Import P38's

[Schutzstaffel]

Looking at this website which is the importer for GSG, (I was looking on more info for the mp44/22), I came across these P38's. There all original and you can choose to buy captured and uncaptured with black or brown grips. I have never owned a ww2 handgun and would love to start. Would the uncaptured pistol be a good start? (I know the Factory Rep so I could get it at whole sale.)

http://www.americantactical.us/1880/detail.html

[Schutzstaffel]

Let me also add I am looking for a shooter, not a display gun.

[Death-Ace]

If you wanted a shooter, but do you want something original, there are plenty of devoured P38s on auctionarms and GB. Also mismatches seem to go cheap as Russian captures seem to rise. Does condition bother you much?

Blue Skies of Thunderbolts,
Lev

[Schutzstaffel]

I wouldnt say bother, but something that will stand the test of time being shot. That certain p38 seemed interesting because I could probably get it for half price. Also, I would like to get ww2 manufacture.

[mrec27777]

Looking at this website which is the importer for GSG, (I was looking on more info for the mp44/22), I came across these P38's. There all original and you can choose to buy captured and uncaptured with black or brown grips. I have never owned a ww2 handgun and would love to start. Would the uncaptured pistol be a good start? (I know the Factory Rep so I could get it at whole sale.)

http://www.americantactical.us/1880/detail.html

the website states"out-of-stock"...am i correct?..also, if you can buy them half price ..that is a heck-of-a-deal ...it would be wise to buy at least one of each captured,uncaptured....

[Schutzstaffel]

It does say out of stock, but I know a guy at the company

[james m]

Century Arms has these as well. If you just want a shooter they're probably ok. However; They will be importer maked as required. You have to at least have a C&R license to buy directly from Century.
Jim

[scotty1418]

How can they say 'non-import marked' when it's one of the importation laws that they be marked?

[Death-Ace]

How can they say 'non-import marked' when it's one of the importation laws that they be marked?

Well, let's say like some factory line employees, they manage one or two "minor screw-ups" every now and then, sometimes to our advantage!

Blue Skies of Thunderbolts,
Lev

[jh-ss44]

regardless of capture markings, these would be re finished ,ect. = lowers the value a bit.
price seems a little high. as Jim said these will be Imported marked. also deduct some money off.
But as a shooter these would be very good. most I have seen are great shape , ussually matching. why the russians did this to these & Not to the k-98s is a mystery.

shop around a bit , before you whip the wallet out. bet you can find the same a little cheaper.
happy hunting !!!
jeff

[William J]

Maybe I'm missing something, and I must say I haven't bought a p-38 this year, but it seems an honest vet bringback (all matching, original finish, and of course no import stamps) typically runs $650 to $800 for the more common types i.e. 43 and 44 date pistols. At $569, I would certainly spend a little more and have one that would never need any apologies. Now if you can get it half price to use as a shooter, that's a different story.

[scotty1418]

Maybe I'm missing something, and I must say I haven't bought a p-38 this year, but it seems an honest vet bringback (all matching, original finish, and of course no import stamps) typically runs $650 to $800 for the more common types i.e. 43 and 44 date pistols. At $569, I would certainly spend a little more and have one that would never need any apologies. Now if you can get it half price to use as a shooter, that's a different story.

Have prices gone up that much? My matching late '44 p38 cost me about $500-550, 2 years ago and that was standard pricing when I was shopping?

[james m]

Have prices gone up that much? My matching late '44 p38 cost me about $500-550, 2 years ago and that was standard pricing when I was shopping?

Yes scotty:
It's rare to see them in the $600 range any more in my area and $700 to $800+ seems to be the going rate now.
Jim

[pdawg1911]

Maybe I'm missing something, and I must say I haven't bought a p-38 this year, but it seems an honest vet bringback (all matching, original finish, and of course no import stamps) typically runs $650 to $800 for the more common types i.e. 43 and 44 date pistols. At $569, I would certainly spend a little more and have one that would never need any apologies. Now if you can get it half price to use as a shooter, that's a different story.

Spot on for South Carolina - BYF 44, 97% at local gun show, guy was asking $800.....asking..... Obviously supply and demand, and market driven, but P-38's as a whole, are not scare guns. Its not like you are looking for Norwegian 1914 dated 1945 with a Waffenamt. So if I was looking for a WWII shooter, I would just look for a non-Russian capture, and not import.

Regards

[the_stig]

Exactly why I never pulled the trigger on a Russian Capture P38 back when they were flooding the market around 2008. Electro-penciled, black Russian reblue, pitting? I went and bought a 96% collector piece for $50 more from Simpson. Now I just can't shoot it. LoL

In the coming years I can see a collector market for anything Russian Capture. If anything, the history behind them is almost worth having one in your collection for; service on the Eastern Front, battlefield pick-up. Just makes your mind run wild with all the "if this could talk" scenarios. Lots of people have stipped off the Russian dip to find a nice original finish intact. Now I kind of want one.. hmm..