New Walther mini-pistol coming soon?

[MattyD380]

Someone on the Walther forum was snooping patents...

https://patents.google.com/patent/US...lther&sort=new

This one, specifically, is for a new slide/frame interface where the rails run through the center of the frame (as in, not on either side). That's pretty neat. I guess it allows the gun to have a thinner profile overall.

You can also see what looks like side-by-side feed ramps in the frame (so, maybe some kinda dual-feed mag?), a manual safety and a striker-fired mechanism. If you dig a little deeper in Walther's list of patents, you'll see a design for a new extractor (which appears to be "special" in some way--though my eye for schematics is lacking) and some kinda VP9ish slide-rack-assist nubs. There's also a design in there for new space-efficient mags (which don't appear to be dual feed?).

While patents certainly don't definitely mean there's gonna be a new gun... what's there all seems to be oriented around this idea of a small, slim, hi-cap pistol. So, I feel like we'll see something. Eventually.

Here's a link to thread on the Walther forum: https://www.waltherforums.com/thread...atents.130536/

[spyderco monkey]

Great find. Hopefully a Walther P365 future Bond Gun.

[wmu12071]

Great find. Hopefully a Walther P365 future Bond Gun.

Is that basically a slide rail down the middle on the back of the side below the strike channel???

[Lex Luthier]

Is that basically a slide rail down the middle on the back of the side below the strike channel???

I would say "yes".

That is an unusually functional-looking patent drawing.

[wmu12071]

I would say "yes".

That is an unusually functional-looking patent drawing.

Agreed, I was trying to figure our how the striker is engaged and why these things would be a benefit. I have some ideas but none that seems to really solve a problem other than dropping the bore axis a very small amount.

[MattyD380]

Agreed, I was trying to figure our how the striker is engaged and why these things would be a benefit. I have some ideas but none that seems to really solve a problem other than dropping the bore axis a very small amount.

My guess is the center-mounted rail system is supposed to allow for a thinner slide… while possibly allowing for a wider mag?

[Totem Polar]

Great find. Hopefully a Walther P365 future Bond Gun.

Seems apropos, now that 007 has all the bits needing sliding lube on the inside too.

[WOLFIE]

I think the one piece slide rail in the rear of the slide also has the function of pushing a round out of the magazine and into the chamber. The frame rail that mates with this slide rail will be located at the rear of the frame- at the very rear of the frame. The sear will be in front of this frame rail.

[gc70]

The patent for a Loading Aid of a Firearm shows the same pistol, but obviously with an optic-mounting plate and a manual safety.

[spyderco monkey]

My guess is the center-mounted rail system is supposed to allow for a thinner slide… while possibly allowing for a wider mag?

Thats what the patent seems to be saying - the goal is for a thinner slide then normal.