WALTHER P 38

Posted Jun 15, 2023

The Walther P 38 is a double action semi-automatic pistol that was developed for the German military in the late 1930s. This gun has been in continuous production since then and has been constantly updated to reflect modern technologies. The P 38 has been adopted by several law enforcement agencies and armed forces around the world, including those of the United States. It is one of the most popular handguns in the world and, because of its reliability and ease of use, it is also widely used for recreational shooting.

The P 38 is chambered for the 9x19mm Parabellum round and is a recoil-operated, locked-breech pistol. The light alloy frame, the blowback action, and the ergonomic grip ergonomics of the P 38 provide excellent control and accuracy. The gun is also known for its relatively low-recoil, making it suitable for novice shooters. The P 38 features a single-action and double-action trigger. In the single-action mode, the trigger pull is relatively light and the gun can fire with an accuracy that is comparable to more modern pistols. In double-action mode, the trigger pull is longer and heavier, making accuracy more difficult but providing an additional level of safety. Also, the P 38 has a de-cocking lever that allows the user to lower the hammer safely and quickly after shooting.

The P 38 was designed with military use in mind and features a number of features to help with durability and reliability. The frame and slide of the P 38 are machined from a high-grade steel alloy, which offers superior durability and resistance to corrosion. The frame and slide are then finished with a matte black anodizing that is highly resistant to abrasion and extreme temperatures. The internal parts are also carefully machined to precise tolerances, which further contributes to the P 38’s superior reliability. Furthermore, the P 38 features a positively locking breech that is activated by a button on the slide, which helps to reduce the risk of accidental discharge.

In terms of accuracy, the P 38 is one of the most consistent handguns on the market. The combination of the light double-action trigger pull, combined with the comfortable grip makes it easy to shoot accurately. Also, the P 38 has adjustable sights, which allows the shooter to tailor the gun’s aiming point to their individual shooting style. The fixed barrel also helps to ensure that the P 38 shoots consistently at slightly different angles, reducing the chance of flyer shots.

The P 38 is also known for its reliability. The gun is designed to fire a wide variety of 9x19mm rounds without any problems. In addition, the P 38 is equipped with an electronic firing pin safety. This feature prevents the gun from firing if it is dropped, which greatly decreases the possibility of an accidental discharge. Furthermore, the strong steel frame and the blowback action combine to ensure that the P 38 will stay functioning under heavy usage.

The Walther P 38 is a great handgun that is suitable for both experienced and novice shooters alike. The exceptionally low recoil, reliable construction, and superior accuracy make it an excellent choice for a wide variety of shooting and self defense needs. The P 38 is a proven design with decades of use and, as such, it is highly regarded by shooters worldwide. Although it may no longer be considered a cutting-edge handgun, it is without a doubt one of the most reliable and accurate handguns that is still widely available today.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

-The Walther P 38 is a reliable and accurate firearm.

-It is a classic handgun due to its historical relevance in World War II.

-It has a good weight, balance,and trigger pull for comfortable shooting.

-It is an excellent choice for defensive, recreational, and target shooting.

Cons:

-It is an older and more difficult to find model, so parts can be limited.

-It can be difficult to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance.

-It is an older model so ammunition availability can be limited and more expensive.

-The Walther P 38 is not the best choice for concealed carry as it is a bit bulky.

Who Should Buy

Anyone who is 18 years of age or older and is legally allowed to purchase a gun can buy a Walther P 38. As this model is a semi-automatic firearm, anyone who is not adequately trained in gun safety, such as a beginner, should consider buying a firearm that is not as powerful and requires more safety precautions.

Comparisons

	WALTHER P 38	SMITH & WESSON PERFORMANCE CENTER PC1911	WILSON COMBAT CQB TACTICAL LE	HECKLER & KOCH HK 416
Caliber	9mm	.45 ACP	.45 ACP	5.56 NATO
Weight	939 g	1149 g	1337 g	2645 g
Trigger pull weight	Medium - 5.6 lbs	Medium – 4.25 lbs	Medium- 5.3 lbs	Medium – 5.6 lbs
Action	Double Action	Single Action	Single Action	Gas-operated semi-auto
Magazine Capacity	8 rounds	8 rounds	8 rounds	30 rounds

Features / Specs

-Caliber: 9x19mm

-Weight: 32.01 ounces

-Barrel Length: 4.9 inches

-Overall Height: 5.4 inches

-Overall Length: 8.4 inches

-Action: Semi-Automatic

-Capacity: 8 rounds

Popular Accessories

Replacement Grip Panels

Replacement Magazine

Holster

Sights

Recoil Spring

Cleaning Supplies

Magazine Speedloaders

Recoil Buffers

Magazine Baseplates

Sling Attachments

Accuracy

The Walther P38 is a reliable and accurate firearm. Thanks to its 8-round magazine and short recoil-operated action, the P38 provides excellent accuracy and is known for its flat trajectory and tight grouping. With a good shooter, it is capable of producing groups as accurate as 1.5 inches at 25 yards. This makes it a great choice for target shooting and personal defense.