Walther SL
Carl Walther GmbH · Pistol · Discontinued · 1935
Also known as: Walther Leuchtpistole, Signalpistole SL, Walther Model SL
Overview
The Walther SL is a single-shot, break-action 26.5mm signal pistol produced by Carl Walther for the German armed forces before and during the Second World War. Operated by an under-frame locking lever that forms the forward portion of the trigger guard, the smooth-bore pistol fired a wide range of signal cartridges including light, parachute, star-cluster, whistling and smoke signals. Early examples were made of steel with wooden grips, while wartime production increasingly used aluminum with Bakelite grips to conserve strategic materials.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 730 g (25.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Barrel Length | 79 mm (3.11") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 26.5mm Flare · primary — also known as 26.5mm flare, Calibre 4, 4 gauge signal, 26.65mm
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot Break Open
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Break Open Action, Under Frame Locking Lever, Smooth Bore Barrel, Octagonal Chamber Section
Service history
Operators
- Kriegsmarine · as Leuchtpistole
- Luftwaffe · as Leuchtpistole
- Wehrmacht
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Production years: 1935-1945
Produced in large numbers for German forces throughout WWII; exact totals unrecorded.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Carl Walther
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
Widely issued to the Kriegsmarine (including U-boat crews), Luftwaffe and Wehrmacht. Walther-produced examples are marked with the wartime maker code 'ac'. A rare rifled-barrel variant existed for firing anti-tank/grenade munitions.
Background
Signal pistols like the Walther SL were essential naval and aviation survival equipment, used to fire distress and communication flares. On U-boats they were carried for signalling and, at close range, occasionally as improvised weapons.