Walther GSP Expert
Carl Walther GmbH Sportwaffen · Pistol · Discontinued · 2001
Also known as: GSP Expert, Walther GSP-Expert
Overview
The Walther GSP Expert is a refined variant of the long-running Walther GSP precision target pistol, introduced around 2001 for ISSF 25m Standard Pistol and 25m Centre-Fire Pistol disciplines. Like the base GSP it uses a fixed-barrel blowback action with an unlocked breech, a finely adjustable two-stage trigger housed in a removable trigger module, and an anatomical wraparound target grip available in left- and right-hand configurations. Its defining feature is a vibration-damping aluminium sleeve surrounding the barrel that reduces perceived recoil and muzzle disturbance for tighter shot groups. Chambered primarily in .22 Long Rifle, it retains the platform's signature quick-change caliber kit that lets shooters convert to .32 S&W Long Wadcutter in seconds without tools. The GSP Expert served as the direct predecessor to the redesigned GSP500 unveiled in 2022.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1230 g (43.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 300 mm (11.81") |
| Barrel Length | 114 mm (4.49") |
| Height | 140 mm (5.51") |
| Width | 50 mm (1.97") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 9.8 N (2.2 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 340 m/s (1115 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 150 J (111 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
- .32 S&W Long — also known as .32 Colt New Police, 7.65x23mmR, .32 Long
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Fixed Barrel, Vibration Dampening Aluminum Sleeve, Adjustable Two Stage Trigger, Removable Trigger Module, Anatomical Target Grip, Convertible Caliber Kit, Adjustable Barrel Weights, Match Grade Barrel, Left Or Right Hand Grips, Adjustable Rear Sight
Variants
- Walther GSP Expert (.32 S&W Long) - Centerfire Caliber
Base model
Service history
Operators
- International ISSF competitors · adopted 2001
- Olympic and national shooting teams · adopted 2001
Production
Production years: 2001-2022
Walther does not publicly disclose GSP Expert production numbers; total GSP-platform output exceeds 150,000 units across all variants since 1968. The Expert was superseded by the GSP500 in 2022.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Carl Walther GmbH target pistol design team
Discontinued: 2022
Notes
The GSP Expert continued the GSP platform's hallmark tool-free caliber conversion between .22 LR (5-round magazine) and .32 S&W Long Wadcutter. Two-stage triggers are adjustable from roughly 1,000 g upward. Several listed dimensions are shared with the closely related GSP/GSP500 architecture; the Expert's distinguishing feature is the vibration-damping aluminium barrel sleeve.
Background
The GSP Expert's aluminium barrel sleeve was more than cosmetic: by damping the harmonic vibration of the fixed match barrel, it let 25m rapid-fire shooters keep the sights settled between the five falling targets - a quiet engineering tweak that kept the 1968-vintage GSP design on Olympic firing lines for another two decades.