My new P38
- D_Conrad
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My new P38
I just acquired this P38. The slide is a 42 that has been force matched to the frame. Can anybody tell me the manufacturer date of the frame? The internals and barrel appear to match the frame. I am aware that its half mause and half walther. It's a russian capture with no import marks. What should I look for in determining if it's safe to shoot? Any obvious signs? I know I need low pressure rounds. Thank you!
Daniel
1943 Willys MB (slow restoration in progress)
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1943 Willys MB (slow restoration in progress)
viewtopic.php?t=273387
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Re: My new P38
Your P.38 Mauser frame was made in June 1943.
If you plan on shooting it I would replace the recoil springs.
Be aware however that the slides have been known to crack.
If you plan on shooting it I would replace the recoil springs.
Be aware however that the slides have been known to crack.
- wreckless
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Re: My new P38
The X’d out force matched slides generally indicate Russian capture and rebuild.
Rob
Jersey Wrecking Crew
1943 Ford GPW G503
“In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a Congress.“ John Adams
Jersey Wrecking Crew
1943 Ford GPW G503
“In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a Congress.“ John Adams
- D_Conrad
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Re: My new P38
Thanknyou for the responses. I have heard that the earlier slides were better and less prone to failure. Is that true? I plan to reload my own ammunition for it and run the lightest load possible that will still allow it to cycle.
Daniel
1943 Willys MB (slow restoration in progress)
viewtopic.php?t=273387
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1943 Willys MB (slow restoration in progress)
viewtopic.php?t=273387
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Re: My new P38
D_Conrad wrote: ↑Sun Apr 18, 2021 9:55 amThanknyou for the responses. I have heard that the earlier slides were better and less prone to failure. Is that true?
No, not necessarily I have seen cracked 480 coded slides all the way up to AC45 slides.
But since your gun is a MM Russian capture with no collector value it is a good candidate for shooting with reduced loads. Just wanted to make you aware. It has never happened to me (knock on wood) but I have seen it first hand.
- raymond
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Re: My new P38
The locking block can also break on high pressure loads. Happened to me on a post war P-1 model that I inadvertently loaded with +P ammunition.
Raymond
Raymond
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- raymond
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Re: My new P38
The locking block, and the surfaces it rides against, should be well lubed. The lube should be grease, not oil. The post war P1 models solved the wartime problem of cracked slides by making the slides thicker. But they created another by using an aluminum frame. The aluminum frames were subject to cracking which led to Walther using a steel pin to support the action. If you have an earlier P1, one without the steel cross pin, you should use as light of loads as possible.
The action springs on any P38/P1 should be replaced often.
The P38 is a cool looking pistol. I like the heck out of mine. It is 100% reliable with round nose ammunition. A good range gun, but not something I would use for carry.
If you can find a late model P1, one owned by the German police and not the German military, they are great guns as they usually show only holster wear and little evidence of firing.
Raymond
The action springs on any P38/P1 should be replaced often.
The P38 is a cool looking pistol. I like the heck out of mine. It is 100% reliable with round nose ammunition. A good range gun, but not something I would use for carry.
If you can find a late model P1, one owned by the German police and not the German military, they are great guns as they usually show only holster wear and little evidence of firing.
Raymond
"On the day when crime puts on the apparel of innocence, through a curious reversal peculiar to our age, it is innocence that is called on to justify itself." Albert Camus
- D_Conrad
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Re: My new P38
I do not plan on shooting it often, but I dont want a safe queen either. I paid $250 so there really isnt much invested in the gun. My only concern with firing it is it's a bring back from the fater of the person I bought it from. He took it off a vietnamese soldier. I will definitely be changing the recoil springs. Thank you all for the advice!
Daniel
1943 Willys MB (slow restoration in progress)
viewtopic.php?t=273387
Buy my book! Http://www.throughtheireyesbooks.org
1943 Willys MB (slow restoration in progress)
viewtopic.php?t=273387
Buy my book! Http://www.throughtheireyesbooks.org
- wreckless
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Re: My new P38
The French Foreign Legion had many ex-Nazi soldiers and they preferred their old weapons. Perhaps that is how it wound up in the hands of an NVA or VC combatant.
Rob
Jersey Wrecking Crew
1943 Ford GPW G503
“In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a Congress.“ John Adams
Jersey Wrecking Crew
1943 Ford GPW G503
“In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a Congress.“ John Adams
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Re: My new P38
Alot of the WWII German stuff that found it's way into the hands of the VC/NVA were compliments of the Soviets.
Matt
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