Walther p1 VS Walther p38
- Thread starter Mike 242
- Start date
If you can find one, there are also Manhurin made commercial pistols made up of left over WWII and post war commercial components. There are also other commercial variants made under license from Walther.
The steel frame versions are superior IMHO. I've had several different martial as well as commercial variants in my safe and on the range at one time or another.
P1 pistols are for the most part mechanically identical but not intended for the same rough and continuous use as their steel framed counterparts.
If you don't shoot much, the P1 will work fine for you but may feel a bit nose heavy and slightly more difficult to point. In my experience, they function fine with proper ammo but none of them were as accurate as my steel framed models.
I no longer own either a Martial or P1 variant. Some folks consider the P1 to be a martial pistol but it was only issued to police forces as far as I know.
I do own a Manhurin commercial post war mixmaster whose components were made at their factory. It's a mix of commercial and martial parts, shoots better than any other P38 variant I've owned and is less fussy about ammo.
The steel frame versions are superior IMHO. I've had several different martial as well as commercial variants in my safe and on the range at one time or another.
P1 pistols are for the most part mechanically identical but not intended for the same rough and continuous use as their steel framed counterparts.
If you don't shoot much, the P1 will work fine for you but may feel a bit nose heavy and slightly more difficult to point. In my experience, they function fine with proper ammo but none of them were as accurate as my steel framed models.
I no longer own either a Martial or P1 variant. Some folks consider the P1 to be a martial pistol but it was only issued to police forces as far as I know.
I do own a Manhurin commercial post war mixmaster whose components were made at their factory. It's a mix of commercial and martial parts, shoots better than any other P38 variant I've owned and is less fussy about ammo.
I had same dilemma . The cheap P1 over the P-38. the P-38 prices seemed all over. But eventually I got what I think was a good deal on a P-38. I think the P-38 for its historical value will maintain its value better . Besides the German military markings look great
MauserMike
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- SW Ontario
Wartime will always be a more valuable and gain more value over time. The steel framed guns are theoretically stronger but I have heard of cracked slides on any of them from using hot ammo. Shoot the light stuff like winchester white box 115gr 9mm.
The grips can be brittle on the wartime guns. I slap a set of repros on mine when I shoot it.
The grips can be brittle on the wartime guns. I slap a set of repros on mine when I shoot it.
The post war P38,P1 and P4 pistol will only increase in value. They usually come with holster and spare magazines
The holsters vary in type by which Police Agency bought them. There are WW2 holster patterns that are good as or better
than the WW2 one's
They only made about 5000 P4 pistols in total and they are all mostly mint condition
The holsters vary in type by which Police Agency bought them. There are WW2 holster patterns that are good as or better
than the WW2 one's
They only made about 5000 P4 pistols in total and they are all mostly mint condition
I have had both.
If you want a collector piece, buy a P38
If you want a shooter, the cheaper P1 is good. My P1 is very accurate.
I developed a load for it. The most accurate load is about 80% power, so the gun should last just fine.
If you want a collector piece, buy a P38
If you want a shooter, the cheaper P1 is good. My P1 is very accurate.
I developed a load for it. The most accurate load is about 80% power, so the gun should last just fine.
Yes, buy one of each and don't look back. That's what I did when I was deliberating about which one to buy. Make sure you get a P1 with the hex pin as the earlier ones didn't have the pin.
If you shoot the pistol occasionally like most people, I would go with the WW2 P38. It would hold or increase value over time.
If you are going to be constantly using it (like as a competition piece), there are better choices out there..
If you are going to be constantly using it (like as a competition piece), there are better choices out there..
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