Walther Model 8 at the range

[David LaPell]

I picked this little Model 8 .25 up for $100 a couple of months back. The grips were pretty much warped beyond any use. I just got the replacements in and I gave it a run through using Remington FMJ. Nearly 40 rounds, no misfeeds, not a hitch.

 

[contender]

Great score on a neat old gun!

 

[Mike Armstrong]

Is that Model 8 what it looks like, a miniature Browning 1910, or does it have some bells and whistles that I can't see? WHAT a deal for a C-note!

 

[David LaPell]

Internally the Walther is much different, it takes down easier and has a better safety. The Walther Model 4 resembles the 1910 Browning somewhat, but as much as Browning's designs were so well put together, the Walthers had a slight edge in less parts and overall simplicity. The only real flaw was the way the Walthers had the grips secured. Kind of hokey with the medallions.

 

[Mike Armstrong]

Thanks, David; that's interesting. Looks like the Germans took a good thing and made it better. This was made easier by the European patent system in which a patent expires after only 10 years (why the Spanish were able to come out with an "improved 1911" in 1921).