In the recent past, Carl Walther has successfully introduced the new Performance Duty Pistol (PDP) pistol series with polymer grip and in an all-steel construction as PDP Steel Frame (SF). This is joined by the PDP F-Series, which is ideal for concealed carriers and shooters. As is well known, the PDP-based P14 and P14K service pistols are also supplied to the German special forces, which is probably the crowning glory of the success of this series to date. We already tested all Walther PDP pistol models here on all4shooters.com and presented them in detail (if you would like to find out more, simply enter the three letters PDP in the search field above).
Walther Managing Director Bernhard Knöbel now also has a heart for rimfire sports pistols, so that the GSP 500, the successor to the legendary GSP and the Classic Sports Pistol (CSP) series, which is not designed for top-level Olympic sports and which we have already presented in its entirety on all4shooters.com, have been added to the broad Walther product portfolio. This series, which is not hypermodern but rather classically styled, is based on the basic features of the 1936 Olympic pistol and consists of four models: Classic, Expert, Expert Walnut and Dynamic.
Walther CSP: a quality quartet
For disciplines for informal recreational shooting ("plinking") or non-Olympic shooting sports disciplines and the two-handed shooting position, the Hämmerli X-Esse was previously in the company's catalog, which was kept simpler in terms of manufacturing technology and was therefore offered at a relatively low price. This has now disappeared completely from the product portfolio of the almost 140-year-old company as part of the CSP family. The CSP series is particularly interesting for shooters who are looking for a rimfire pistol made of robust, high-quality materials with a design that is not too sporty. Frame and slide are made of forged steel, while the main assemblies have a resistant Tenifer QPQ coating. All models are fitted with a 150-mm barrel with a conventional rifling. The CSP Classic with an ambidextrous 1911-style grip, micrometre rear sight and target front sight is the most affordable model in the range at €1,299 (RRP). The CSP Dynamic presented here features an extended walnut grip designed for ambidextrous shooting, an ovesized safety and an 11-mm prism rail for mounting red dot sights. Its non-binding recommended retail price is €1,399. (All prices quoted may be different in your country depending on VAT and import duties.)
The two Expert models with an anatomic grip made of laminated wood or walnut are designed for one-handed firing and have a price tag of €1,499. Typical design features of the Walther Olympia pistol from the 1930s as well as the Hämmerli 208/215 models that later evolved from it in the 1950s and 1960s can also be found in the current CSP quartet. For example, disassembly reveals the single-sided recoil spring positioned eccentrically to the barrel. And stripping is initiated by swinging downwards the trigger guard, as is familiar from the famous Walther PP/PPK (Polizeipistole/Polizeipistole Kriminal) pistols from 1929 and 1931 in .380 ACP (aka 9mm Kurz) and other calibres. With these models, Fritz Walther created legendary milestones in the history of firearms. These were the first usable double action pistols with an internal, automatic hammer block safety coupled to a firing pin safety, which enabled safer handling with a fully loaded gun and at the same time quick readiness to fire.
The Walther Classic Sports Pistol Dynamic in detail
The trigger on the Dynamic can be adjusted in many ways. In addition to the trigger pull weight of 1,000 to 1,360 grams, take-up weight and overtravel can also be adjusted according to individual preferences. We measured a trigger pull weight of around 1,050 grams with very crisp characteristics on our test gun. The micrometre rear sight is combined with an turnable triangular front sight. With dimensions of 3.2, 3.4 and 4.0 mm, the latter can be easily adjusted to the width of the target or the desired rear sight notch. All in all, the Walther CSP Dynamic made a solid impression. Only the screwed-on operating element, which makes the underlying thumb safety lever more accessible, was not particularly aesthetically pleasing. If you remove the barrel weight for disassembly, for example, you will realise that it does not live up to its name. It is made of plastic and is more for aesthetic purposes, as it successfully completes the lines of the pistol.
If you want to make the pistol, which weighs around 850 grams, a little more front-heavy, you can order a front weight for 92 euros, which is available in 100 or 165 grams options. The ten-round magazines are also made of polymer, but at a comparatively favourable unit price of 25 euros, you can equip your range bag with plenty of magazines, as is often required in dynamic disciplines.
On the shooting range with the Walther CSP Dynamic
With minor fitting work in the trigger bar area, the Hämmerli 208/215 adapter of the Ransom Rest shooting machine could also be used for the Walther CSP. We selected ten loads for the shooting performance test. With the Lapua Center X, our gun performed at its peak at 16 mm with the usual 10 rounds. However, this was not an isolated case. With only two types of ammunition we achieved groupings of 50 mm. The CSP Dynamic ran without any malfunctions right from the start even with standard cartridges, which is what it is actually designed for. Thumbs up!
Walther CSP Dynamic technical specifications
| Model: | Walther CSP Dynamic |
| Calibre: | .22 LR |
Magazine Capacity: | 10 rounds |
Frame: | Steel, black, Tenifer QPQ-coated |
Slide: | Steel, black, Tenifer QPQ-coated |
Barrel Length: | 150 mm |
Rear Sight: | Micrometre, with 3.15 mm notch |
Front Sight: | Turnable, with 3.2, 3.4 and 4 mm width |
Sight Radius: | 213 mm |
Safety: | Manual, one-sided on the slide |
Trigger Pull Weight*: | 1,039 g |
Overall Weight**: | 842 g |
Dimensions (LxWxH): | 232x34x130 mm |
Price (RRP): | 1,399 euro |
| Notes: | * Average of 10 measurements with the Manthei Trigger Scan System, ** incl. magazine, the pistol is supplied in a hard case and a spare magazine |
Picture gallery: .22 LR Walther CSP Dynamic
Conclusion: what do you get for your money with the Walther CSP Dynamic?
With the Walther CSP Dynamic Walther introduces a .22 LR all-steel sports pistol with a classic appearance, which is ideally suited for modern, dynamic disciplines outside the Olympic events. It has a lot to offer in terms of trigger quality and shooting performance. Whether for drilling holes or felling steel targets, in our opinion a rimfire pistol belongs in every gun safe. The Walther CSP Dynamic is certainly a good choice for the fair price of €1,399.
