Post War Walther P.38

Phosphorus32 · June 28, 2019, 12:40:37 PM

This nice P.38 arrived from Dan's Ammo. Aluminum frame, parkerized steel slide, plastic grip scales, about 90% condition overall. No refurbishment year marking, but it apparently didn't need it. It's in beautiful condition. I like that the import mark was placed a bit discreetly.

running-man · June 28, 2019, 05:00:24 PM

Real beaut Jon!

That import stamp is excellent. Is it at the bottom of the slide?

Laser etch with just the min importer info required. Undoubtably they were able to do this only because the caliber, manufacturer, and model were already factory stamped elsewhere on the pistol.

Just a great looking pistol you got there. I'm sorry I was way too late to even contemplate one.

Phosphorus32 · June 28, 2019, 05:30:35 PM

Thanks RM!

I think you are correct on all counts. The PW Arms mark is on the bottom of the slide; right side, front. With the billboard pattern import mark being the norm lately, this discreet marking was a pleasant surprise.

Larry D. · June 29, 2019, 08:55:25 PM

Definitely a keeper!

I had a similar pistol years ago and it was a great shooter.

Donp236 · June 30, 2019, 06:39:02 AM

You have a nice post war shooter P-1 or P.38. It has the fat slide and a reinforcing steel bar in the frame and a forged locking block. All of these make it a good shooter. It is a commercial model, the date code on the left side of the frame says HI and an antler or 1978 for the production date. the Antler signifies the Ulm proof house.

Phosphorus32 · June 30, 2019, 02:21:00 PM

Quote from: Donp236 on June 30, 2019, 06:39:02 AM
You have a nice post war shooter P-1 or P.38. It has the fat slide and a reinforcing steel bar in the frame and a forged locking block. All of these make it a good shooter. It is a commercial model, the date code on the left side of the frame says HI and an antler or 1978 for the production date. the Antler signifies the Ulm proof house.

Thanks for all of the information Don! A nice shooter is exactly what I was looking for with this one. It's interesting to learn all the design features that make it a stronger pistol overall.

I hadn't been able to figure out the dating from the serial number, and now I know why. I guess the Eagle N proofs were an indication that it's a commercial piece. I was thrown off by the P.38 on the slide. Thought the later commercial ones would be marked P1.

Donp236 · June 30, 2019, 02:30:48 PM

P32 I can tell it is a commercial gun by the circle with no dot in it. After I saw that, I went looking the commercial stampings. A circle with a dot is a military proof.

Loose}{Cannon · July 01, 2019, 10:07:23 AM

Oof.... looks like the pistol bug got you GOOD!

Phosphorus32 · July 02, 2019, 05:13:01 AM

Quote from: Loose}{Cannon on July 01, 2019, 10:07:23 AM
Oof.... looks like the pistol bug got you GOOD!

Timing. Sometimes you’ve gotta jump when it’s available.

gopguy · September 30, 2019, 09:15:52 AM

Yes, when you see the Walther banner on the barrel you are dealing with a commercial gun. The serial number on frame was added by the importer. That gun originally only had the serial number on the slide. I have a former South African police P38 that was the same way. The importer had to add the number to bring it to the US.

Matchka · October 29, 2019, 05:33:09 PM

Nize score!!!! My commercial P38 is a refurb of some degree; came with box, target, spare mags, rod for about $375 a few years ago.

upload image

Phosphorus32 · October 29, 2019, 09:03:06 PM

Quote from: Matchka on October 29, 2019, 05:33:09 PM
Nize score!!!! My commercial P38 is a refurb of some degree; came with box, target, spare mags, rod for about $375 a few years ago.

upload image

Very nice! Cool to have the box and target etc.

Bob_The_Student · October 29, 2019, 11:03:40 PM

A couple or real lookers! I give each of you a ...

Larry D. · October 30, 2019, 04:46:02 PM

The shame you must bear owning commercial pistols......

Since I was born without a sense of shame, I'll give you fifty dollars each for them, and pay postage, just so you can clear your conscience.........

No need to thank me, I'm just trying to help.

Phosphorus32 · October 30, 2019, 06:30:34 PM

Quote from: Larry D. on October 30, 2019, 04:46:02 PM
The shame you must bear owning commercial pistols......

Since I was born without a sense of shame, I'll give you fifty dollars each for them, and pay postage, just so you can clear your conscience.........

No need to thank me, I'm just trying to help.

That's a generous offer but I think I can tolerate the shame

I like the Walther banner almost as much as the Mauser banner

Larry D. · October 31, 2019, 01:42:48 PM

Don't be too hasty.....

I'm here to help........

Larry D. · December 07, 2019, 09:24:22 PM

I'm in the club now!
Scored a 1/62 with military proof at the show today.
Leather holster with extra mag. One of the mags is dated the same as the pistol.

You may not like, or believe it, but I traded my Colt Mustang Pocketlite for it.

Yes, I'm really happy with the trade.

carls sks · December 08, 2019, 09:21:07 AM

nice pick up.

second time

I have heard about Dan's ammo. will have to check him out.

Phosphorus32 · December 08, 2019, 02:35:07 PM

Quote from: Larry D. on December 07, 2019, 09:24:22 PM
I'm in the club now!
Scored a 1/62 with military proof at the show today.
Leather holster with extra mag. One of the mags is dated the same as the pistol.

You may not like, or believe it, but I traded my Colt Mustang Pocketlite for it.

Yes, I'm really happy with the trade.

Nice! Sounds like a good trade!

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Post War Walther P.38