Published on
July 23, 2010 in
German.
The Walther 27 mm Signal Pistol is a smooth-bore weapon firing a variety of some forty different signal cartridges. In addition, two grenades are fired from this weapon: the 27 mm Signal Pistol Grenade 326 L.P., which consists of a small high-explosive projectile weighing approximately 4 ounces, contained in a light-alloy cartridge case; and the Signal Pistol Grenade 361 L.P., which consists of a standard egg grenade attached to a projector stem fitting into the barrel of the pistol, which in this case is provided with a loose smooth-bore liner.
The Kampfpistole (“Battle pistol”), a later development of the signal pistol, is the original pistol modified by boring out and rifling the barrel. A small circular bubble-sight is attached to the left side of the pistol. The four types of ammunition designed for this weapon are: high-explosive, smoke, indicator, and single illuminating star on parachute.
The new Kampfpistole is still a further development. In this weapon, the original model has not been modified by rifling, but a loose steel liner has been fitted. A removable sight is fixed on the barrel, and a folding stock is added. All parts can be readily assembled when in the field. By removal of the liner, any type of ammunition suitable for the original pistol can be fired. However, the H.E. Grenade 361 L.P. cannot be fired from the rifled liner, but use must be made of the smooth-bore liner provided. Furthermore, none of the ammunition designed for the Kampfpistole can be fired in the new Kampfpistole, with or without liner. A new type hollow-charge projectile similar to the hollow charge rifle grenades has been developed for this weapon, but as yet no further information is available.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Weight |
|
5 1/2 lb. |
| Length |
|
23 ins. unfolded |
| |
|
12 ins. folded |
| Caliber |
|
27 mm without liner (1 in.) |
| |
|
23 mm with liner (.9 in.) |
German: p. 201
Published on
April 7, 2010 in
German.
This weapon is steadily taking its place as the standard issue for the German Army. It is even believed to be gradually replacing the Luger (Pistole ’08) as the official German military sidearm.
Although the Walther lacks the stopping power of the U.S. Colt .45, it is, nevertheless, a handy weapon because of its good balance and its double action. This latter feature enables the weapon to be fired simply by squeezing the trigger without cocking the hammer. It is one of the few military automatic pistols with the double action feature.
The Walther is a recoil-operated pistol with a slide that moves directly to the rear, resembling in this respect the Colt rather than the Luger. It is fed by an eight-round magazine that fits into the pistol butt. The safety catch is located at the left rear of the slide. There is also a device which enables a quick check in order to determine whether or not there is a cartridge in the chamber. This is in the form of a small pin which protrudes from the back of the slide when a cartridge is in the chamber.
German standard 9 mm Parabellum ammunition is regular issue, but the pistol will accommodate British and United States manufactured 9 mm Parabellum ammunition for the Sten and Lanchester submachine guns. It will also use Italian Mod. 38 9 mm ammunition designed for the Beretta submachine gun.
A leather holster, spare magazines, and a magazine holder are issued with this weapon.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Caliber |
|
9 mm (actually .347 in.) |
| Weight with empty magazine |
|
2 lb., 1 3/4 oz. |
| Weight with full magazine |
|
2 lb., 5 1/4 oz. |
| Length |
|
8 1/2 ins. |
| Length of barrel |
|
4.75 ins. |
| Principle of operation |
|
Short recoil, double action |
| Feeding device |
|
Removable magazine in butt |
| Capacity |
|
8 rounds |
| Sights |
| Front |
|
Inverted V blade |
| Rear |
|
Open V notch |
| Muzzle velocity |
|
1,040 f/s-1,250 f/s |
| Range |
| Effective |
|
50 ft. |
| Maximum |
|
1,150 yds. |
German: p. 203
