Walther SSP
Carl Walther GmbH Sportwaffen · Pistol · In Production · 2007
Also known as: Walther SSP Rapid Fire, SSP
Overview
The Walther SSP is a German semi-automatic target pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle, developed by Carl Walther for the ISSF 25 metre rapid fire pistol discipline. Introduced in 2007 in response to rule changes that switched the event to .22 LR ammunition, it replaced Walther's earlier OSP model. The SSP uses a hammerless LINEAR-System in which the striker travels parallel to the barrel axis to eliminate tilting moments, paired with a pneumatic MOTION CONTROL System that damps the slide and smooths the release. Its very light alloy construction allows the weight and centre of gravity to be tuned with counterweights, and it ships with adjustable laminated-wood grips in three sizes.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 970 g (34.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 230 mm (9.06") |
| Barrel Length | 153 mm (6.02") |
| Height | 135 mm (5.31") |
| Width | 50 mm (1.97") |
| Sight Radius | 220 mm (8.66") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 10 N (2.2 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 330 m/s (1083 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 141 J (104 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Laminated Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Linear Striker System, Pneumatic Motion Control, Adjustable Grip, Adjustable Sights, Counterweight Balancing, Low Bore Axis
Variants
- Walther SSP-E - Electronic Trigger
Production
Production years: 2007-present
Produced as a dedicated ISSF rapid-fire match pistol; an electronic-trigger SSP-E variant is also offered.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Carl Walther GmbH
Notes
Built specifically for ISSF 25 m Rapid Fire Pistol competition, which is fired at five targets in timed sequences. ISSF rules mandate a minimum trigger pull of 1000 g (approximately 9.8 N).
Background
When the ISSF switched the 25 m Rapid Fire Pistol event from .22 Short to .22 Long Rifle ammunition in 2005, manufacturers had to develop entirely new guns. Walther's answer, the SSP, became one of the most successful Olympic rapid-fire pistols, used by medal-winning shooters at the Olympic Games and ISSF World Cups.