P38

[snakep]

I'm thinking of buying a P38 with my C&R...always liked the looks of this handgun but other than that don't know much about them. Does anyone have any thoughts/experience/opinion to share about this weapon? thanks, snake

 

[Squaregrouper]

They're fun to shoot and accurate. Do NOT shoot +P rounds through them. They are basically the same as a P1 except for steel vs. alloy frame. I expect the bulk surplus of these to dry up pretty soon. Once they dry up, expect the prices to skyrocket.
Check out this guy for spare mags...
http://www.robertrtg.com/mags.html

 

[MilsurpDan]

+1 to what squaregrouper says. Do Not shoot high powered 9mm loads in a P38, it will damage the firearm. I have seen the extractors and firing pin covers break due to the use of improper loads. Other than that great shooting pistols. For shooting purposes, I would just find a P1, for collectablility get a nice WW2 P38, preferably one without import markings that is matching. Heck I would even get both.

 

[marko12]

I just got a P 1 with my C&R, much cheaper but really nice. Wideners will give you a great deal with great quality. The P 1 is fantastic to shoot and accurate.

You could always buy both.

 

[Dan44]

Jezz what a loaded question. Short version, developed in the 1930's to replace the P08 Luger in Germany, Walther developed the first double action service pistol. Just in time for WWII it was first made at Walther (AC marked) then Mauser (BYF and later SVW) and Spreewerke (CYQ). After the war W Germany developed the P38 with an alloy frame the P1.

 

[TexasBob]

I'm thinking of buying a P38 with my C&R...always liked the looks of this handgun but other than that don't know much about them. Does anyone have any thoughts/experience/opinion to share about this weapon? thanks, snake

Picked up a P-38 couple months back and a second real P-38 mag at nations gun show for $25 couple weeks later. Their are good shooters as good if not better then my M&P9. Brake down and cleaning a bit more work but not bad after a couple times.

Take a look at these web site lots of info
http://www.p38guns.com/
http://www.ww2museum.eu/WaltherP38.htm
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[metalman3006]

I only have 1 its a matching bringback. Picked it off GB a few years ago for the price of a shooter because of bad auction pics but it is to nice to shoot regularly. Would like to get another one for shooting.

 

[LGood48]

Jezz what a loaded question. Short version, developed in the 1930's to replace the P08 Luger in Germany, Walther developed the first double action service pistol. Just in time for WWII it was first made at Walther (AC marked) then Mauser (BYF and later SVW) and Spreewerke (CYQ). After the war W Germany developed the P38 with an alloy frame the P1.

Agree! More to the P38/P1 issue than one is WWII the other post. P38s were produced post WWII as well and had aluminum frames. For the years of production and variants see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walther_P38.

Just remember, you could find a post WWII still labeled P38 and it is not worth anywhere near what a WWII model is.

Have a '64 P1 that I love! Extremely accurate handgun.

 

[mawkie]

Try this site first for market pricing on the many variations of the P-38. He's got pricing listed at the 90 point level but I think it's a bit dated and would say those prices are more reflective of 80 points today.
For newbies the P-38 isn't as daunting or bank account challenged as the world of Lugers or Broomhandles but prices of good examples have climbed significantly in recent years so they're not as accessible to collectors with limited financial resources. Budget at least $750 for a decent matching entry level example. Rarer and better condition P-38s will easily top $1000 these days.
When the P1s dry up in the surplus market expect secondary market baseline prices for them to jump to $500 or more, just like with the Manurhin PPs. If you ever wanted just a shooter then jump on a P1 now.
If you're more interested in a collector grade P-38 then start doing your homework getting educated on the subject. Don't bother with Russian capture pieces, refinished or mismatched examples as good matching bring backs are still readily available. One thing I do is bookmark many listings and auctions to see what the current market valuation is for an item I'm interested in. Helps guide me in bidding or negotiations. It will pay off handsomely in the end.

 

[Docster]

Are you looking for a collectible or shooter?

My first C & R purchase was a P1; my C & R philosophy is for shooters and history more than collectibles, so I went with a P1 over a P38 which are more $$

You'll find either one to be a well-designed, beautiful gun, a great shooter with some history behind it, and readily-available parts.

 

[snakep]

I'm looking more for a shooter than a collectible.
All, thanks for the great input...s

 

[mgbill]

Suggest you sign up with the following forum: http://p38forum.com/forums/index.php

Best info around on the P.38 models

 

[54rndball]

I bought one of the police trade in guns back in the '80s when the German cops were switching to H&Ks. It is a real historical firearm, one of the first double action 9mm military pistols. But it is not as nice as a Hi-Power as far as shooting goes. Sometimes the trigger can pinch your finger. It's got the alloy frame. If you want a collector, go for the wartime P38. Most of the old police models are technically designated P1, although they are the same mechanically.