Personal Defence Weapon

Personal Defence Weapon, or PDW, is a class of compact firearms designed primarily for self-defence and close-quarters combat. PDWs are smaller and lighter than most rifles, making them easier to carry and manoeuvre in confined spaces.
PDWs typically fire small-caliber, high-velocity cartridges, often classified as intermediate or submachine gun cartridges that feature armour penetration capabilities. They may feature selective-fire capability for either semi-automatic or fully automatic fire modes. Additionally, PDWs commonly have folding or telescoping stocks to further enhance their compactness for storage and transportation.
The primary purpose of PDWs is to provide personal protection for military personnel, vehicle crews, and other personnel who require a lightweight and compact firearm for self-defence applications while maintaining effectiveness at short to medium ranges. PDWs are also used by law enforcement agencies and civilians for similar purposes due to their ease of use and manoeuvrability.
Category:Weapon Class