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
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.
This pistol grenade is formed by adding to the egg-type hand grenade (Eierhandgranate 39) a plastic stem to which it is attached by a retaining tube. The tube contains the delay igniter at the forward end inside the grenade. An alloy flash tube connects this to the fuze which is located in the base of the stem. The fuze is separated from the primer by a safety pin which is pulled out before the grenade is placed in the pistol barrel. Upon firing, the firing pin strikes the primer which sets off the delay igniter, detonating the explosive charge after a delay of 4.5 seconds.
This grenade, consisting of a rounded nose cap screwed to a cylindrical body, is equipped with four fins which are fixed to the base of the body. A brass or aluminum cartridge crimped to the grenade completes the assembly. A case containing the detonator and main filling is separated from a fixed firing pin in the nose of the grenade by a creep spring. The case is prevented from moving forward before firing by two metal balls in the base of the carrier. An arming rod inserted between the two balls prevents them from moving. This is forced out of the base by setback about ten or twelve yards after the grenade leaves the muzzle of the gun. The balls then slide out of their grooves and the case is free to move against the firing pin, exploding the grenade on impact.