Thinking of buying a P38- what to look for

toxic

toxic

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I have the chance to purchase a Walther P38. It comes with a holster, extra mag and has the name and number of a regiment handwritten inside the holster flap.

Just wondering what I should be looking for with this gun. When the slide is locked back there seems to be a slight wobble in the barrel but maybe this is normal. I don't know too much about semi-auto pistols. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
With the slide back yes its normal. Its a good gun abit jumpy but nice.
If the frames Alloy check for rail waer and cracks in the frame around the recoil bar.
 
ElmerFudd said:
Wouldn't an aluminium alloy frame make it a commercial P1 not a P38? If I'm wrong that could be because I know nothing about them... :eek:
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I have a P1 that says P38 on the slide. It is military, not a civilian one.
 
MasterPython said:
I have a P1 that says P38 on the slide. It is military, not a civilian one.
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OK. How do you know it is a P1 then? Does it say P1 on the frame? Is it a mix of the two?


Dsiwy said:
P 1s Are post WAR P38s which were used by the West german army.
Thats what I had.
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P1 wasn't a commercial version? Was it an aluminum alloy frame though? Like I said, I know nothing about them. :redface:


Fudd
 
toxic said:
I have the chance to purchase a Walther P38. It comes with a holster, extra mag and has the name and number of a regiment handwritten inside the holster flap.

Just wondering what I should be looking for with this gun. When the slide is locked back there seems to be a slight wobble in the barrel but maybe this is normal. I don't know too much about semi-auto pistols. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

The Commercial version of the P.38 is identified by commercial proofmarks of a crown over N or an eagle over N. Production started at around ser # 1000 and wqent through ser# 26659. This was the first of the commercial pistol and was high quality well made gun with an inscription on the left side. Some of these had wood grips. The quality decreased as the war progressed. Therefore the closer to 1945 the poorer the fit and finish and the less they're worth. These have the "AC" Codes. eg. "ac41" (1st varation) to "ac41 (3rd varation; and so forth until "ac45 (3rd varation). An example of value is:
"ac" (no date) @ good condition $3750 very good @ $4800 --- "ac41" (3rd varation) @ good condition $475 very good @ $550 --- "ac45" (2nd varation) @good $325 very good @ $350.

The early commercial ones have a high gloss blue (model HP) The one with the alloy frame is a Model HP with high gloss blue good condition @ $3500--
very good @ $5000.

There is also a First issue Zero Series worth a fair bit between $1000 to $3000 @ good condition.

Well; there you have it. What to look for. In summary, the military ones have character but are worth considerably less as it seems they were a hurry production to fulfil a war demand. Also the german military was replacing the manufacturing of the P08 Lugers with the P38 Walther, for whatever reason.

Good Luck :)
 
Rod said:
These have the "AC" Codes. eg. "ac41" (1st varation) to "ac41 (3rd varation; and so forth until "ac45 (3rd varation). An example of value is:
"ac" (no date) @ good condition $3750 very good @ $4800 --- "ac41" (3rd varation) @ good condition $475 very good @ $550 --- "ac45" (2nd varation) @good $325 very good @ $350.
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So the "41" is just the year? How is the variation shown? So in 1941 AC41 had 3 variations?

Is there a good book or online links that you would recommend reading?


Fudd
 
ElmerFudd said:
So the "41" is just the year? How is the variation shown? So in 1941 AC41 had 3 variations?

Is there a good book or online links that you would recommend reading?


Fudd
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The different varations, in the manufacturing year, may or may not be marked as such; just changes in production of the pistol. Most likely an expert would know what to look for.One book that may help you is "Ned Schwing's" Book on Firearms Collector's Price & Referencs Guide. You may find out more definite information on the internet. The difference in price on an "ac41" (1st varation) -- good @ $700 and an "ac41 (3rd varation) --- good @$475. This reference book is 2001 prices.

I wouldn't get that carried away with the varations of manufacture; rely more on actual condition and year of manufacture. If the pistol is original and has not been monkeyed with, in good to very good condition, priced reasonable and you like it, hell, buy it. The only thing is the closer to the end of the war these pistols were made, the less time was spent on the finish quality. There was a lot of machine marks left on the exterior and the tolerances were not as precise.

Hope this helps :)
 
Seems there may be a problem with this particular pistol. When the safety is put on safe the gun does not decock.:( From what I read it should.
Think I'll pass on this one. What I've always wanted is a restricted Luger anyways.

Thanks for all the info guys. Much appreciated.
 
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