Walther TPH
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Walther TP and TPH handguns are extremely compact double-action lightweight semiautomatic pistols in .22 Long Rifle and .25 ACP calibers. The TP was produced from 1961-1971 and the improved TPH has been produced continuously since 1968. Models have been produced in Germany and (by Interarms) in the US.
Pistols in this size range are sometimes referred to as pocket pistols.
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[edit] Specifications
| Walther TPH Technical Data | ||
|---|---|---|
| Length | 5.3" | 135 mm |
| Height | 3.7" | 95 mm |
| Width | 0.9" | 23 mm |
| Barrel Length | 2.8" | 71 mm |
| Weight, Empty | 11.5 oz | 325 g |
| Walther TPH Description | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calibers | .22 LR, .25 ACP | |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 cartridges | |
| Material, Slide | Steel | |
| Material, Frame | Alloy | |
| Operating Mechanism | Straight blowback | |
| Trigger Mechanism | Double action, external hammer and decocking safety | |
[edit] Walther bite
Due to the extremely compact nature of the Walther TPH, it suffers from a particularly acute case of what is termed by gun enthusiasts as Walther Bite. The TPH slide is vertically so close to the hand holding the pistol that, when the gun is fired, the bottom of the slide hits the web of the hand between thumb and forefinger. After a few firings, this typically leaves bruises and eventually two linear abrasions, one from each side of the slide. Other Walther compact pistols such as the Walther PPK or PP are better known for this phenomenon due to their higher popularity, with more people encountering them this way than with the TPH. However, the TPH has the most significant effects of Walther Bite. Persons firing TPH models over large numbers of rounds for target practice or for familiarization should wear thick leather or other protective shooting gloves with reinforcement between the thumb and forefinger.
[edit] Controversy and issues
The TPH has been the subject of criticism in gun magazines. US manufactured models of the TPH were widely criticized for on average having rougher fit and rougher trigger mechanisms than German made pistols, along with lower reliability than competing pistols from other manufacturers. German manufactured models can no longer be imported into the US.
These criticisms are in a sense relative. US made TPH handguns are still average or better quality handguns, and German made models and the best of the American models are highly reliable and smooth operating weapons.
One operating issue with all light blowback pistols, including the TPH, is that the slide may not cycle properly if the pistol is fired with a weak grip in the firing hand. A firm grip is required for reliable operation.
[edit] Operations
Warning Always treat all firearms as loaded at all times. Do not point firearms in unsafe directions at any time. Consult the owner's manual for proper operating directions and other precautions.
Warning The Walther TPH is a Double-action pistol. Any time that the pistol is loaded with a round in the chamber, unless the safety is in the lower, Safe position, the pistol will fire if the trigger is pulled. This applies whether the hammer is cocked already or not: the double-action trigger mechanism will cock the hammer automatically if it is not already cocked.
Warning As with all semi-automatic pistols, the Walther TPH can have a live round in the chamber despite the ammunition magazine being removed. Even if the magazine has been removed, always check the chamber for a live round by pulling the slide to the rear and visually inspecting the chamber prior to any storage or other operations. Unloading must consist of first removing the magazine then pulling the slide to the rear and visually inspecting the chamber to ensure no live rounds remain within the pistol.
[edit] Loading
The Walther TPH 6-round magazine is fitted into the handgrip. To load the pistol, point it down or in another safe direction, and insert a loaded magazine into the slot in the bottom of the handgrip. Push it in until the magazine release button at the bottom rear of the handgrip clicks forwards. Tug on the magazine to ensure that the magazine release has completely engaged.
Once a loaded magazine has been inserted, a round can be chambered as follows. Move the safety lever on the slide into the upper or fire position. Pull back the slide fully to the rear, approximately 1.3"/34 mm. Release the slide from the fully rear position. It should move back to the fully forwards position, chambering a round in the process. Key Safety Note: At this point the pistol is both loaded and cocked.
If the firearm is not going to be fired immediately, it should be decocked. Point the pistol down or in another safe direction. Lower the safety lever on the slide into the lower position. The hammer should click down.
[edit] Unloading
Point the pistol down or in a safe direction. Press the magazine release at the bottom rear of the handgrip. The magazine should spring out approximately 0.1"/2 mm. Pull the magazine the rest of the way out of the gun. Continuing to point the pistol down or in a safe direction, grip the slide and firmly pull it fully to the rear. Tilt the pistol so that the chamber is visible through the ejection port and confirm that no round remains in the chamber, then confirm that the magazine well is empty. Release the slide and allow it to move fully forwards.
Safety Note: The pistol should be decocked by lowering the safety lever on the slide to the lower position before storage or further operations.
[edit] Field stripping
[edit] Dissassembly
Point the pistol down or in a safe direction. Unload the pistol and verify that it is empty per above.
Pull down on the front of the trigger guard. It should rotate approximately 1"/25 mm downwards and visibly completely clear the frame of the pistol. Holding the trigger guard down, pull the pistol's slide to the rear. It should move further than in normal operation, about 2"/51 mm. Once it is fully to the rear, the rear end of the slide may be rotated up approximately 0.25"/6 mm, clear of the rails it moves on. The front of the slide is still around the barrel at this point. To remove the slide, move it straight forwards and clear of the front of the barrel.
At this point the pistol is field-stripped and may be cleaned. The mainspring may optionally be pulled forwards off the barrel for additional cleaning. Note that the mainspring is wider around the front of the barrel.
[edit] Reassembly
To reassemble the pistol, put the mainspring back around the barrel, with the wider spring end at the front of the barrel. Ensure that there is no magazine or ammunition in the pistol. Hold the slide above the pistol frame, with the front angled down somewhat. Pull down on the trigger guard to pull its front completely clear of the frame. Move the front of the slide down and back, fitting around the mainspring and barrel. When the barrel has fitted through the front opening in the slide, pull the slide fully to the rear. Once it is fully to the rear, push its back end downwards until it seats completely. The final push downwards slightly compresses the hammer spring, with additional resistance. Keep pushing the slide down, and now gently forwards until it has lined up completely and begins to move forwards. Once the slide moves fully forwards, release the triggerguard and make sure it moves back into fully up position. Pull the slide to the rear twice to ensure that the slide has completely properly seated on the rails. The pistol is now reassembled.
Safety Note: The pistol should be decocked by lowering the safety lever on the slide to the lower position before storage or further operations.
[edit] References
- Walther TPH Users Manual
