p38 problem

[Too Slow]

I just bought my first p38, a nice looking spreework. I took it to the range and the gun cycled ammo great. However, after ejecting the round and cycling the slide, the hammer does not lock into the cocked position. It works great otherwise. I can manually pull the hammer back and cock it and it will stay and it will fire double action pulling the trigger, but the hammer just doesn't stay back after firing a round. I have field stripped it, cleaned and lubed it.

Anyone have any thoughts about what is going on?

[TRAP55]

For the comprehension impaired (me), you fire a round...the slide comes back and cycles another round into the chamber...but fails to cock the hammer?
Is the hammer following the slide forward?

[Too Slow]

For the comprehension impaired (me), you fire a round...the slide comes back and cycles another round into the chamber...but fails to cock the hammer?
Is the hammer following the slide forward?

You described it correctly. The slide properly ejects the casing and chambers the next round, however the hammer moves forward with the slide, so I have to either manually cock the hammer or fire the gun in what is the equivent of a double action with the trigger cocking the hammer and releasing the striker. The hammer doesn't hold back. I can manually cock the hammer and it stays. I have a couple of different mags for it so it isnt a mag problem as far as I can tell as it does it with both of them.

Thanks for the reply.

[Blue Ridge Reef]

Try this guy:
Gun Parts Sales & Repairs
Tom Heller (Luger Doc)
P O Box 398
St Charles MO 63302
Tel 636-447-3006
Email- hellerarms@webtv.net

He's a gunsmith on the Walther forums. Haven't ever used his services, but I'd think he's well-versed in the Walther classic models. Hope it's an easy fix, that's one cool war pistol.

[TRAP55]

I can manually cock the hammer and it stays.

Okay, that's a good thing, means the sear is intact.
If you manually work the slide all the way back and release it, does it cock then?

[Sailormilan2]

What ammo are you using? European ammo tends to be loaded hotter than US made ammo. Your P38 may be set up for Eurpoean ammo(it is a European gun) and may not be cycling far enough to cock the hammer.
I've had that problem with a Walther PP in 32 acp.

[zinfull]

I would say that your hammer needs to be replaced. Pull your grips off and hand cycle the slide. You should be able to see the sear catch the bottom tip of the hammer. Yours does not catch so see how much further the hammer has to go to engage the sear.

jerry

[rhunter]

I just bought my first p38, a nice looking spreework. I took it to the range and the gun cycled ammo great. However, after ejecting the round and cycling the slide, the hammer does not lock into the cocked position. It works great otherwise. I can manually pull the hammer back and cock it and it will stay and it will fire double action pulling the trigger, but the hammer just doesn't stay back after firing a round. I have field stripped it, cleaned and lubed it.

Anyone have any thoughts about what is going on?

Had the same problem with my spreework, I had to replace the hammer. Works 100% now. There is a small shelf on the hammer that wears.
Hope this helps.
Roger

[Too Slow]

Thanks for the replys. Hotter ammo first, then maybe new hammer.

Thanks!

[zinfull]

I would NOT use hotter ammo. The WWB from wally world is all you need. These are older guns and hot ammo could do some damage. Your slide should move your hammer to engage in the first part of the cycle.

jerry

[metalliman545]

+p+ loads will make it work.

Lol jk jk

[TRAP55]

One more time,
If you manually work the slide all the way back and release it, does it cock then?

[Too Slow]

One more time,
If you manually work the slide all the way back and release it, does it cock then?

Yes.

[zinfull]

Is the sear spring install correct? The spring wire leads are from the bottom of the stake.

jerry

[Too Slow]

Is the sear spring install correct? The spring wire leads are from the bottom of the stake.

jerry

I'll have to check this weekend.