WWII P38 collectioning

Audet

Audet

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Hi All,

I am looking to buy a WWII P38, I don't have a specific budget, can you tell me what to look for and what to avoid?

I intend to shoot it now and then but I am really looking to buy a collectible pistol, preferably in very good to excellent condition.

Thanks for your advice!
 
My 2 cents worth...

I have a 1943 P-38 that I have taken to the range a couple times, they are fun to shoot with quite a bit of muzzle flip, mine is fussy on ammo (115grn only or it jams). Price wise I've seen then on EE anywhere from $400 for a non numbers matching, mismatched mag or re-blued, up to $750 (which I think is too much) for a numbers matching original with good original finish and the correct mag. Mine is numbers matching in good shape with holster wear on the orig. blue and the correct mag - I'd call it a collector - I figure its worth about $575.
 
Prices vary conciderably depending on code and condition. Spreewerke guns are generally the cheapest followed by Mausers the Walthers. Like most German military arms of the period, there is a dizzying number of variations. If your looking to make an investment in a matching gun, don't hesitate to ask opinions on the forum.
 
Buy WW2 pistols for collecting and buy Post War Police P38's for shooting. WW2 parts are not available that much anymore to make repair's.
 
P38s Military production

Here's some basic info on the WWII Military P38s...

3 manufacturers: Walther, Mauser & Spreewerk.

Pistol originally developped & put into production by Walther with the Zero Series. Early Walthers, up to the AC 42s 2nd Variation displaying a beautifull high polish bluing close to commercial standards. Mid production Walthers (43-44) are standard run of the mill pistols (high production figures) and the last ones, AC 45s, have some very interesting combinations...

Mauser geared up from production in late 1942 with the first runs of ``byf 42`` pistols with a little help from Walther engineers...These 42 dated Mausers are much sought after & most will have the nice ``dusty blue`` Mid production will show great fit & finish. Interesting late production variations such as the dual tones & the SVW 45s...

Spreewerk is the ``little forgetten child`` in the whole WWII P38 picture. For a long time Collectors have passed on these as fit & finish wasnt on par with the other 2....You may actually find some very interesting pistols to collect in the Spreewerk line....Rare birds such as the CVQ coded guns are very interesting indeed !!

I've been collecting German Military Pistols for quite some time, my P38 picks are Mausers as they display I believe the greatest quality from 1942 to 1945....

Feel free to PM me if you want more info, always fun to talk about these great pistols...

Mk
 
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