Hello All
As promised here is my range report on my newly aquired GERMAN POLICE SURPLUS P-38, 9mm pistol. I purchased it from Milarm in Edmonton. Paid too much for it as was $100 bucks more than what Tradex is selling them for, and $150 dollars more than Tradex's similar P-1 pistols.
Anyhow I thought I would pass along how my particular pistol performed. Location was Spruce Grove shooting club. Outdoor range distance 20 meters. Conditions sunny, light breeze and temp approx 2 degrees c.
Ammo used was C.B.M. ENT. Remanufactured Ammunition, CMJ LL (Low Lead) Training Ammo-IPSC minor. This is just basically cheap reloads for sale, I don't even know the bullet weight sorry. Maybe someone out there knows, if so please post on this thread. It cost $56 bucks for a box of 250 rounds.
Pic one is first firing. POA was dead center of target. Shooting position was sitting with pistol in two hand grip supported. I was a little shakey and somewhat pumped up. 7 rounds in clip. Grouping was not the best and POI was to the left. Only fired in SA mode.
Pic two was second firing same shooting posn, more relaxed. All factors the same. Only change grouping was tighter. Shot 4,5,6,7 all touching. My marker numeral 5 is just visable under the penny.
Pic three was two 7 round clips total 14 rounds fired from standing unsupported position using two hand combat grip. I was shaking pretty bad as you can clearly see, certainly could have done better, however I have not fired pistol in about 5 years and first time shooting a P-38. However all impacts would have hit a chest size target easily at 20 meters. One is missing though I count 13?
My impression of the P-38 is that it is a very comfortable pistol in my hand. I have large paws and the grip is nice. The trigger pull is a little long but not that bad. The recoil is pretty aggressive for a 9mm I find. Mind you I am comparing that to my past 9mm which only include a CZ-75, CZ-85, Browning HP, Beretta 92. The heavy steel slide of the 38 whips back and up more than I am used to. But it is not something that will throw you off in my opinion.
All in all I found my P-38 to be a good shooter and with some windage adjustment and more practice it can still be an effective modern weapon, plus it to me has collector appeal.
For $299 at Tradex those P-1 and at $349 their P-38's are a good investment.
As promised here is my range report on my newly aquired GERMAN POLICE SURPLUS P-38, 9mm pistol. I purchased it from Milarm in Edmonton. Paid too much for it as was $100 bucks more than what Tradex is selling them for, and $150 dollars more than Tradex's similar P-1 pistols.
Anyhow I thought I would pass along how my particular pistol performed. Location was Spruce Grove shooting club. Outdoor range distance 20 meters. Conditions sunny, light breeze and temp approx 2 degrees c.
Ammo used was C.B.M. ENT. Remanufactured Ammunition, CMJ LL (Low Lead) Training Ammo-IPSC minor. This is just basically cheap reloads for sale, I don't even know the bullet weight sorry. Maybe someone out there knows, if so please post on this thread. It cost $56 bucks for a box of 250 rounds.
Pic one is first firing. POA was dead center of target. Shooting position was sitting with pistol in two hand grip supported. I was a little shakey and somewhat pumped up. 7 rounds in clip. Grouping was not the best and POI was to the left. Only fired in SA mode.
Pic two was second firing same shooting posn, more relaxed. All factors the same. Only change grouping was tighter. Shot 4,5,6,7 all touching. My marker numeral 5 is just visable under the penny.
Pic three was two 7 round clips total 14 rounds fired from standing unsupported position using two hand combat grip. I was shaking pretty bad as you can clearly see, certainly could have done better, however I have not fired pistol in about 5 years and first time shooting a P-38. However all impacts would have hit a chest size target easily at 20 meters. One is missing though I count 13?
My impression of the P-38 is that it is a very comfortable pistol in my hand. I have large paws and the grip is nice. The trigger pull is a little long but not that bad. The recoil is pretty aggressive for a 9mm I find. Mind you I am comparing that to my past 9mm which only include a CZ-75, CZ-85, Browning HP, Beretta 92. The heavy steel slide of the 38 whips back and up more than I am used to. But it is not something that will throw you off in my opinion.
All in all I found my P-38 to be a good shooter and with some windage adjustment and more practice it can still be an effective modern weapon, plus it to me has collector appeal.
For $299 at Tradex those P-1 and at $349 their P-38's are a good investment.

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