The Walther 27 mm Signal Pistol is a smooth-bore weapon firing a variety of some forty different signal cartridges. In addition, two grenades are fired from this weapon: the 27 mm Signal Pistol Grenade 326 L.P., which consists of a small high-explosive projectile weighing approximately 4 ounces, contained in a light-alloy cartridge case; and the Signal Pistol Grenade 361 L.P., which consists of a standard egg grenade attached to a projector stem fitting into the barrel of the pistol, which in this case is provided with a loose smooth-bore liner.
The Kampfpistole (“Battle pistol”), a later development of the signal pistol, is the original pistol modified by boring out and rifling the barrel. A small circular bubble-sight is attached to the left side of the pistol. The four types of ammunition designed for this weapon are: high-explosive, smoke, indicator, and single illuminating star on parachute.
The new Kampfpistole is still a further development. In this weapon, the original model has not been modified by rifling, but a loose steel liner has been fitted. A removable sight is fixed on the barrel, and a folding stock is added. All parts can be readily assembled when in the field. By removal of the liner, any type of ammunition suitable for the original pistol can be fired. However, the H.E. Grenade 361 L.P. cannot be fired from the rifled liner, but use must be made of the smooth-bore liner provided. Furthermore, none of the ammunition designed for the Kampfpistole can be fired in the new Kampfpistole, with or without liner. A new type hollow-charge projectile similar to the hollow charge rifle grenades has been developed for this weapon, but as yet no further information is available.
| Weight | 5 1/2 lb. | |
| Length | 23 ins. unfolded | |
| 12 ins. folded | ||
| Caliber | 27 mm without liner (1 in.) | |
| 23 mm with liner (.9 in.) |
German: p. 201
This grenade consists of a die cast aluminum container which encases a steel tube containing the explosive charge. Into the steel tube is screwed a direct action nose fuze with a protruding striker head. The striker is held away from the detonator by six steel balls kept in position by a steel collar supported on three aluminum pins. The creep spring separates the striker and primer beneath which is a booster separated from the main filling by an empty air space. The black powder propelling charge is contained in a cup with a lead Styphnate primer. The grenade has grooves on the aluminum body fitting the rifling of the Kampfpistole from which it is discharged.
The cartridge consists of a light alloy outer container complete with the propelling charge and an inner-container in which there are six star units. Running through the center of the star units is an assembly of two brass tubes with selector holes for the six choices of settings. The inner tube contains gunpowder and is closed by a plug which contains a delay pellet. In firing, the inner container is propelled and after the delay pellet has burned through, the flash passes immediately along the whole length of the inner tube, igniting and ejecting the stars in accordance with the setting.