walther p38 good deal??

[ggent001]

Heya folks. I'm just starting out on some firearms collecting. recently posted on the forum asking for advice on good reference books. Got my hands on a couple of good books(thanks again to all you folks who chimed in) and have some more on the way. There is so much to learn!! Anyhow, I decided for my first pistol I want to go with a p38. I'm not exactly growing cash out of my ears at this point in my career so I'm starting out slow.(with some lower priced pistols and rifles). I've been offered a p38 from a fella with a good reputation as a dealer online. it is being offered at $500 and I was wondering if some of you experienced guys could give me your opinion.
Here is the description:

ac/45 in the no letter block(prior to the a?) #20XX. Has minty bore and original
finish, with some wear of the front grip strap and some scattered pits on
the slide. Mag is post war and the grips are repro. Non-import.

Advice and opinions would be very welcome. Thanks a lot,
G

[dag001]

In my humble opinion, you should pass on this one. By the time you replace the repro grips and post war magazine, you will probably have $700+ in a pistol with a pitted slide. Be patient and save up for one you won't have to make excuses for when the time comes to sell it. Condition and/or rarity always appreciate in value. Good luck - P.38's are addictive!

[Col.Klink]

I agree with dag. Good P38s can still be had at a semi-reasonable price, you just have to be patient. Fella walked into our last local gunshow with the mintiest AC44 P38 I had ever seen, with two mags and its original holster. He sold it for $700. Figure that the holster is worth around $150 and the extra mag $75, that puts the pistol at only $475. Most folks won't pay much more than $700 for a complete rig, but when you break down the components, it is well worth it. I have been fortunate enough to get "rigs" like the one I just described for as low as $500, but it took time. Take your time, and you will thank yourself in the end.

[Douglas Jr.]

Patience is halfway to a good collection.
And P38s is a nice choice to start a firearms collection...

[ggent001]

thanks

appreciate your advice guys. I passed on the offer and I'm waiting for something a bit more promising. Gotta hit the books.
Geoff

[Douglas Jr.]

Geoff,

Stay tuned on the E-Stand. Some very nice opportunities pop up there from time to time!

Douglas.

[Matt Weber]

Geoff,

I agree with everyone else's comments. Just be patient. Newer collectors always want to rush out and buy right away. Just be patient, and keep browsing the estand here, or on the P38 forum. There are some really nice pistols that come up sometimes, and prices are usually pretty fair.

Matt

[Gerard/Relic Hunter]

2 WW1 German rifles Kar88 Gew88 Feedback wanted

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