Walther Model 6 - WW1 Officer's Sidearm

Summary

Ian presents the Walther Model 6, an uncommon German pistol developed during World War I. Walther scaled up its Model 4 design to make a pistol chambered for 9mm Parabellum, a cartridge used by the German military in weapons such as the Luger and 9mm C96 Mauser.

Main points

• A larger version of the Model 4: The Model 6 retained the Model 4’s basic design but was chambered for 9mm Parabellum. It was the largest pistol in Walther’s early Model 1–9 series.
• The challenge of blowback operation: Unlike locked-breech pistols, the Model 6 used simple blowback. Slide mass and recoil-spring pressure had to keep the action closed until chamber pressure fell. The powerful 9mm cartridge made this challenging and required a much heavier pistol.
• Weight and capacity: The Model 6 weighed about 34 ounces, compared with about 19 ounces for the .32 ACP Model 4. It used an eight-round, single-stack magazine.
• Limited military interest and production: Walther offered the pistol to the military beginning in 1915, but officials rejected it because they preferred a locked-breech 9mm pistol. Production ended in 1917 after a little over 1,000 pistols had been made. The Model 6 was never formally adopted, although some examples were privately purchased by officers and reportedly saw wartime use.
• Rarity: The example shown is serial number 1,030. Ian notes that Model 6 pistols are scarce today.
• Design and markings: The pistol has a manual safety at the rear of the frame, a heel-release magazine catch, and a recoil spring positioned above the barrel. Its markings include Walther’s name and banner, “Self-loading pistol,” its 9mm caliber, patent wording, and commercial proof marks.

Disassembly

1. Push in the front barrel shroud and rotate it about 90 degrees to release its bayonet-style catch.
2. Remove the recoil spring, which sits over the barrel.
3. Draw the slide back and lift it off the frame.

Ian also points out the hammer, sear and trigger bar, and spring-loaded firing pin.

Speakers and sources

• Ian — the presenter and narrator.
• Othais of C&Rsenal — cited as the maker of a related video covering the Walther Model 4 and the background of the pistol series.
• Rock Island Auction Company — the location of the presentation and the auction house offering the featured pistol.