Walther Model 6

Carl Walther GmbH · Pistol · Discontinued · 1915

Also known as: Walther Modell 6

Overview

The Walther Model 6 was Carl Walther's first attempt at a 9x19mm Parabellum service pistol. It scaled up the company's blowback pocket-pistol design to chamber the full-power military cartridge without a locked breech, producing a large, heavy handgun. Only about 1,000 were made during World War I, making it one of Walther's rarest pistols.

Specifications

Weight (empty)960 g (33.9 oz)
Overall Length210 mm (8.27")
Barrel Length120 mm (4.72")
Action TypeBlowback
Firing MechanismInternal Hammer
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Magazine Capacity8 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity360 m/s (1181 fps)
Muzzle Energy481 J (355 ft·lbf)
Effective Range50 m (55 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Number of Grooves6
Frame MaterialSteel
Slide MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialHard Rubber
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Service history

Operators

Conflicts

Production

Estimated total produced: 1,000 · Production years: 1915-1917

Roughly 1,000 produced; among the scarcest Walther pistols

Origin

Country of origin: Germany

Designer: Carl Walther

Discontinued: 1917

Notes

The unlocked blowback action was considered marginal for the 9mm Parabellum, and production was very limited.

Background

The Model 6 was an experiment in firing 9mm Parabellum from a simple blowback action, an approach most makers avoided for safety reasons.