P-1/38 question

[yourfns]

I'm thinking of getting a Walther P-1 or P-38. Which one do you Calgunners is best? And what is the hex pin? I see them with or without hex pin. Any and all info would be helpful. Thank you in advance!

[Justintoxicated]

P38 with non-alloy frame

[SoCal Bob]

I chose the P1 because I wanted a shooter. War time P38's had a steel frame, post war P38's used an alloy frame, both had the standard slide. Some of the alloy frames began to crack with frequent usage or by using modern ammo that was hotter than that in use at the time the P38 was designed.

The P38 was renamed the P1 but still had an alloy frame and standard slide. The P1 was later modified by placing the hex bolt in the frame to stiffen it and the slide was beefed up. The new slide is slightly thicker than the standard slide and has the serrations in front of and behind the safety, the standard slide has the serrations behind the safety.

While my P1 is reinforced, I stick with standard loads and avoid +P or similar rounds. I chose a P1 with the hex pin and the beefed up slide and am really happy with it, great shooter.

[morrcarr67]

I chose the P1 because I wanted a shooter. War time P38's had a steel frame, post war P38's used an alloy frame, both had the standard slide. Some of the alloy frames began to crack with frequent usage or by using modern ammo that was hotter than that in use at the time the P38 was designed.

The P38 was renamed the P1 but still had an alloy frame and standard slide. The P1 was later modified by placing the hex bolt in the frame to stiffen it and the slide was beefed up. The new slide is slightly thicker than the standard slide and has the serrations in front of and behind the safety, the standard slide has the serrations behind the safety.

While my P1 is reinforced, I stick with standard loads and avoid +P or similar rounds. I chose a P1 with the hex pin and the beefed up slide and am really happy with it, great shooter.

You pretty well summed it up.

I too wanted a shooter so I also got the P-1. I will get a P-38 some day but that's a hole nother story.

If you can't picture what Bob is describing maybe this picture of my gun will help.

[Justintoxicated]

so why isn't the P38 with steel frame a good shooter?

[SoCal Bob]

so why isn't the P38 with steel frame a good shooter?

I'm not familiar enough with it to know if it is or isn't. One with a steel frame is from the war time and is likely to be more expensive. The most common ones available now are post war and have the alloy frame. Since they beefed up the slide I have to think there were some issues that lead up to the change, otherwise why modify it.

[morrcarr67]

so why isn't the P38 with steel frame a good shooter?

They are great shooters. They are also very collectable. And, in some cases very expensive.

You could get a pristine one for $900-$1200.

You could get a very good one for $700-$900.

You could get a RC matching numbers for $500-$600

You could get a RC mixed numbers for $400-$500

or

You could get a P-1 like mine for less then $400 ( I paid $369 for mine). Hell Turners had them on sale a few weeks back for $279.

That's the difference between a "shooter" and a "Collector".

Don't get me wrong. I plan on shooting my P-38 when I get one. I just won't shot it as much as my P-1.

[Justintoxicated]

They are great shooters. They are also very collectable. And, in some cases very expensive.

You could get a pristine one for $900-$1200.

You could get a very good one for $700-$900.

You could get a RC matching numbers for $500-$600

You could get a RC mixed numbers for $400-$500

or

You could get a P-1 like mine for less then $400 ( I paid $369 for mine). Hell Turners had them on sale a few weeks back for $279.

That's the difference between a "shooter" and a "Collector".

Don't get me wrong. I plan on shooting my P-38 when I get one. I just won't shot it as much as my P-1.

Oh I see. I was looking at a P38 with steel frame, non matching numbers, Nazi marked, in excellent condition for $359, course once you add shipping and dros in california that tacks on about $100.

But yea that place has the P1's for $308 so they are in fact a little cheaper.

[003]

http://www.p38guns.com/

Check out this link - - more than you ever wanted to know about P-38's.

[billybob_jcv]

http://www.p38guns.com/

Check out this link - - more than you ever wanted to know about P-38's.

That's a great site! But - I couldn't see where it indicated any way to tell a steel frame from an alloy frame - did I miss it - or are those all steel frames?

[morrcarr67]

Billybob - The post war models are alloy frames. I believe starting with the 1947 model year.

[yourfns]

WOW! Thanks to all of you. This site and all of you Calgunners really rock! I'm thinking the P-1 with the hex pin with the alloy frame. Time to start saving my money and sell a couple from my collection.

[Nevada Hudson]

Got a nice one from Classic Arms for $299.

[yourfns]

Thanks. I'll check them out

[rusted180]

Check this site out: p38forum.com you'll get all ur info about p38 war and post production models there! Awesome site. Best site for p38s! The community is very very helpful!