So I’ve been tasked with reviewing the new Walther Creed pistol. I know: Poor me, I have to shoot guns for a living. But there’s a problem. How do I present it in an exciting, attention-grabbing way? Do I go with a “Rocky”-franchise reference? One of our Facebook followers attached a picture of Carl Weathers as soon as we posted the Walther Creed. Of course, Shooting Illustrated is known for its tortured musical references, so asking if the firearm public will accept the Creed “with arms wide open” is almost too cheesy to resist. We’re talkin’ Lambeau Field headwear cheesy.
All the major handgun manufacturers make at least one full-size polymer semi-automatic pistol. Most have two. Many have more. Looking at Walther’s product catalogue, you’ll find no less than four 9mm polymer pistols with the same general weight, barrel length, height, finish and capacity. In fact, the CREED is the exact same weight, same barrel and overall length as the PPX. It also has the same finish, capacity, caliber, trigger and almost the exact same shape. So why the CREED? What’s the point?
One common criticism of the firearms industry these days centers on the overall lack of innovation. There are some cool doo dads becoming available now and then, but these are usually from the firearm accessories realm; particularly with ARs. Pistol and rifle newness these days generally comes from aesthetics rather than technology. But one recent innovation is the broadening category of inexpensive-but-good guns on the market. Manufacturing tech is outpacing gun tech and the result is a boon to the buyer’s wallet.