Walther P4
Carl Walther GmbH Sportwaffen · Pistol · Discontinued · 1974
Also known as: Pistole P4, Walther Model P4
Overview
The Walther P4 is a German short-recoil, double-action/single-action semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. Introduced in 1974, it is a shortened evolution of the P1 (the alloy-framed Cold War update of the WWII-era P38), fitted with a 110 mm barrel for a more compact, holster-friendly package. The P4's defining change is the deletion of the slide-mounted manual safety in favour of a decock-only lever, allowing a fast double-action first shot while a redesigned firing-pin safety prevents accidental discharge. It was adopted in limited numbers by West German border, customs and state police forces during the late Cold War.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 780 g (27.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 940 g (33.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 199 mm (7.83") |
| Barrel Length | 110 mm (4.33") |
| Height | 136 mm (5.35") |
| Width | 37 mm (1.46") |
| Sight Radius | 160 mm (6.30") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 350 m/s (1148 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 456 J (336 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Decocker, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Decock Only No Manual Safety, Locked Breech Falling Block, Loaded Chamber Indicator, Single Stack Magazine
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Bundesgrenzschutz · adopted 1974 · as P4
- German Customs Service (Zoll) · as P4
- Rhineland-Palatinate State Police · as P4
- Baden-Wurttemberg State Police · as P4
- South African Police · as P4
Production
Estimated total produced: 5,200 · Production years: 1974-1981
Limited run of roughly 5,200 pistols; mostly issued to West German Bundesgrenzschutz and Customs (Zoll) agencies.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Carl Walther GmbH
Discontinued: 1981
Notes
The P4 replaced the P38/P1's manual slide safety with a decock-only lever and incorporated an improved firing-pin block, addressing a known drop-safety concern of the earlier guns. Production was limited to roughly 5,200 units, making it one of the rarer pistols in the P38 family.
Background
The P4 was the final shortened evolution of the P38 lineage before Walther moved to the wholly new P88 and P99 designs, and is closely associated with West German border and Berlin Wall-era law enforcement service.