In this video we will compare 2 semi automatic target pistols: the Pardini SP plus the conversion kit to HP and the Walther GSP and its conversion kit.
The Walther GSP is one of the oldest if not the oldest sport pistol, tracing its roots to the 1925 Olympia model. The Pardini is the current most used pistol in the 25 meters competitions. All the finalists, and so all the medalists, in the last 2 olympics have used only Pardini pistols.
The Walther GSP and its direct descendant, the GSP Expert, is no longer being produced. Walther has introduced the GSP 500 in 2022 but that is not a descendant of the GSP.
My pistols have been produced in 1976 for the Walther and 2018 for the Pardini.
The configuration of the pistols is the same, meaning that both have the magazine forward of the trigger and a relatively short barrel. This is the currently preferred configuration and it offers a good balance and the grip is not restricted in shape or size by the ammo magazine.
Let’s look a certain characteristics of the pistols and how they compare:
1) Weight
The Walther is much heavier than the Pardini. The Walther in the .22 configuration with the barrel weight is 1304 grams heavy while the Pardini SP, also with some weights under the barrel, is 1071 grams.
The difference is significant. If this is a point for Walther or Pardini, it’s up to each user. I personally prefer Pardini’s lighter weight.
2) Dimensions
While the rule imposed dimensions are the same, there are slight variations. For example, the barrel length of the Pardini is 12 cm, the GSP has only 11.5 cm. But overall, the 2 pistols are quite equal.
3) The grip
This is one of the most obvious differences between the two. The GSP has a very straight grip, like a Colt 1911, while the Pardini has an inclined grip.
Again, this is up to each user, but i much prefer the inclined grip of the Pardini, as it matches the angle of my other target pistols.
Also, the GSP grip is shorter in order to fit in the rule box, while the Pardini is normal size and reaches further back.
4) Trigger
The triggers on both pistols are very adjustable. For the GSP, i’m referring to the 2 stage trigger now installed on it. The original 1976 single stage trigger has almost no adjustability.
But the Pardini trigger feels more crisp. The GSP trigger feels a bit mushy, no matter how much I tinkered with it. Maybe it can be adjusted better, but I could not do it.
On this matter it’s again to the preference of the user, but most people praise the Pardini trigger.
The trigger shoe position on the pardini is also adjustable, while the GSP trigger position is not.
5) Sights
The front sight is basically the same on both pistols. Also the sight radius is fixed to 220 mm by the ISSF rules. The GSP has the rear sight a bit forward while the Pardini has the front sight rearwards.
But the rear sights are quite different. The GSP has very basic rear sight. It can be adjusted for windage and elevation with 2 small screws. But it is small and the rear notch can be modified by changing the blade. Unfortunately the blade holder also has a cut in it, so the maximum notch cannot be wider than that cut – which is quite small.
The Pardini has a better and much wider rear sight. It is also adjustable in windage and elevation with a bigger screw, but also the notch width can be changed. But.. the adjustability range is not great. This is the maximum width. I would prefer it a bit wider.
All in all, the GSP offers a mediocre sight picture while the Pardini has a good sight picture.
6) Conversion kits
The procedure to install the conversion kits is different. For the GSP, you only need to raise a lever and pull the barrel forward. For the Pardini, you need to unscrew the barrel, remove it and then remove the slide plus the recoil spring.
On this topic, the GSP has an advantage. The changing of the caliber is easier, toolless, and the conversion kit is self-contained. For the Pardini, you need a tool and the kit comes as separate pieces in 2 bags that you need to take care and not mix them up.
Another advantage of the GSP in this regard is that, when the caliber is changed, the front and rear sights are also changed with it. So you don;t need to readjust anything. On the Pardini, when you switch between calibers, the rear sight remains the same and you need to adjust it for the new caliber.
7) Disassembly and maintenance
This is a mixed point. The GSP can be disassembled up to a point easily. You remove the top part with the lever and then unscrew this screw to remove the barrel. Maintenance can be done at this point, but if you want to disassemble the frame further, it’s quite difficult.
The Pardini disassembly is the same as the changing of the caliber. One screw to remove the barrel, slide and spring. Maintenance and cleaning is done on these parts. However, the rest of the frame is a solid block that cannot be disassembled any further. Any dirt inside this hole can only be removed with a brush or something.
Also, the Pardini trigger parts can be accessed through windows in the frame by taking off the grip, while the GSP trigger unit can be removed completely off the frame.
8) Recoil
One feature on the Pardini that the Walther does not have is the recoil management system. In the bulge around the front of the barrel, the Pardini has 6 weights with springs that attenuate the recoil. The GSP does not have such a system and so the felt recoil is greater. This is a big advantage for the Pardini, especially in the rapid fire event.
9) Reliability
The GSP is reported to be more reliable than the Pardini. This, ofcourse, is a case by case problem. I;ve had some problems with the GSP and none with the Pardini – so far (fewer shots with this Pardini at this time).
But the more solid construction of the GSP does give some credence to these reports.
All in all, the Walther GSP and the Pardini SP are similar sport pistols used in the same competition events. But they are separated by a generation age. The GSP is obsolete and not used at all in international competitions while the Pardini is currently the only pistol used at high level.
I upgraded from the GSP to the SP mainly because of the weight reduction and the grip angle, but I paid 5 times more money on the SP than I paid on the GSP including all the upgrades.
arme vechi 
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