Walther KKW
Carl Walther GmbH · Rifle · Discontinued · 1938
Also known as: KKW, Kleinkaliber Wehrsportgewehr, Walther Small-Bore Military Training Rifle
Overview
The Walther KKW (Kleinkaliber Wehrsportgewehr, or small-caliber military sport rifle) is a single-shot bolt-action training rifle chambered in .22 Long Rifle. Produced by Carl Walther from 1938 to the end of the Second World War, it was patterned closely on the Mauser Karabiner 98k, sharing its overall dimensions, two-barrel-band stock, tangent rear sight graduated to 200 metres, and an 'H'-style bayonet lug. Developed from Germany's earlier DSM-34 marksmanship program, the KKW improved on its predecessor by matching the handling and appearance of the issue service rifle far more closely, allowing recruits and Hitler Youth members to train economically on rimfire ammunition.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3600 g (127.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1000 mm (39.37") |
| Barrel Length | 660 mm (25.98") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 330 m/s (1083 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 141 J (104 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: K98 Pattern Stock, Bayonet Lug, Tangent Rear Sight, Two Barrel Bands, Cleaning Rod
Service history
Operators
- Wehrmacht · adopted 1938 · as KKW
- Hitler Youth · adopted 1938
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Production years: 1938-1945
Walther-produced examples are scarce, with estimates of fewer than 6,000 units; total KKW output across all manufacturers was considerably higher.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Carl Walther
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
The KKW was also produced under licence by other German makers including Gustloff-Werke, ERMA and BSW; Walther-marked examples are among the scarcest, with fewer than roughly 6,000 made.
Background
Because the post-WWI Treaty of Versailles restricted German military weapons production, .22 rimfire trainers like the KKW let the Reich quietly maintain a marksmanship base; cadets drilled with a rifle that looked, balanced and bayonet-fixed almost exactly like the Karabiner 98k they would later carry into the field.