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The Walther Model 2 and Model 5 by Ed Buffaloe
The Walther Model 2 and Model 5 are essentially the same gun. The Model 2 vest pocket pistol was probably manufactured from 1914 through part of 1915. The Model 5 was produced from 1915-1923. Internally and externally the two .25 caliber (6.35 mm) guns are nearly identical. I have not been able to examine every variant of the Walther Models 2 and 5, so what I can provide here is information and descriptions from the available books, along with photographs and details of the two guns I own. Model 2 The early Model 2 had an unusual pop-up rear sight that served as a loaded chamber indicator, and a small front sight dovetailed into the slide. These were eliminated in later production, most likely because the loaded chamber indicator was complicated and expensive to manufacture, and the small parts may have been easily damaged in use. I’ve never seen one of these early models. If you have one, I’d appreciate having some detailed photographs, and I’d also like to collect serial numbers and try to get an idea how many were made.
On the later Model 2 the pop-up rear sight was replaced by a sighting groove down the top of the slide, with a tiny raised point at the center to serve as a front sight. To the best of my knowledge, no other changes were made. Marschall states that total production of the Model 2 was about 19,000 pistols. Serial numbers began around 1100 and extended into the 18,000s, though he indicates that some may have gone considerably higher.
The differences between the late Model 2 and the early Model 5 are a bit hazy. There was no interruption in production, but there must have been minor changes to justify the new model designation. The left side slide legend and Walther banner remained the same, and the early Model 5 retained the 9 coarse slide serrations of the Model 2. As best I can determine, the most significant external change was the addition of an address on the right side of the slide. The address read Carl Walther WAFFENFABRIK Zella St.Blasii. At some point, the serial number on the Model 5 was moved to the left side of the frame, just behind the trigger. Internally, Marschall indicates that the rear portion of the barrel, where the chamber is, on the Model 5 was a couple-hundredths of an inch thicker than the rest of the barrel (0.37 inch as opposed to 0.35 inch). According to Gangarosa, the Model 2 had four grooves in the barrel, whereas the Model 5 had six, but Marschall says that either model may have 4 or 6 grooves. The Model 5s are said to be better finished than the Model 2s, but this can be difficult to distinguish on old pistols, depending on their state of preservation. According to Gangarosa, the first variant of the Model 5 was made during the First World War, with serial numbers ranging from approximately 10,000 to 60,000. However, Marschall says that the first block of Model 5 serial numbers ran from 5,000 to 110,000. The late Model 5, or second variant, was made subsequent to the war. It featured 16 fine triangular-cut serrations on the rear of the slide, and an ejection port that was more squared off than that of the first variant. The address on the second variant pistols was CARL WALTHER WAFFENFABRIK ZELLA-MEHLIS I. The third variant Model 5 added a flat ridge down the top of the slide with a matte finish to reduce glare, and small raised front and rear sights. At some point the design of the magazine release catch was changed slightly, and I assume it was either with the second or third variant. The right side slide address on the third variant read WAFFENFABRIK WALTHER ZELLA-MEHLIS. The left side legend was changed to WALTHER’S- PATENT CAL.6,35. Gangarosa states that only about 10,000 post-war Model 5s were made, with serial numbers running up above 90,000. However, Marschall indicates that there were two groups of serial numbers after the war in the ranges from 250,000 to 270,000 and 350,000 to 390,000. Marschall states that total production of all Model 5s was about 120,000.
The entire line of Walther pistols from the Model 2 through the Model 7 are of a similar type: blowback operated, with a fixed barrel, concentric recoil spring, a concealed hammer, and a positive safety that locks the hammer when cocked. The recoil spring of the Models 2 and 5 is held on with a knurled bushing on the front of the barrel, much like the 1910 Browning, which almost certainly influenced its design. The rear of the spring fits into a sleeve that prevents the spring being visible in the ejection port of the slide, and probably also helps prevent dirt from getting into the works. A lot of people misassemble the guns with this bushing on front of the spring, which leaves the spring visible in the ejection port. I measure my gun at 4.3 inches long by 3.1 inches high. It was the smallest vest pocket .25 until the advent of the Model 9, which is still the smallest to the best of my knowledge. Field Stripping
Do not pull the trigger with the gun disassembled, as it could damage the lockwork. The Model 5 is exquisitely well made and a pleasure to shoot. It is reasonably accurate out to 20 feet or so. Having owned 15 or more different .25 caliber pistols over the years, I have come to the conclusion that the Walther Model 5 is my overall favorite. It has good ergonomics, good accuracy, and is very reliable. Copyright 2007-2009 by Ed Buffaloe. All rights reserved.
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The Model 2 was marked SELBSTLADE-PISTOLE CAL.6,35.WALTHER’S-PATENT on the left side of the slide, with the Walther banner below. The right side of the slide was unmarked. The Model 2 serial number
was on the right side trigger guard bow. There were nine angled square cuts at the rear of the slide, each about a millimeter wide, which served as a gripping surface for retracting the slide. The standard grips were
checkered hard rubber with the superposed CW logo in an oval at the top. On some guns, the oval on the
left grip had “Caliber 6,35” instead of the CW logo. The standard finish was blue, but nickel was available by special order.
Wood or ivory grips were also available by special order. Marschall states that some Model 2s had a magazine safety, but my late version does not have it, and I have no details on how it may have worked.
