Walther P-38 fans

Pistolero

Well-Known Member
For anyone who might be looking for a Walther P-38 (actually these are late production,
aluminum frame versions called P1), Aim Surplus has a batch.

Apparently the aluminum frame, where the locking block hits it can crack, so later versions
have a steel hexagonal pin (visible on the sides of the gun) pressed in to take that load and
spread it through the frame safely.

I have nothing to do with Aim Surplus other than being a satisfied customer.

Oh, they are asking $520. Aim has a list of FFLs in your area that they deal with, makes it
pretty easy to get a transfer at a reasonable fee. These are C&R eligible, too

I got a P-1 some years ago and it is a very good shooter. Likes my cast loads with Lee
120 TC at .358 real well. Mine has the hex pin, sights are very good, too.

Bill
 
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KHornet

Well-Known Member
I have a P-1 and it is one of my favorite 9mm's. I stupidly managed to
ring the barrel on mine, and recently replaced it with a replacement bbl.
I have decided to load it strictly with copper clad 115 gr Speer's, over
4.1gr. Tight Group, and Rem SP. Mine also has hex pin. It is I believe
my most accurate 9, with a slight accuracy edge over my P320 Sig (
a very slight edge I might add. Aside from all other factors, it is a real
cool semi auto with a whale of a history. It replaced the Luger due to
economy, and problems with functioning of the Luger. At the indoor
range today, I put 40+ rounds into a 3" gp in the black at 9 yds. For
my and my old eyes, I find it most excellent.

Paul
 

462

California's Central Coast Amid The Insanity
Perhaps as few as five years ago, AIM was selling them for $199. I'm a C&R holder, but can't get excited about 9 mm Luger, so I passed.

Locally, I've seen P-38s with four digit price tags. They are very nice guns, though.
 

Intheshop

Banned
Got a reasonably well made '42 or '43 with original spare mag and holster.

I'm with 462 above,9mm isn't anything I get excited over.
 

Rick H

Well-Known Member
I always felt the P-38 was awkward and underpowered for its size and weight. It just balances wrong and the triggers on the two I fired were atrocious both on first and subsequent shots.
 

Pistolero

Well-Known Member
The trigger on my P-1, single action is about 4-5 lbs, reasonably crisp lots of brand new
wonder9s that are far worse. As to under powered, I carry a .45 ACP, but if I had to use
a 9mm, with modern, best grade JHPs, I wouldn't feel too bad.

To each his own.

Bill
 

Rick H

Well-Known Member
My point of being underpowered.....had to do with the size and weight of the weapon. I would rather carry a 1911 gov't model or even a K or L Frame wheel gun if I was going to haul around 35+ ozs. of handgun.
I carry a S&W Shield 40....8 rds and the 9mm holds 9 rds. they are 19 and 20.5 oz. There are a myriad of single stack 9's out there that are lighter and have the same or larger capacity as the P-38.
 

Pistolero

Well-Known Member
Well, sure. I wasn't touting a 80 year old design as the ideal concealed carry weapon.
Even in it's day, it was a full sized military service weapon. Never intended as a CCW piece.
It is just an interesting historic piece.

If you don't like it, that is fine.

Bill
 
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KHornet

Well-Known Member
Could not agree more Bill. CC was not then or now
in WWII factor of combat.. I think that some folks
are just all hung upon CC. As to 45 vs 9mm, if you
- don't hit in a vital spot, the point is mostly moot.

Paul
 

Pistolero

Well-Known Member
It seems like best grade modern expanding bullets have largely closed
the previously large performance gap between .45 ACP ball and 9mm Luger
ball ammo. I still prefer .45 ACP, but if 9mm is all that I have available, with modern
ammo like a 124 Gold Dot, I won't be too worried.

As you say, Paul, hitting is more important than exactly what you hit with.

Bill
 

Rick

Moderator
Staff member
A lot of the fans of the 9mm cite the new wonder bullets that close the gap between it and the 45. News flash . . . They make those same wonder bullets for the 45. :)
 

Pistolero

Well-Known Member
Yep, no doubt and I use 230 Gold Dots in my .45s. But, if you look at the expanded diameters, and
the penetration in ballistic gelatin, it does seem like .45 goes to about .65-70 diam, penetrates
about 13-14 inches and 9mm goes to about .58-.61diam penetrates about the same distance.

I still will prefer the .45, always. But I think that a .452 bullet that didn't expand was a good
bit better than a .355 bullet that didn't expand. To a degree, less so today with better bullets.

Bill