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**chris ulkesh** · 02-16-2003, 11:34 PM

i just talked to a mauser collector friend who has a few p38's. he says he's experienced this problem and says the best way to load a p38 is to insert full mag and draw the slide back and release. i already knew that and that's fine at the range, but in combat when you need a fast reload...yikes! gimme a BHP or a 1911 any day. i still like p38's because they're kool. i hope this thread doesn't ruffle any feathers...

**Dick Pumphrey** · 02-19-2003, 02:40 PM

No ruffeled feathers here.

Chris,
Sometimes I have noticed folks shooting the 45 cal 1911 and then having the trouble you describe when going to something smaller such as anything 9mm. You HAVE to "lock" your wrist. Please don't take offense to this, but you cannot shoot anything 9mm with a "limp wrist" and expect it to function. Give this a try and see if it doesn't fix your problem.
Regards,
Dick

**Kai-Steffen M.** · 02-19-2003, 03:37 PM

One question- what does "plunging stoppage" mean?
i made more than 5000 shots with my own and several other p38 and bundeswehr p1 and observed some 10000 more- never had any serious technical problems- very reliable weapon of you ask me- would it have been in service 60 years if it wasnt so?

Gruß,
KSM

**chris ulkesh** · 02-19-2003, 06:14 PM

hi guys, okay, the "plunging stoppage" is: with the slide locked back. insert a full magazine and drop the slide using the slide stop. the top cartridge will hit the feed ramp and go bullet nose down. this will tie up the gun. i experienced many years ago and it was reported in a p38 road test by bob shimek and a guns&ammo surplus firearms magazine. i've tried changing mags, too...see an earlier post called "p38 reliability" also. it's really distressing 'cuz i like ww2 p38's so much. any ideas.....?????

**Dick Pumphrey** · 02-19-2003, 06:29 PM

Chris,
What is the condition of the feed ramp at the base of the barrel going into the chamber? If it is rough this could cause your troubles. If that is the case have a competent gunsmith polish it for you. I personally have never had any trouble with P-38's as you describe. I would also look at the "ears" at the top of your clip. Sometimes they get mashed down when folks bang the clip into the pistol like the Hollywood types. Ball ammo should work like a champ with no problems. I thought you were having problems with what is called a "stove-pipe jamb" where the empty cartridge case ends up sticking up out of the pistol with the bolt closed around it like a stove-pipe. Hope this will offer some help.
Regards,
Dick

**Kai-Steffen M.** · 02-19-2003, 07:08 PM

never used the slide stop to load- this isnt done by the military either. why should one do that? just insert a full mag- pull slide back and release- does the problem occur then too?

Gruß,
KSM

**chris ulkesh** · 02-19-2003, 07:43 PM

thanks. i have had this happen on several occasions. the feed ramps are pretty smooth. most of my friends have a ww2 p38 of some sort and only one other guy's had it happen. did you read the "p38 reliability" thread? i usually ignore the slide stop, too when doing a combat reload w/ a browning design. it's not a big deal, just something that's haunted me and this is a big forum and oppertunity to get input from many people. i appreciate the responses!

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aaaargh! the plunging stoppage!

aaaargh! the plunging stoppage!

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