Been thinking about buying a good all round WW2 pistol recently and the one that Iv`e mostly had my eye on is the P38, would appreciate any info from any past or present owners of the said gun for any weaknesses or strenghs involved or even those that think they can point out an even better example of the type of gun I am looking for.
P38 or not.
- Thread starter trueshot1
- Start date
P-38
I bought a used German police P1 from Tradex (sponsor)for $300 and I like it. It is a post-war version of the P-38 with an alloy frame. It is light, fits my hand and is quite accurate and reliable. You may want to consider this option. Geoff
I bought a used German police P1 from Tradex (sponsor)for $300 and I like it. It is a post-war version of the P-38 with an alloy frame. It is light, fits my hand and is quite accurate and reliable. You may want to consider this option. Geoff
I bought a P-38 early last spring to use in World War 2 re-enacting matches. This is my second cyq, I had one back in the late '70's. In zeroing this pistol plus practice (probably the first time it was ever zeroed!), I've but at least 750 rds down range. The pistol will put a 8 rd mag in a 6"x6" square at 25 meters. For a wartime gun, thats acceptable. I have probably put 2 or 3 hundred thousand rounds through Browning 9mm/Colt Government style handguns during the last 30 years and getting used to the Walther P 38 which ejects to the left takes a bit. rade Ex Canada has the best prices in Canada for spare magazines ($25.00 each) when I bought them.
- Location
- Southeastern Michigan
Try this string and it should answer all of your questions about a P38/P1: http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=215868&highlight=P38
Regards, Richard
Regards, Richard
MauserMike
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- SW Ontario
I'm talking WWII P-38 here, not the postwar alloy guns.
Weakness - watch out for guns with a loose top cover. A symptom is a wobbly rear site which does nothing for accuracy. Potentially the top cover can fly off under recoil spilling parts and springs all over the place.
The cover can be tweaked at some risk of breakage - new covers are not available - only old surplus parts.
Weakness - safety lever. I would open any WWII gun before firing and inspect the safety. They have been known to break, jam the firing pin which gives you a full auto pistol that fires without pulling the trigger. Always ALWAYS lower the hammer with your thumb when engaging the safety from full ####.
I think this one is overblown, but wartime production may have meant in some cases that the best quality materials were not used, particularly late in WWII.
Weakness - like many military pistols, its really meant to fire with FMJ ammo. If you want to shoot anything else, look elsewhere. I'm interested in the lead roundnose comment - I'd like to try those in our indoor range sometime. Brand used?
Strengths - where to start? Years ahead of its time - points excellently, great accuracy for a military pistol, good looking, loads of history.
My AC42: (Carl Walther 1942)
A bit worn but a perfect shooter. I put a Wolff Springs kit in it before firing. Recoil springs were particularly weak, extractor spring was in need of attention too (crud/rust in the extractor hole).
Weakness - watch out for guns with a loose top cover. A symptom is a wobbly rear site which does nothing for accuracy. Potentially the top cover can fly off under recoil spilling parts and springs all over the place.
The cover can be tweaked at some risk of breakage - new covers are not available - only old surplus parts.
Weakness - safety lever. I would open any WWII gun before firing and inspect the safety. They have been known to break, jam the firing pin which gives you a full auto pistol that fires without pulling the trigger. Always ALWAYS lower the hammer with your thumb when engaging the safety from full ####.
I think this one is overblown, but wartime production may have meant in some cases that the best quality materials were not used, particularly late in WWII.
Weakness - like many military pistols, its really meant to fire with FMJ ammo. If you want to shoot anything else, look elsewhere. I'm interested in the lead roundnose comment - I'd like to try those in our indoor range sometime. Brand used?
Strengths - where to start? Years ahead of its time - points excellently, great accuracy for a military pistol, good looking, loads of history.
My AC42: (Carl Walther 1942)
A bit worn but a perfect shooter. I put a Wolff Springs kit in it before firing. Recoil springs were particularly weak, extractor spring was in need of attention too (crud/rust in the extractor hole).
I've never had an issue with the rear sights on my war time P-38 pistol, but adjusting the front sight took some percerveriance. Boy was that thing anchored in place. I have heard of some people who have tried to move the rear sight due to some inbred genetic defect, but they generally in the minority.
Shot with FinePix E550 at 2008-02-15
Shot with FinePix E550 at 2008-02-15
Last edited:
MauserMike
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- SW Ontario
Nice Spreewerk
Thanks guys for the info, it seems that this gun is more than worth considering and seems to have quite a fan club.
Just need to sit down and digest all the points of view and reflect whats been said but I think you can guess what the conclusion is going to be!
Many thanks again, Trueshot.
Just need to sit down and digest all the points of view and reflect whats been said but I think you can guess what the conclusion is going to be!
Many thanks again, Trueshot.
- Location
- Downtown Vancouver, BC
Nice collection! I especially love the range of holsters!
