Walther .22 cal Rifle

Question
Hello, I am trying to find out information on a walther .22 cal, bolt action single shot rifle. Waffenfabrik Walther Zella Mehlis (thur) is stamped on the top with several other stamps. U, B, N, G, possibly E (all with crowns over them), Nitro, Z, F4 m/m, and the s/n is 21559.  The only thing I can find that is similar is a M/2 trainer.  My rifle has a heaver barrel with an adjustable front sight and no evidence of a rear sight.  There are groves down the barrel for what appears to be mounting sites for a weaver style mount.  There is unfortunately an after market scope mount attacted to the side of the receiver.  the Stock also is not as long as the M2 trainer, but has the same general appearance otherwise.  Any insight on the history of this rifle or where I can find information would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you.

Answer
Dave,

I am way outside of my expertise on this one, but will try to give you what I know.  I hope you'll take that into consideration if you decide to leave a rating for me.

From what you have told me, my best guess is that you have a pre WWII Walther KKW training rifle.  The KKW stands for Klein Kaliber Wehrsportgewehr.  These rifles were single shot and carry the proof marks that you reference.  The stamps with U, B, N, G with the crowns over them are all proof marks from testing facilities that approved the rifle.

Take a look at the rifle and see if it is also stamped with the words "Kal .22 Lang Fur Buchsen" Sounds like someone might have removed the rear sight, as there should be a tangent type with multiple graduations.

Also, if there is a circular proof stamp on the stock, with something like "S A d. NSDAP" stamped inside, that would additionally confirm that it is a KKW.  

The fact that is was made in Zella Mehlis, the site of the Walther factory up to the end of the war, and the commercial proof marks probably dates the gun prior to 1939.

The KKW was a consortium design and was manufactured by several companies, including Walther, Mauser and Genchow.  It was a training rifle built to replicate the feel and handling of a K98 rifle for a trainee.  Some had bayonet lugs, others did not.  Generally those produced just prior to WWII had bayonet lugs.

As far as value, these can be worth quite a bit in original condition.  Certainly an original condition rifle without modification could have values of over $1000.  Too bad people that don't realize what they have add or change stuff...like the aftermarket scope on your KKW.

You might try doing a little more searching around using 'KKW' or 'Walther KKW' for a search term...you might find a little more info, but I think I've given you a pretty good start.

Hope this helps...

Doug