Walther Olympia model 36

[duke71]

Hi, just bought an original walther Olympia 36 target model. Can someone show me where to find, or post, diassembly instructions for this model gun. Can't find anything. Will try to show photos later. Thanks, David

[JoeW]

Disassembly like the PP/PPK. Remove magazine, pull down the trigger guard and pull the slide back, up and off the frame. The slide is moved carefully forward over the barrel. The recoil spring remains in place on the left side of the frame. Would you mind sharing the serial number and caliber for our data base? Thank you.

[duke71]

Thanks JoeW. I am at work so will respond tonight when I have the gun in hand as far as serial number. It is 22 long rifle for sure. It is a vet bring back with two P38's with holsters, FN 1922 nazi marked with holster and both magazines, luger with holster and both mags and battle damage to the grip from shrapnel. Also this Walther has original frame weights x2 and a barrel weight. Clearly german used since it is a bring back. The frame weights each have the number 44 on them and that is the last two numbers of the serial number. Is that a fluke or are they considered matching? None of these guns have been touched since 1945. All good condition. I will post photos of all when I can this weekend. Thanks, David

[JoeW]

Very nice to have matching weights. The caliber is marked on the slide, .22lr or .22 kurz (short) for the Schnellfeuer and the barrel length could be 5" (Jaeger), 7" (Sport or Schnellfeuer) or 9" (Funfkampf). Most likely pre-1940, but it could be E/N proofed.

[james m]

These Olympic target pistols were state of the art when they were introduced. They are still a formidable target pistol today. If you plan on shooting your example I'd recommend sticking with standard velocity ammo. These pistols were not designed for the high velocity ammunition that's available today.
Sounds like you made one heck of a nice find.
Jim

[duke71]

Thanks James. The idea of not firing high velocity ammo had already crossed my mind. Small snag in disassembly. The large heavy barrel weight must be removed first from the barrel to remove the upper slide and it is secured with deeply recessed bolts that are square. I figured out that a 7/32 socket will work for the others but I will have to find a slim wrench sleeve to reach down to them. Wanted to inspect and clean a little before posting photos. I have been around long enough to know how to preserve all marks and finishes and basically just use hoppers solvent and gun oil to clean. Will get photos up asap. The vet is living nearby and I will go visit him as to where he got what guns. Knowing where this target gun came from might be revealing. My understanding is he was Paratroops. David

[JoeW]

It is interesting that when these were sold, the buyer was instructed to use special stronger loads especially designed for semi-auto pistols and rifles, rather than the standard .22 lfb target ammo. The later was not deemed powerful enough to work the mechanisms. I don't know what the comparative loadings are between pre-war semi-auto ammo and and modern .22 ammo. I made such a mistake in shooting my Walther Mod. I semi-auto rifle.

You might search for old fashion clock keys David at a local clock shop. They are narrow yet have the recessed square socket. I was fortunate to acquire my Olympia in the shooter's case with the key for the weights.




But again, I would love to learn the serial numer and caliber. Thanks.

[rajko84]

Joe,
That is one great looking pistol.

[JoeW]

Joe,
That is one great looking pistol.

Thank you. I bought it and a beautiful SxS Walther shotgun from the family of a vet, who I verified by his service record, was in the MP unit attached to the 11th armored division during the taking of Zella-Mehlis and the Walther plant. The pistol is the Schnellfeuer model Olympia in .22kurz. The gun is E/N proofed and was probably late 1941 or early 1942 production based on another Olympia with dated presentation inscription. The case bears a large Walther banner trademark on the inside of the lid.

[JoeW]

David, you will need a clock key with a width of between 4.5 - 5.0mm.

[james m]

Find a clock repair shop nearby and bring the pistol along. They will have a selection on hand to help you find a suitable size.

Joe:
I was told exactly what I stated above about being cautious regarding the ammo used in these pre war classics. You may be able to get away with some of the high speed stuff but keep in mind this pistol is NOT suitable for use with something like CCI Mini-mags as an example.
I would recommend starting out with standard velocity ammo and if there are reliability/cycling issues trying something a little hotter. Also it must be kept in mind that the springs in this pistol are probably also 70+ years old.
Jim

[JoeW]

Jim

I agree with you completely. I was only remarking that I wonder what are the differences between what was hi-power in 1939 and what is hi-powered today. Likewise, what were the differences between standard target ammo yesterday and today. There must be some loading parameters in period books.

[james m]

Joe:
That would make an interesting study. I suspect but certainly can't prove that standard velocity 22 ammunition has been kept with some fairly tight parameters considering the vast number of vintage 22 pistols and rifles that have been around for 50 to 100 years. I have 22s from the 1920s that I still shoot on occasion. I always try to err on the side of caution in my own actions as well as in any advice I post on forums. I just checked and the SAAMI spec. for chamber pressure with the 22 Long Rifle is 24000 PSI cup and this pressure is not in the slouch league. As a comparison the 38spl is 17000 lbs. PSI cup.
Jim

[duke71]

photos

Got it done with some machining. A 7/32 twelve point socket wrench will do it but still had to machine down the lug to slide into the cylinder. Photos later tonight. The gun is 22 long rifle, 7 and 1/2 inch barrel, Crown over N proof, all matching numbers, Serial number 7544, very wide thumb grip rest, mint bore. Agin try to get photos now. David

[duke71]

My first try at adding photos on this forum. I don't see the area below the message box to add attachments and I don't think I'm on quick reply. Help!