Widener's P38

[Ferrum]

Thoughts? On the fence about the price ($495)....

Better deals to be had out there?

https://www.wideners.com/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=100000958&dir=700|1012|1027

[Bobby Ricigliano]

I like Wideners, and have bought from them. The only thing is their shipping charges are just laughably high. I'd find out what the total cost is with shipping before giving it serious thought.

[morrcarr67]

They've been going up in price but I think you can do better.

If you have more money in reserve I would go after this one.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=457448078

[Ferrum]

I like Wideners, and have bought from them. The only thing is their shipping charges are just laughably high. I'd find out what the total cost is with shipping before giving it serious thought.

Valid point... I keep trying to check out and get a shipping cost and their site is being temperamental...

They've been going up in price but I think you can do better.

If you have more money in reserve I would go after this one.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=457448078

Nice! I just added that to my watch list. That one looks to be in good condition.

[Capybara]

Hate to be the bearer of bad news but you cannot buy a pistol from Wideners. They will only ship to FFL03s in California, no FFL01s and FFL03s in California cannot take delivery of C&R handguns. Been there, wanted to do that, not happening. I have bought several of my favorite long guns from Wideners though.

[Jimja]

I personally wouldn't buy that pistol. Two major things going against these:

1) Import Marked
2) Looks like Russian Capture

"These are a little different from the other batch we received. Most of these have force matched serials on some parts. By force matched, we mean that they were non matching serials that were etched to match the gun at the time of refurbishment."

While the price is decent at $500 + ship, for a bit more you can get an original bring back, matching numbers gun.

At various gun shows you can find original bring back P38's, with all matching numbers in the $600-$700 range (after some negotiating). I bought one in perfect condition for under $600 earlier in the year. There were a bunch at the SAR show in Phoenix last weekend in the $700 range.

I also saw some non-matching numbers bring backs, no import marks, pretty good condition in the $450-$550 price range.

In my personal opinion, it's better to spend ~$650 for a matching numbers, non-import marked bring back than $500 for a force matched RC'd import marked gun. Not that there is anything wrong with RC'd pistols.

These pistols seem to be going up in price btw, at least from what I've seen at shows in the past year

[CEDaytonaRydr]

I don't know. This is kind-of anecdotal but I had a P1 and really didn't like the way it shot. Some people love them but I just didn't find it particularly accurate, or fun to shoot. Reloads are slow, and capacity isn't great. I wasn't into it...

If you're going to hold onto it as a part of your collection, go for it. If you want to shoot it, get a P1.

[Tonymin]

I bought my P38 from a local gun shop for $450
Little did I know that BYF 42 was rare and desirable and matching ones like mine worth in the $1500 range. I keep getting lucky that way.
In any case, $450 plus shipping plus fees is way too much for a Russian capture. Check the P38 forum, they have knowledge and sometimes deals. I have seen several others in the $450 range at LGS's in my area.
Here is mine,

[spb_la]

With all the transfer fees (even if they agreed to ship to your FFL01) and shipping, you will be in it over $600. You can probably find similar value here in Marketplace - they do show up every once in a while.

As for shooting it - I loved it. Seemed very natural and accurate to me. fast reloads are non-issue for me, as it is not my HD pistol. Of course - if you plan to shoot it a lot - get a P1 with alloy slide.

[emcon5]

Do you have your 03 FFL? Cabela's in Reno had several P38s last time I was there, for about that price.

[Ferrum]

Thanks for all the input, it's very much appreciated!

With all the transfer fees (even if they agreed to ship to your FFL01) and shipping, you will be in it over $600. You can probably find similar value here in Marketplace - they do show up every once in a while.

As for shooting it - I loved it. Seemed very natural and accurate to me. fast reloads are non-issue for me, as it is not my HD pistol. Of course - if you plan to shoot it a lot - get a P1 with alloy slide.

That's what I have come up with... I'm going to have to take a lesson in patience. See what pops up around here.

Do you have your 03 FFL? Cabela's in Reno had several P38s last time I was there, for about that price.

No 03. I am just finishing my move and plan on doing it as soon as I get some documents to establish residency at the new address.