Walther P38 - Nazi model - Thoughts?

[SIG-owner]

I saw a vintage Nazi Walther P38 at a recent gun show and it has been stuck in my brain ever since. It is so freaking cool, but I am feeling conflicted. Not an American pistol during WWII.

Not necessarily a Walther fan - but this is a piece of history, and I just love the look. Any experience with this model?

Thanks for your input!

 

[20thpzgr]

First all, be careful - you get you one, you want them all! You can spend $500.00 - 2,500.00 depending on maker and date. You want one that is a) not a Russian Capture example which will have mismatched parts and a cold blue dipped finish - although theses make great shooters, b) all matching numbers and the correct grips, also the correct magazine for that maker and year. IMHO Spreewerke P38's were undervalued until quite recently. They are somewhat crude next to Walther or Mauser produced examples, but they have great character and just scream war time manufacture. Do your homework and get your C&R FFL cause your going to need it! Next you will want a Walther PP and a PPK, then a Sauer 38H, then a Mauser HSc, maybe a Luger, a Browning Hi-Power, handful of K98's........enjoy the ride!

 

[jkelly1229]

I mean it was 75 years ago and they are still using features off the pistol it says you appreciate the history plus the gun is how old and shoot able. It's not a slap in the face to respect your enemies or their technology. If I offered you a deal on a bmw for like 5k brand new one of your choice would you have a problem with that? BMW made lufttewaffe engines that killed Americans too but they make a hell of a car. If it's a good deal on a great gun take it. You didn't shoot those guys but you sound like you will respect the heritage. Better you than some dink who would improperly store it and disrespect everyone involved with ww2

 

[PATRON]

Once it's stuck in your head your done.Now all you have to do is pick out the one you want.They are very nice guns.

 

[SIG-owner]

All great comments. Thank you! I feel better about my decision. Now I really have the itch, but will do my research. Thank you 20thpzgr for the helpful tips!

 

[45collector]

I had a WWII P.38 for about 7 years but I didn't shoot it nearly as much as my Lugers. I sold the P.38 a few months back to fund my 3rd Luger.
Honestly though if I had to choose between the P.38 and the P.08 to carry as a sidearm, I would choose the P.38. They are much more reliable and less finicky with ammo and magazines. I don't really miss my P.38 yet but I'm sure I will some day.

 

[nxtgto87]

I've wanted a P38 for a while now, for a lot of the reasons already mentioned.. I picked up a K98 when I first got my C&R earlier this year, but I've been thinking about selling it and picking up a P38(or just getting both of course).. For some reason it just calls to me more than other wartime firearms.

 

[Upland]

I have a Russian capture mixmaster. I think you can still get them for around $500, built like a tank,fun to shoot and interesting history. Buy one!

 

[JuergenG]

P.38's are fun.


WWII vintage


post-WWII


.22 lr

 

[SIG-owner]

Nice collection!!!

 

[JuergenG]

Thanks!
I have first dibs on a last ditch SVW 45 w/ metal grips coming from an old friend's collection.
I've double checked her for French markings but luckily couldn't find any.
There goes my Christmas bonus........

 

[viabl]

I have a RC P38 - I always bring it to the range - fun to shoot. RC makes it more interesting for me - wish it could talk!!

 

[JZ1018]

My P38 is the most accurate handgun I own. I have a Walther from 1943. All matching and no import marks. It must have been a bring back. Just be careful when using the de-cocking lever with a round in the chamber. There is an entire forum devoted to the P38. www.p38forum.com. It has a lot of good info.