7 Facts About The Walther P38 Pistol

The Walther P38 pistol is a semi-automatic handgun that was designed by the German company Carl Walther GmbH in the 1930s. It was used extensively by the German military during World War II and has since become a popular collector's item among firearms enthusiasts. Here are seven interesting facts about the Walther P38 pistol:

First introduced in 1938, the Walther P38 was designed to replace the Luger P08 pistol, which had been the standard-issue sidearm for the German military since the early 1900s. The P38 was designed to be more reliable and easier to maintain than the Luger, and it quickly became a favorite among German soldiers.

One of the most distinctive features of the Walther P38 is its double-action trigger mechanism. This means that the first pull of the trigger both cocks and fires the pistol, while subsequent pulls are single-action, requiring only a light pull to fire the next round. This design makes the P38 easier to use, especially in high-stress situations.

The Walther P38 was originally designed to fire the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge, which was the standard pistol cartridge for the German military at the time. However, during World War II, the pistol was also chambered for the 7.65x21mm Parabellum cartridge, which was used by the German police and other non-military organizations.

The Walther P38 was manufactured by several different companies during World War II, including Walther, Mauser, and Spreewerk. Each of these companies produced the pistol with slight variations, which can make it difficult for collectors to identify the exact manufacturer of a particular pistol.

The Walther P38 was used extensively by the German military during World War II, and it saw action on both the Eastern and Western fronts. The pistol was popular among German soldiers due to its reliability and accuracy, and it remained in service until the end of the war.

After World War II, the Walther P38 was used by several different countries, including France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The pistol was also used by various police and military organizations around the world, and it remained in production until the 1960s.

Today, the Walther P38 is a highly sought-after collector's item among firearms enthusiasts. The pistol's unique design and historical significance make it a popular choice among collectors, and it can command high prices at auction.

Design and Features

The Walther P38 is a semi-automatic pistol that features a double-action trigger mechanism and a fixed barrel. The pistol is chambered for the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge, and it has a magazine capacity of eight rounds. The P38 is constructed from steel and features a durable finish that resists corrosion.

One of the most distinctive features of the Walther P38 is its decocking lever, which is located on the left side of the frame. This lever allows the user to safely decock the pistol without having to pull the trigger. The P38 also features a manual safety, which is located on the left side of the frame, just above the trigger.

Technical Specifications

Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum
Magazine capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel length: 5 inches (127 mm)
Overall length: 8.5 inches (216 mm)
Height: 5.5 inches (140 mm)
Width: 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Weight: 1.6 pounds (725 grams)
Muzzle velocity: 1,148 feet per second (350 meters per second)
Effective range: 50 yards (45 meters)

History of the Walther P38

The Walther P38 was first introduced in 1938, and it quickly became a popular choice among German soldiers due to its reliability and accuracy. The pistol was used extensively during World War II, and it saw action on both the Eastern and Western fronts.

World War II Era

During World War II, the Walther P38 was used extensively by the German military. The pistol was popular among German soldiers due to its reliability and accuracy, and it remained in service until the end of the war.

Post-War Era

Collectibility

The Walther P38 is a highly sought-after collector's item among firearms enthusiasts. The pistol's unique design and historical significance make it a popular choice among collectors, and it can command high prices at auction.

The Walther P38 is particularly prized among collectors due to its rarity and historical significance. The pistol was produced in limited quantities during World War II, and many examples were destroyed or lost during the war.

Factors Affecting Collectibility

Several factors can affect the collectibility of the Walther P38, including:

Rarity: The Walther P38 is a rare pistol, particularly in good condition.
Historical significance: The pistol was used extensively during World War II, and it has a rich history.
Condition: The condition of the pistol can greatly affect its collectibility, with mint-condition examples commanding high prices.
Provenance: The ownership history of the pistol can also affect its collectibility, with examples owned by notable individuals or organizations commanding high prices.

Gallery of Walther P38 Images

Walther P38 Image Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Walther P38 pistol?

What are the technical specifications of the Walther P38 pistol?

The Walther P38 pistol has a caliber of 9x19mm Parabellum, a magazine capacity of 8 rounds, a barrel length of 5 inches (127 mm), and an overall length of 8.5 inches (216 mm). It weighs 1.6 pounds (725 grams) and has a muzzle velocity of 1,148 feet per second (350 meters per second).

Is the Walther P38 pistol rare?

Yes, the Walther P38 pistol is considered rare, particularly in good condition. Many examples were destroyed or lost during World War II, and the pistol was produced in limited quantities.

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the Walther P38 pistol. Whether you're a firearms enthusiast, a historian, or simply someone who appreciates the design and craftsmanship of vintage firearms, the Walther P38 is an interesting and collectible pistol that is sure to fascinate.