Walther LP53
Carl Walther GmbH · Pistol · Out Of Production · 1953
Also known as: Walther LP 53, Walther LP-53, Walther Luftpistole 53
Overview
The Walther LP53 is a single-shot spring-piston break-barrel air pistol chambered for .177 (4.5mm) pellets, produced by Carl Walther from 1953 until 1983. Its initials stand for Luftpistole (German for air pistol). The design deliberately echoes the lines of Walther's famous .22 LR Olympia target pistol, with the spring and piston housed inside the grip so that firing recoil mimics that of a rimfire target gun. The barrel is broken open and the triggerguard doubles as a long cocking lever to compress the mainspring, after which a single pellet is loaded into the breech. Equipped with adjustable target sights and an optional clip-on barrel weight, the LP53 was a popular plinking and target pistol of its era and became a pop-culture icon after appearing in promotional photographs of Sean Connery as James Bond.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1150 g (40.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 330 mm (12.99") |
| Barrel Length | 235 mm (9.25") |
| Height | 140 mm (5.51") |
| Width | 40 mm (1.57") |
| Sight Radius | 290 mm (11.42") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Fixed Firing Pin |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 120 m/s (394 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 5 J (4 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 10 m (11 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .177 Air (4.5mm) · primary — also known as .177 caliber, 4.5mm pellet, .177 pellet
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot Breech Loaded
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Break Barrel Spring Piston, Triggerguard Cocking Lever, Single Shot, Adjustable Target Sights, Optional Barrel Weight, Anatomical Grip
Service history
Operators
- Recreational and target air pistol shooters
Production
Estimated total produced: 123,000 · Production years: 1953-1983
Serial numbers ran from approximately 1000 to 124500; the spring-piston break-barrel target pistol was produced for three decades
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Discontinued: 1983
Notes
Not a cartridge firearm — the LP53 is a spring-piston air pistol firing .177 pellets one at a time. Muzzle velocity is modest, with stock examples typically producing roughly 300-400 fps (about 120 m/s) depending on pellet weight and condition. Production ran from serial number ~1000 in 1953 to around 124,500.
Background
The LP53 became famous as the 'James Bond airgun' after Sean Connery was photographed holding one in promotional posters for the early Bond films; the story goes that during the photo shoot a real Walther PPK was unavailable, so the photographer's own LP53 air pistol was used as a stand-in.