Walther Sturmpistole
Carl Walther GmbH · Pistol · Discontinued · 1942
Also known as: Sturmpistole, Assault Pistol, Kampfpistole Z
Overview
The Walther Sturmpistole ("assault pistol") is a single-shot, break-action grenade-launching pistol developed in Germany during the Second World War. It evolved from the earlier Leuchtpistole flare gun and Kampfpistole by fitting a rifled 26.5mm barrel and a detachable folding shoulder stock, allowing it to be shoulder-fired for improved accuracy. Chambered for 26.5mm ammunition, it could launch anti-tank shaped-charge grenades, fragmentation and shrapnel rounds, smoke, and signal flares at short ranges. Its light hollow-charge projectile and limited range made it largely ineffective against armour, and it was soon eclipsed by the Panzerfaust and Panzerschreck.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2630 g (92.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 584 mm (22.99") |
| Barrel Length | 180 mm (7.09") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Effective Range | 70 m (77 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 275 m (301 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Black Anodized Aluminum |
Calibers
- 26.5mm Flare · primary — also known as 1-inch flare, 26.5mm signal, 26.5x83mm, 26.65mm
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Features: Break Action, Single Shot, Breech Loading, Rifled Barrel, Detachable Folding Stock, Interchangeable Sights, Anti Tank Grenade Capable, Large Bore Signal
Service history
Operators
- German Army (Heer) · adopted 1942 · as Sturmpistole
- Waffen-SS
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 25,000 · Production years: 1942-1945
Produced by Carl Walther and HASAG; total output uncertain, with estimates around 25,000 units including converted Kampfpistolen.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Carl Walther
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
The Sturmpistole is essentially a Kampfpistole with a rifled barrel and an attachable folding stock. Interchangeable sights were used depending on the projectile fired.
Background
German troops nicknamed the grenade-firing flare pistols after their role, and the stocked, rifled Sturmpistole was an attempt to turn the humble signal gun into an emergency close-range anti-tank weapon. Underpowered against Allied armour, it was quickly overshadowed by dedicated recoilless launchers.