PDW

PDW (Personal Defense Weapon) is a category of firearms designed primarily as personal defense weapons for support troops, vehicle crews, pilots, or security forces. These weapons feature a compact design and combine the advantages of pistols and assault rifles, making them effective for combat at short to medium ranges. PDW airsoft guns are available in our store in both AEG (electric) and gas-powered (GBBR/HPA) versions.

Criteria for PDW weapons:

Compact size: Smaller than standard assault rifles, making them easily portable and usable in confined spaces.
Lightweight construction: PDWs are designed to be lightweight for comfortable carrying and use.
Higher firepower than pistols: They use more powerful ammunition (often specially developed) than standard pistols, ensuring higher penetration.
Automatic or semi-automatic firing: The ability for rapid fire is crucial for personal defense.

Examples of PDW weapons and their users:

FN P90: An iconic PDW designed by Belgian manufacturer FN Herstal. It uses the unique 5.7×28 mm cartridge and is employed by security forces and special units worldwide.
HK MP7: A German PDW from Heckler & Koch, designed for special forces and military personnel. It uses the 4.6×30 mm cartridge and is in service with units like the Bundeswehr and the British SAS.
PP-2000: A Russian PDW chambered in 9×19 mm Parabellum, used by Russian security forces.
KRISS Vector: An American PDW known for its unique design and low recoil. It is chambered in calibers like .45 ACP or 9×19 mm.

SMG or PDW?

SMG (Submachine Gun) and PDW (Personal Defense Weapon) are two distinct categories of firearms that differ in their purpose, design, and ammunition. While they may look similar, their intended use and features are different.

Differences between SMG and PDW:

Purpose:
SMG: Primarily designed for offensive use at close range. Often used by military and law enforcement in CQB (Close Quarters Battle) or urban environments.
PDW: Developed as personal defense tools for support troops (e.g., vehicle crews, pilots, logistics units), prioritizing compactness, lightweight design, and the ability to neutralize threats at medium range.
Type of ammunition:
SMG: Uses pistol cartridges (e.g., 9×19 mm Parabellum), suitable for short distances with lower penetration and less effectiveness against body armor.
PDW: Employs specially developed cartridges (e.g., 5.7×28 mm in FN P90 or 4.6×30 mm in HK MP7) with higher penetration and effectiveness at medium range, capable of defeating modern ballistic protection.
Range of use:
SMG: Limited to short-range engagements (up to 100-150 meters) due to pistol-caliber ammunition.
PDW: Effective at medium ranges (up to 200 meters) thanks to powerful ammunition and designs that enhance accuracy.
Design and ergonomics:
SMG: Simpler construction, often without modern features like RIS rails or advanced ergonomic elements.
PDW: Modern design with options for mounting various accessories (e.g., optics, lights, foregrips) and a greater focus on ergonomics and ease of use in confined spaces.

Examples of firearms:

SMG: MP5, Uzi, Thompson, PPSh-41, Scorpion EVO 3.
PDW: FN P90, HK MP7, PP-2000, SIG MPX (in certain configurations).