Walther TPH
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 pistol
s.
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.
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.
Semi-automatic self-loading pistol
A semi-automatic pistol is a type of handgun which uses a single chamber and barrel, with a mechanism powered by the previous shot to load a fresh cartridge into the chamber...
in .22 Long Rifle
.22 Long Rifle
The .22 Long Rifle rimfire cartridge is a long established variety of ammunition, and in terms of units sold is still by far the most common in the world today. The cartridge is often referred to simply as .22 LR and various rifles, pistols, revolvers, and even some smoothbore shotguns have...
and .25 ACP
.25 ACP
The .25 ACP centerfire pistol cartridge is a semi-rimmed, straight-walled pistol cartridge introduced by John Browning in 1905 alongside the Fabrique Nationale model 1905 pistol...
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 pistol
Pocket pistol
A pocket pistol is an American term for any small, pocket-sized semi-automatic pistol or, less-popular, any other handgun of small caliber, suitable for concealed carry in either a front or rear pocket of a pair of trousers, or in an exterior coat pocket...
s.
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 | Aluminum Alloy |
| Operating Mechanism | Straight blowback |
| Trigger Mechanism | Double action, external hammer and decocking safety |
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
Walther PPK
The Walther PP series pistols are blowback-operated semi-automatic pistols.They feature an exposed hammer, a double-action trigger mechanism, a single-column magazine, and a fixed barrel which also acts as the guide rod for the recoil spring...
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.
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.