Need CGN Input - P38 or G17

Recce21

Recce21

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Hey all,

I am saving up for a new pistol and I need some advice/swaying. My budget is around 700 bucks for the Easter Gun Show in Calgary. I am a big milsurp fan but I also have a hankering for anothern modern 9mm (I already own a M&P 9).

Do you think I can get a nice P38 at the calgary show? And if so, what should I look for in regards to features to ensure I dont get ripped off. I have searched the P38 forum but find most of the info is geared towards experts and not beginnners.

If I decide to forgo the P38 and get a Glock instead, do you think there will be any Glock deals there? I am looking for a new or used G17 with the OD frame.

They arent making any more P38's but I cant get the idea of a Glock out of my head. In a perfect world I would get both but in the real world I have a family to feed first, then guns. Any previous experience or help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Recce21 said:
Do you think I can get a nice P38 at the calgary show?
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Yes

Recce21 said:
And if so, what should I look for in regards to features to ensure I dont get ripped off.
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Matching numbers, finish, bore condition, function (and whatever else may be specific to the P38 gurus)

Recce21 said:
If I decide to forgo the P38 and get a Glock instead, do you think there will be any Glock deals there?
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Probably, but remember like you said, they ain't making P38's any more and there are tons of Glocks out and about. Deals on glocks don't only happen at the show!

Recce21 said:
In a perfect world I would get both but in the real world I have a family to feed first, then guns.
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You need to get your priorities straight!! :p I do it the other way and I have never looked so fit and trim!
 
Stevo said:
Get the Glock, unless you've got the collector bug.
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Well that's the thing, I am trying to collect WW1-WW2 German weapons and memorabilia. But I already own a few weapons I don't fire or shoot very seldom because they are collectable.

And thanks Desert_Fox, I was anticipating an answer along those lines from you. I guess you know my secret indecisiveness now. :p

I just can't decide if I should get a pistol that I can baby and show off to history buffs or a Glock I can put through the paces. I know that asking questions like this is fairly useless but I had to get somebody's opinion.
 
Ask around, find out who has a P38 and who has a Glock 19 and who has a Glock 17.

When you've had a chance to shoot them all, your choice will be clear.

If you want something that is both collectible and a great shooter, look for an artillery luger.
 
Wendell said:
Ask around, find out who has a P38 and who has a Glock 19 and who has a Glock 17.

When you've had a chance to shoot them all, your choice will be clear.

If you want something that is both collectible and a great shooter, look for an artillery luger.
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That's a great idea. Anyone here in the Calgary area volunteer to help? Beers are on my after the shooting!

Desert_Fox, are you up for that long overdue range day (after your wedding and honeymoon of course, I have until April 3rd) :D
 
Recce21 said:
That's a great idea. Anyone here in the Calgary area volunteer to help? Beers are on my after the shooting!

Desert_Fox, are you up for that long overdue range day (after your wedding and honeymoon of course, I have until April 3rd) :D
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Pardon the pun, but the Glock 17 is just such a bulletproof pistol...they are really excellent and you are unlikely to shoot it enough to ever hurt it.

Really a first class item.

A P38 is nice but is more of a safe queen than a Glock. It comes down to do you want to shoot it?

There were some very reasonably priced postwar Walther P1's around recently too.
 
Recce21 said:
That's a great idea. Anyone here in the Calgary area volunteer to help? Beers are on my after the shooting!

Desert_Fox, are you up for that long overdue range day (after your wedding and honeymoon of course, I have until April 3rd) :D
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Definitely!

I just don't particularly like Glocks in any shape or form. Just my preference though... If I were to get a new handgun, it would either be an XD in 9mm, a Walther P99, or a Browning Hi Power.

The P38's are a blast to shoot, probably the easiest firearms in the world to fields strip and clean, very functional, unique, and have history. You could probably find a nice wartime example for $450 - $650, unless its a late war scarce letter block cyq... Though, they may not function as well as a new manufactured pistol (not without new springs anyway)... But mine functions well enough with good ammo.

But if you really want to have the history, and the durability. Find yourself a Nazi marked Browning Hi Power! Now that is the gun to get! ;) Probably the only hole in my collection... :)

I'll let you know more about a range date perhaps, after the end of the month. ;)

12 days left!!!!!!! :D
 
They don't make P-38's anymore. That's why I got mine. And now it's my favourite, like it was built for my hand. I admit I will baby it a bit because I have others for serious shooting but I will not just keep it in the safe either. New springs are available from Wolff and are not expensive.
 
The P1 doesn't like the flat-nosed bullets, and mine jammed quite bad with Federal 147 grain flat nose rounds.

Stick to the RN bullets and you'll be fine with one.
 
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