All Walther Models & Top Firearms
Carl Walther GmbH Sportwaffen, widely known as Walther, is a legendary German firearms manufacturer with a legacy spanning nearly 150 years. Specializing in diverse firearm production for over a century, the brand has cemented its reputation as a pioneer in the industry.
During World War II, the company’s main factory infamously utilized forced labor from concentration camps. By the war’s end, the factory was destroyed, marking a devastating chapter in its history. However, Walther made a remarkable comeback in 1953, reviving production of its patented designs and rebuilding its name.
In 1993, Walther became part of the PW Group through a subsidiary acquisition but continued operating under its original name. Today, the company’s presence extends to the United States through a dedicated subsidiary responsible for importing its firearms.
Throughout its storied history, Walther has introduced a wide array of firearms, including pistols, rifles, submachine guns, and shotguns. Each model has contributed to the brand's global acclaim. Below, we dive into the Walther firearms that have defined its legacy.
Target Pistols
Walther's lineup of target pistols may be smaller compared to its other categories, but these models have earned a solid reputation for training and competitive shooting. Renowned for their accuracy and reliability, these firearms remain a favorite among shooting enthusiasts and professionals worldwide. Here’s a breakdown of Walther’s most notable target pistols:- OSP Chambered in .22 Short, the OSP was specifically crafted for competitive shooting. Its exceptional accuracy and single-action mechanism made it a go-to choice for serious competitors. Although its production ceased in 1992, it remains a hallmark of Walther’s dedication to precision.
- GSP Introduced in 1968, the GSP is a semi-automatic pistol initially chambered in .22 Long Rifle. In 1971, Walther expanded its versatility by adding a .32 S&W caliber option. Over the years, additional calibers have been introduced, making the GSP highly adaptable with simple, user-friendly adjustments.
- SSP Designed to replace the OSP after competition rules changed, the SSP incorporates several key updates to meet modern standards. This pistol quickly gained recognition for its dependability in rapid-fire events, solidifying its role in Walther’s target pistol arsenal.
- Olympia Developed in 1936, the Olympia became a standout in Walther’s collection thanks to its remarkable reliability and performance. The M1925 variant was the original design, but the pistol’s success led to multiple iterations over time, each tailored for specific needs.
- CSP As an enhanced version of the Olympia, the CSP evolved through various iterations, each featuring refinements to improve its performance. Among these, the Dynamic variant rose to prominence, showcasing Walther’s commitment to innovation and excellence in competitive shooting.
Competition Air Pistols
Walther’s lineup of competition air pistols is designed specifically for the unique demands of shooting sports. With features tailored for accuracy and performance, these pistols are built to excel in competitive environments, though their specialized design makes them less suitable for general use. Here’s a closer look at Walther’s key competition air pistols:- LP300 The LP300 is a top-tier competition air pistol equipped with a mechanical trigger. While it offers exceptional precision, some users note that the trigger settings can be inconsistent over time. For this reason, many opt to replace it with a customized trigger for enhanced reliability.
- LP400 Ideal for beginners, the LP400 is a popular choice in gun clubs and training facilities. As one of Walther’s most affordable air pistols, it strikes a balance between cost and functionality, offering all the essential features for an effective and enjoyable shooting experience.
- LP500 The LP500 stands out as one of Walther’s most advanced competition air pistols. Available in eye-catching finishes like Blue Angel and Black Walnut, it features a mechanical trigger, dry-firing capability, and an adjustable sight that can be rotated for precision. The LP500 is offered in multiple variants, catering to the preferences of professional shooters.
Cartridge Pistols
Walther has built its reputation largely on its cartridge pistols, often referred to as "police pistols" due to their widespread use by law enforcement worldwide. Known for their durability, reliability, and versatility, these pistols have been staples in various roles, from combat to civilian self-defense. Here’s a detailed look at Walther’s cartridge pistol lineup:- SP22 This semi-automatic pistol, chambered in .22 LR, was primarily designed for sports and competitions. Produced between 2008 and 2010, the SP22 is built with steel internal components, ensuring durability. Multiple variants were released during its production.
- Model 4 Patented in 1911, the Model 4 is one of Walther’s oldest designs, celebrated for its simplicity and straightforward functionality.
- Model 8 Manufactured until 1940, this .25 ACP pistol was easy to disassemble due to its minimal parts, making it a practical choice for users seeking reliability.
- Model 9 Also chambered in .25 ACP, the Model 9 features a striker-fired mechanism instead of an internal hammer. Though compact, it’s less reliable than the Model 8.
- PP (Polizeipistole) In continuous production since 1929, the PP series includes various semi-automatic, blowback-operated pistols. These models have been widely used in military and police roles across multiple conflicts.
- PPK Often considered a variant of the PP, the PPK features a shorter grip and reduced magazine capacity, making it a more compact option.
- P38 A legendary 9mm pistol introduced in 1939, the P38 was a favorite during World War II and remains in production today.
- TPH and TP Compact and lightweight, these pistols are chambered in .22 LR and .25 ACP, making them easy to conceal and practical for everyday carry.
- P1 An aluminum-framed variant of the P38, the P1 was used by German police forces until 2004.
- P4 An enhanced version of the P38, the P4 became a standard issue for law enforcement in parts of Germany and South Africa during the 1970s.
- P5 Designed specifically for police forces, the P5 remained in production until 1993, with compact variants available.
- P88 A versatile semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and .22 LR. Variants like Standard, Compact, and Competition cater to different user needs.
- P99 Developed to replace the P38 and P55, the P99 has been in service since 1999. It is also produced under license by Fabryka Broni Radom in Poland.
- P22 This pistol, chambered in .22 LR rimfire, offers both single and double-action capabilities and has been in production since 2002.
- PDP (Performance Duty Pistol) A modular 9mm pistol introduced to replace the PPQ, the PDP is lightweight, easy to assemble, and highly versatile.
- PPS (Police Pistol Slim) Produced between 2003 and 2007, the PPS was available in 9mm and .40 S&W calibers, designed for both civilian and law enforcement use.
- PK380 An updated version of the P22, this pistol uses the .380 Auto cartridge and has been in production since 2009.
- PPQ Available in multiple calibers, the PPQ served police and civilian users from 2011 to 2021. Its variants remain highly sought after for their ergonomic design and performance.
- Creed Designed for the North American market, the Creed was produced between 2016 and 2019, offering affordability without sacrificing quality.
- Q5 Match Built on the PPQ platform, the Q5 Match gained fame for its exceptional trigger reliability, making it a favorite among competitive shooters.
- PPX Manufactured until 2016, the PPX was an affordable option available in 9x19mm Parabellum and .40 S&W calibers.
- CCP (Concealed Carry Pistol) Created specifically for civilian users, the CCP has a slim, concealed profile and has been in production since 2014.
- FP60 Initially produced by Hämmerli before Walther’s acquisition, the FP60’s production ended prior to the transition.
- Q4 SF A modern pistol crafted from a single piece of steel, the Q4 SF is known for its low recoil and exceptional stability, weighing around 40 ounces.
- WMP (Walther Magnum Pistol) Designed with value in mind, the WMP is a lightweight and user-friendly option, making it popular among civilian shooters.
Submachine Guns
While Walther has primarily focused on pistols, its contribution to the submachine gun market is limited but notable. The brand’s sole entry in this category is the MP series, chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum.- MPK and MPL Introduced in 1993, the MP series includes two variants: the MPK, a compact machine pistol, and the MPL, a larger version. The primary difference lies in barrel length, with the MPL also featuring adjustable iron sights with 100- and 200-meter settings. Despite their reliability and solid design, Walther has largely left the submachine gun market unexplored beyond these models.
Target Rifles
Walther has maintained a strong presence in the target shooting world, even with a relatively small selection of target rifles. Here are the standout models:- KK200 A bolt-action rifle chambered in .22 LR, the KK200 gained popularity among professional sports shooters for its precision and versatility, inspiring numerous variants.
- KK300 An upgrade to the KK200, the KK300 introduced mechanical changes but was sometimes seen as a less robust option compared to its predecessor.
- KK500 Known as the pinnacle of Walther’s target rifles, the KK500 offers unmatched precision, an ergonomic stock, and a dependable trigger, making it the go-to choice for expert shooters.
Air Rifles
Walther’s air rifles are celebrated for their comfort, ease of use, and reliability. They’re perfect for both competitive shooting and small game hunting.- Reign M2 Bullpup This lightweight rifle is ideal for target shooting and small game hunting. Its sleek bullpup design makes it feel like an extension of the shooter.
- LGR Produced between 1974 and 1989, the LGR revolutionized competition shooting with its use of 4.5mm diabolo pellets.
- LGV Versatile and sturdy, the LGV is suitable for hunting and competitive shooting, chambered in .177 caliber.
- LG300 A PCP rifle using .177 caliber diabolo pellets, the LG300 gained fame for its competitive performance.
- LG400 Released in 2010 as a successor to the LG300, the LG400 is designed for indoor competitions but has been adapted for outdoor use as well.
Other Rifles
Beyond target and air rifles, Walther has produced several unique firearms with distinct characteristics:- Gewehr 41 Manufactured during World War II in Nazi Germany, this rifle used 7.92x57mm Mauser ammunition and featured design differences from Mauser’s version.
- Gewehr 43 An improved iteration of the Gewehr 41, the Gewehr 43 introduced innovative features for its time.
- MKb 42(W) An early assault rifle prototype from 1942, only 200 units were ever made, making it a rare collector’s item.
- G22 A semi-automatic rifle chambered in .22 LR, the G22 features a polymer and steel bullpup design.
- WA 2000 This semi-automatic sniper rifle, produced in limited quantities between 1982 and 1988, is prized by collectors for its rarity and unique bullpup configuration.
Shotguns
Walther’s shotgun portfolio is limited to just one model:- Walther Automatic Shotgun Produced from 1921 to 1931, approximately 5,000 to 6,000 units of this self-loading shotgun were made. Chambered in 12 and 16 gauge, it bore a striking resemblance to the Browning Auto-5 in style and function.
Walther’s extensive catalog of firearms, from iconic pistols to specialized rifles, reflects the brand’s dedication to quality and innovation. While some models remain in production, others, made in limited quantities, are now highly sought-after collectibles. Whether for law enforcement, competitive sports, or civilian use, Walther continues to uphold its legacy of precision and reliability.