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Walther P5



Overview


P5

Left side view of Walther P5 pistol.
Source: www.schietsportdrv.nl - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Germany
Type
Pistol
Entered service
Late 1970's
Status
Limited service
Development
Mid 1970's
Developer
Germany - Walther
Production
1977 - 1993
Producer
Germany - Walther
Number produced
About 120.000, including 10.000 P5 Compact
Designations
L102A1 (P5 Compact in UK service)
Notable users
Germany
Netherlands

Description


Introduction

The P5 is a late Cold War era pistol of German origin. It was developed by Walther specifically for police use. For that reason the design was kept as compact as possible and multiple safeties were implemented. With the advent of polymer frame pistols the P5 is no longer considered lightweight and the 8 round magazine capacity is limited by today's standards.

Design

The design was derived from the World War 2 era Walther P38 pistol. The P5 is a short recoil operated pistol with locked breech. In the P5 the slide covers the barrel resulting in a different look from the P38. Innovative features such as an alloy frame and firing pin safety were added. A single stack magazine is used. Cases are ejected to the left, which is rather uncommon.

Firepower

The P5 is a semi-automatic pistol that fires the 9x19mm round from an 8 round magazine. Despite its short barrel length accuracy is quoted as good. The design is also very reliable. The compact model has similar characteristics as the standard full size model.

Users

The P5 was adopted in large numbers by German and Dutch police forces and was sold in limited quantities to various other nations. Most P5 ended up in police use. The UK acquired about 3.000 P5 Compact for use in Northern Ireland. In both Germany and the Netherlands it has been replaced by more modern designs.

Variants


Walther P5

The baseline model of the P5 is the full size model. It can be distinguished from the Compact model by the barrel that extends from the frame. It also has a longer slide and full size hammer and sights.

Walther P5 Compact

The P5 Compact is a smaller and lighter version of the full size P5. Unlike the full size model the Compact model is often fitted with wooden grips. The lower profile sights and hammer make the compact model easier to draw as a concealed carry weapon.

Details


Facts P5 P5 Compact
General
Origin
Germany
Type
Pistol
Caliber
Caliber
9x19mm Parabellum
Feed system
8 round box
Barrel length
90 mm
Rifling
6 grooves, 250 mm right hand twist
Muzzle velocity
360 m/s
Operation
Action
Short recoil operated, locked breech
Fire selector
0 - 1
Rate of fire
Semi-automatic
Dimensions
Length
180 mm
Width
32 mm
Height
130 mm
Weight
0.796 kg empty
0.885 kg loaded
Sights
Mechanical
Iron sights, blade front and square notch rear
Sight radius
141 mm

Media


Related articles


Walther P38

The P5 police pistol was derived from the proven design of the World War 2 era P38 pistol.