I bought my Walther P1 in 2016. It was produced in February 1977. The German Bundeswehr surplus, looks like it was never issued (pic). So far, 1,600 shots through the pipe. Absolutely reliable pistol. Never had any hiccups with whatever ammo brand. Regarding so-called “accuracy” it is a very subjective assessment and obviously, much depends on the shooter. For me, it is less accurate that my Walther PPX and CZ 85 (1992). The P1 does not fit well into my rather large hands. The slide is high and there is no much frame left for placing a left thumb (I’m right handed and shoot two-hand hold). Trigger pull is 5.9-6.6 lbs.
Usually I shoot the P1 wearing my tactical gloves with better overall results than bare hands. Examples of targets at 40 and 60 ft are attached (pics).
Since introduction in around 1959 the P1 went through numerous improvements in the next 15 years. In contrast to the Walther P38, the P1 has an aluminum alloy frame, at some point in time the frame was reinforced with a steel hex cross bolt (you can see it in my first pic just to the right from the disassembly lever). The Germans also reinforced a slide, slide lock, hammer, disassembly lever and a few other parts. All this was implemented around 1972.
All in all, the P1’s could be very different from one another depending on the year of production. The ones from the 1960’s do not have too many improvements and one must be careful with shooting hot ammo.
In essence, the P1 has no historical value. Millions of them were produced throughout the years (till 1994, I guess).
40ft-Privi Partizan 115gr
40ft-Blazer Brass 124gr
60ft-Barnaul 115gr
60ft-Blazer Brass 124gr