[Chris Stephens]

Hi there all,

Among my daily "day off" from work activities, I try to sneak at least one visit a week into a trip to the local shooting range and today was one of those days.

Looking into the rather wide array of firearms I have, today I decided to get reaquainted with a favorite-my Walther P-5!

So, grabbing about 100 rounds of 115 grain standard velocity ball 9 mm ammunition, I went to the range to shoot the Walther P-5. After readjusting to the controls with a brief familiarization, i.e. heel based mag release and decocking lever, I headed onto the range.

I was not disappointed and had to adjust for the bar and dot sight set-up, but once I got her dialed in, I was shooting to point of aim at 15 yards.

There's a lot to like about the Walther P-5. Left handed ejection, great ergonomics and a slide that is built like a tank--it is indeed an accurate handgun.

I believe the P-5 will be making it into the range bag for future visits!

Chris

 

[weshowe]

chris,

I've always been intrigued by the P5 and Walthers in general. For now I have my Beretta 92 Compact, P225, P226 conversions, and BHP .357 Sig/.40 conversions to keep me busy. That sure does look nice.

Wes

 

[dogsoldier0513]

Southern Ohio Gun has surplus P5s at VERY attractive prices.

 

[twoguns]

Howdy Mr. Chris,

A very nice looking target and pistol sir. I have never had the chance to shoot a P-5, but have always heard very good things about them. You simply confirmed that once again. Enjoy her, and she seems to be a keeper for sure.

twoguns

 

[romeofoxtrot]

Hi Chris--
Your P-5 is one of the most aesthetically pleasing firearms it has ever been my privilege to lust over. I've always loved their look ever since I saw my first one. I do have one question. How do you perform clearance drills that involve locking the slide back? Must an empty magazine be available in order to do that or is there another way? A local pawn shop has one of these babies for sale -- not as handsome as yours -- but within my price range. I'd just like to know about that operation before I start trying to find trading material or revising my budget.
--Ray

 

[Chris Stephens]

Hello romeofoxtrot,

No, I have not done any clearance drills with the P-5. Right now, I use it as a recreational shooter and not as a carry weapon. I've had a couple of jambs using WWB ammo and the overlong Bullet Seating Depth is critical to these handguns as a bullet that is too long will force the slide stop up. (cured by removing some material from the slide stop extention).

Not to be deterred, I am experimenting with other brands of 9mm ammunition.

It is a very nice weapon and the current pricing for brand new ones offered by the sole importer of surplus production NIB P-5's is approaching the $1,000.00 mark.

They are indeed fine handguns and quite revolutionary by the standards of their entry into the European handgun market.

Chris

 

[silversport]

I am curious as to what makes them revolutionary???...I thought it was a improved/nicer P-38 (P1?)...I like the right side ejection on the P5C (I am a Southpaw)...I always thought these were nice pistols...the compact is sweet too...thanks for sharing...am I confusing this pistol with another Walther???
Bill

 

[spikey614]

Didn't "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." use those?

 

[silversport]

hmmmmm, Napoleon Solo...

Bill

 

[denfoote]

The P5 is a wonderful gun.
I am satisfied with mine.
However, mags are expensive and, as far as I know, can only be obtained from Earl's.

http://www.waltherusa.net/

 

[larry]

Hello Chris and all,

I'm a great fan of the P5 - the ultimate classic semi-auto in my opinion - great ergonomics, best sights, compact, decent trigger and so on

Romeo, the slide can be locked back by pushing up a tiny lever under the thumb lever (used to close the slide and decock). It is surely intricate to use as it was conceived more to prevent any unvolontary locking of the slide by the thumb than to support flash clearance drills...

Bye.

L.

 

[Chris Stephens]

Hello Larry,

Shooting the P-5 just simply is a shear joy for the great ergonomics that you mentioned. I do enjoy the generous sights and great handling/safety characteristics of the P-5.

While I do not shoot the P-5 as regularly as many of my "other" handguns, it is a shear pleasure to shoot it when I can.

Chris