Interarms Walther Model P5c Compact, Blue 3” 9mm RARE SA/DA Semi-Automatic Pistol & Case, MFD 1989

SOLD FOR:$2,175.01
LSB#: 171104MS10

Make: This pistol was manufactured by Carl Walther in Germany, Imported by Interarms.

Model: P5 Compact (pistole38.nl/walther-p5/p5-compact)

Serial Number: 151016

Year of Manufacture: 1989 (IK Date Code)

Caliber: 9mm Parabellum

Action Type: Single or Double Action Semi-Auto with 8 Round Removable Magazine (no magazine included)

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked with the serial number of the gun followed by the Walther Banner logo / “P5 COMPACT”. The left side of the frame is marked with the serial number as well. The right side of the slide is marked “INTERARMS ALEXANDRIA/VA”  over “MADE IN GERMANY” and with an “Eagle / N” nitro proof at the front. The right side of the frame above the front of the trigger guard is marked with an “Eagle / N” proof, an “IK” date code and an Ulm antler proof. Just under the muzzle, the pistol is marked with the Walther Banner, “9mmx19 / 51016”.

Barrel Length: 3.1”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a low profile blade with a white dot that is fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed into the slide that has two white dots. The top of the slide has a thin rib, which is serrated with a matte finish to reduce glare.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece checkered wood. A source online described the early guns with the magazine release at the heel to have checkered grips. The later guns with a thumb release had either smooth wood or plastic grips installed. This gun has the later thumb release of the earlier checkered pattern wood grips. We are not sure about the manufacturing techniques used, but the grips appear original to the gun and with the rarity of this firearm difficult to find one to compare it to. The checkering is sharp and the pattern appropriate. The grips are free of chips or cracks and fit the frame well, they are a little shy at the web of the hand, but equal on both sides. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: All Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are a few very light and easily overlooked scratches on the right side of the slide in the polished portion with the markings. There are a few specks of finish loss on the frame where the proof marks are. This is very light, insignificant, marks from normal operation, likely from checking and clearing the gun. The grip screw is sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol is housed in the original black plastic factory box with matching end label to the gun. Sorry, there is no magazine or other accessories included.

Our Assessment: The Walther P5 compact (P5c) is a shorter and lighter version of the full size P5. Production of the compact started in 1988 at serial number 150000. Approximately 24000 P5c’s were produced and the first 800 pistols (up to serial number 150800) can be considered as the early variation. These early pistols are fitted with wooden grips. Pistols with serial numbers above 150800 commonly have plastic grips. All full sizes Walther P5’s have the magazine release in the heel of the grip. A few compacts were produced with a comparable heel release but these are considered to be very rare. This gun falls just outside of the first 800 (216 later) retaining wood checkered grips and the magazine thumb release, instead of the heel. Having the box is a great addition. With the limited production and importation of this gun, we imagine this will find a great home in a Walther Collectors safe, waiting the day to find that P5 magazine with the half-moon-shaped cut in the front of the body.