The Kampfpistole or "combat pistol" in English was a flare gun introduced into German service during 1939 and served throughout World War II.

The Kampfpistole was a single shot, break action, flare gun designed and produced by Walther that was a variant of the earlier Leuchtpistole 34.

The difference between the two models was the Kampfpistole had a rifled barrel while the Leuchtpistole 34 was a smoothbore gun.

[1] The primary roles for the Kampfpistole were signaling, illumination, target marking, or concealment with a smoke grenade.

Later during World War II, explosive rounds were developed to give German troops a small and lightweight grenade launcher for engaging targets from close range which could not be engaged satisfactorily by infantry weapons or artillery without endangering friendly troops.