Walther P88

The Walther P88 is a semiautomatic pistol developed by the Walther company of Germany in 1988,[1] hence the model name P88. Its main feature is a high-capacity double-stacked magazine designed for military and law enforcement use.

Walther P88
P88 with Nill wood grips
TypeSemi-automatic pistol
Place of originWest Germany
Production history
DesignerCarl Walther GmbH
Designed1988
ManufacturerCarl Walther GmbH
Produced1988–1996
VariantsP88 Compact, P88 Champion, P88 Sport
Specifications
Mass895 g (31.6 oz)
LengthP88: 187 mm (7.4 in)
P88 Compact: 181 mm (7.1 in)
Barrel lengthP88: 102 mm (4.0 in)
P88 Compact: 97 mm (3.8 in)
Cartridge9×19mm Parabellum
.22 Long Rifle
ActionShort recoil operated, locked breech
Effective firing range60 m, 67 yd (9×19mm Parabellum)
Feed system15-round detachable box magazine
SightsFront blade, rear notch

In 1996, Walther discontinued the pistol in favour of the slightly lighter and smaller P88 Compact, which was also cheaper to manufacture.[1]

The Walther P88 is highly prized among collectors and sport shooters due to its accuracy (40 to 50 mm [1.5 to 2 in] groups at 20 m [25 yd]) and high-quality construction.

Variants
Comparison (from left to right) SIG Sauer P226, TZ 99 (CZ 99), Walther P88, Bersa Thunder 9

P88 Compact

The Compact is lighter and a bit smaller with only minor differences.

The standard P88 was heavily criticised for being bulky, heavy and expensive; the Compact solved some of these issues. There were many complaints about the full-size model's slide stop as well. It was thought to be hard to reach and manipulate, requiring the user to shift the gun in hand to operate. This was corrected with the P88 Compact at the expense of losing a very popular feature; it's unique combination ambidextrous decocker and slide release. It was replaced with a CZ 99-style combination decocker and conventional slide stop/release. This allowed the pistol to function as a DAO (double action only) or conventional DA/SA.

Both these pistols are fully ambidextrous with the exception of the compact's slide stop/release. Full ambidextrous control was an industry first and the original P88 likely would have sold well were it not for the high cost. Both models remain collectible.

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See also

References
  1. world.guns.ru Modern Firearms - Walther P-88 (Germany)
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