Walther P1 question

[eighteenninetytwo]

just got one from Aim surplus. It's in great condition. Before I fire it I want t check on seomthing. Seems when I move the catch from Fire to safe if the gun is loaded the hammer falls awful fast. I thought it was a decocking device but it rather looks like it makes it safe by firing the thing. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

[9mmepiphany]

It is a safety and a de-cocker. If it makes you feel better, hold onto the hammer spur with the other hand when you trip the safety and lower the hammer...might be a good idea anyway as the gun is 60+ years old

[jyo]

There is always "the pencil test"---place a wooden pencil eraser first into the UNLOADED barrel and apply the safety---if the pencil flys, something is wrong---this is also a way to test if the firing pin is contacting the primer---again, UNLOADED pistol---if the pencil flys out when you pull the trigger, the firing pin would contact a live primer and fire the pistol. Also you might want to have the pistol in question checked out by a gunsmith.

[Mickey D]

As the safety/decocker is turned, it blocks the firing pin from moving forward. Always point in a safe direction when decocking, in the even something fails.
As mentioned above, better to follow the hammer down with your thumb.

[XDRoX]

Do P38's have this decocking gesture as well?

[pyromensch]

Do P38's have this decocking gesture as well?

yes, i took my dad's p-38 out for the first time, last month, and tested the safety/decocker on the range, with a live round, pointed down range. had no problems, worked great, and that thing can shoot. mauser made, in 1944

[XDRoX]

Thanks, I have no idea why my post says gesture. Stupid iPad.

[DasBoost]

Really interested in one of these (from AIM also) and good to know; hope to hear a range report soon, OP. Never knew abut the 'pencil test' either.