Introduction
The Walther GSP, Gebrauchs Sport Pistole (Sport Pistol for Standard Use), is a single-action, precision target shooting pistol made in Germany by Walther Sportwaffen. It has the same technical base as the Walther OSP and thus is almost identical in outward appearance, albeit slightly longer and heavier than the OSP.
The GSP was introduced on the world market in 1968 and was chambered for .22 Long Rifle. At the end of 1971, Walther began offering the pistol in .32 S&W Long Wadcutter as well. Regardless of its original caliber, conversion units for the other caliber are available and easily interchangeable. The anatomical, adjustable walnut grips were also available, on order from Walther, for left-handed shooters. In 1988, Walther introduced a fully adjustable (for pull, stop, and angle) two-stage trigger that athletes could retrofit their pistols with.
Varians
Some of the very early GSPs were missing the slide stop lever which wasn't incorporated until the 1970s. The early model GSPs, from 1968 to 1977, had a manual safety catch on the left side of the frame. This feature was omitted in 1977 because it was an unnecessary feature on a competition pistol. Also throughout the years, the design of the ergonomic grips underwent several changes.
The GSP chambered for .32 S&W Long WC, sometime referred to as the GSP-C, was intended for use in competitions that only allowed centerfire cartridges. In 1976, Walther offered the GSP MV, which stands for matt vernickelt (matte nickel finish). The MV models were available in both .22 lr and .32 S&W Long calibers.
In 1992, Walther had a special limited edition of the GSP designated as the 25 Jahre (25th Anniversary Edition). The frame of this model had a nickel finish and the bolt had a gold titanium finish. At the time, these sold for 2,549 Deutsche Marks.
In 1996, Walther produced a GSP Atlanta model commemorating the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. These ones also had the gold titanium finish on the bolt.
Today, there is also a more accurate version available known as the GSP Expert which has a vibration-absorbing plastic sleeve around the barrel.
The Walther GSP is a popular choice for the various 25 m pistol shooting events governed by the ISSF (some contested at the Olympic games). The .22 LR variant was used for the 25 m Pistol (formerly "Sport Pistol"), 25 m Standard Pistol while the .32 caliber variant was used in the 25 m Center-Fire Pistol event.
Specifications
- Weight : 1200 g (.22 LR), 1280 g (.32 S&W)
- Length : 295 mm (11.6 in)
- Barrel length : 115 mm (4.35 in)
- Width : 50 mm (2 in)
- Height : 142 mm (5.6 in)
- Cartridge : .22 Long Rifle, .32 S&W Long WC
- Action : Single-Action
- Feed system : 5-shot Magazine, 10-shot Magazine
- Sights : Iron sights
Read More...
