 11lb spring next.
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Was it more snappy with the 13lb or the OEM 18lb? If the 13lb was snappier, do you think it is better with it or was it better with the OEM?
 
#59 ·
So I upgraded to the tungsten guide rod and love it. After running 250ish rounds down range I started thinking, jeez, I usually replace recoil springs every 2000rds max and this is going to be an EXPENSIVE replacement and I'm already 10% down lolol

Given this thread is older, what is the 2024 best choice for a guide rod that is heavier and better than the stock ones?
 
#60 ·
ChiefWahooForever said:
So I upgraded to the tungsten guide rod and love it. After running 250ish rounds down range I started thinking, jeez, I usually replace recoil springs every 2000rds max and this is going to be an EXPENSIVE replacement and I'm already 10% down lolol

Given this thread is older, what is the 2024 best choice for a guide rod that is heavier and better than the stock ones?
Click to expand...
Bueller? Bueller? LOL
 
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