Walther P1/P38

SquidMeister

SquidMeister

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So I'm getting me restricted soon (Hopefully), and am still undecided as to what I want to get for a handgun. I have been looking at a walther P38/P1 because they are relatively inexpensive. Are there any overglaring issues I should be aware of? Is it a decent starter pistol? What are your guys' thoughts?
 
If you can get one with a hex pin, get it. The frames and slides also had a tendency to crack.
Weimajack has some for sale and they are new old stock 1985 production with a spare mag.
 
Not a good idea as a first HG. Terrible trigger. Had a P1 and sold it, then bought another one and later realized why I sold the first one!

Terrible trigger that can't be tuned.


M
 
You know what's a really good starter/cheap pistol right now?

Star SuperB. You can get them for $300. They are chambered in 9mm and are ergonomically similar to 1911s.

So not only you get a handgun that can potentially train you to later use a 1911 platform, you also get it in a popular caliber unlike my next choice start/cheap pistol which would be the commie hammer: Tokarev TT33.
 
For a starter pistol ; just buy yourself a Ruger 22 semi....the cost of ammo can make a big difference in how often you shoot...and Ruger 22s are tough...
 
P38 is great for collecting, not so much for a regular shooter. There's a reason why they've been phased out in favour of more modern designs. I suggest you go to one of the local ranges and try a few of their pistols to get a feel for them. The aforementioned Girsan is a good copy of a Beretta, and a good shooter for those with big hands. You may also want to check out the M&P series.

Remember, you only buy the pistol once, so it's probably the least of your costs when you compare to ammo!
 
I'd echo the comments against the P38 as a first pistol. I have a 1944 Spreewerke but more as a collector's item than anything else. If you want to learn to shoot you should buy a Ruger MK III or Browning Buck Mark and shoot a lot. Once you've mastered the fundamentals then buy what you want in a centrefire.
 
sailor723 said:
I'd echo the comments against the P38 as a first pistol. I have a 1944 Spreewerke but more as a collector's item than anything else. If you want to learn to shoot you should buy a Ruger MK III or Browning Buck Mark and shoot a lot. Once you've mastered the fundamentals then buy what you want in a centrefire.
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Ive been shooting pistols for a while, just in renting them. I would rather get something in 9 rather than .22 lol.
 
SquidMeister said:
Ive been shooting pistols for a while, just in renting them. I would rather get something in 9 rather than .22 lol.
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Consider a 9mm with a 10-rd mag. If you get bored shooting static targets, you might be interested in some form of competition like IPSC where you will need 5 or 6, 10 round mags plus pouches and spare parts.
 
Although the P-38 is an older design, it's a modern pistol in function. My 1944 has the second best trigger in my collection (after my s&w wheel gun). Not a typical first choice, but why not. A pistol with a story.
Get a steel one rather than one of the steel/aluminum ones if you can.
 
Interesting choice for your first handgun.
If you are not a collector, I would also vote for NOT getting one.
The trigger is heavy as sin, a lot of creep on it. The mag release is in the heel. The gun has no potential to be used for any pistol matches so it's a pure range target pistol, which, as mentioned, it is terrible for due to the trigger pull. There are no modern holsters made for it too.
Disassembly is kinda tricky also with the dual recoil springs.
Just too many cons and few pros. Get a M&P, CZ or Glock. Done!
 
Hmm.

I have a WW2 P38 with a P1 slide (P1 has steel slide, so this keeps the P38 all steel). It is by far the best-shooting pistol I have, and I have far more success hitting targets with it than with the CZ75 or the Sig P226. Two-handed, single handed, it makes me look like I can shoot (which I can't). Even convinced some range people. Don't tell them my secret!

It digested all 4 different 9mm ammo I have tried through it (Win, CCI Blazer, Corbon, some factory reload stuff) without a hiccup, which neither the CZ nor the SIG can claim (both choked on the factory reloads). It is ridiculously easy to field strip. It is also cool as hell (to me).

The sights are primitive. If your eyes are good, that isn't a problem, but my old eyes did complain. Still, I was hitting targets like in some ridiculous Hollywood movie, so they can't be that bad. I found the trigger less than ideal, but comparable to anything else with dual action. I found the recoil marginally less than the the CZ or SIG but I am not that sensitive to recoil, and it is a heavy pistol.

If you like it, you should get it. If you pick a decent one you can have a very good shooter as well as a cool little piece of history. It is often cheaper than the CZ 75 or SIG 226 also.

However, for maximum happiness, I suggest that you arrange to try out as many of the common ones as you can - like a Beretta 92 (P38 copy, essentially), CZ75, Sig 226, a nice 1911, a Glock 17 etc. If you are in a big city, you will often be able to go to a range and rent the common pieces to try. Alternately, hit up your friends to let you try their stuff. You may find something that fits you better or just works better for you. Otherwise, just buy MORE pistols...
 
I too enjoy shooting my AC40 but I do not think I would recommend it for a first restricted. The history is great but start yourself on something a bit more standard. The P38 can be a bit of a pain for stripping down to clean so starting with something a bit more mainstream to get the experience might be the way to go. Enjoy!
 
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