P-38

[JaimeH]

I'm considering purchasing a P-38 (pre 1945) both for collecting and shooting. I've seen them on the web for about $550 to $600. I plan on being at the MAX show so hopefully may find a better deal on one I can inspect. My questions are, is one maker better than another? Are matching numbers that important?
Were they all 9MM? What are the going gun show prices? Overall what should I look for? Thanks

[Matt Weber]

Jamie,

It really depends on what you plan to do with this P38. If you just want a shooter, then matching numbers are not all that important, nor is the maker.

If you want a collector piece, then yes you want it all to match! There are only 3 makers: Walther, Mauser, and Spreewerke. Walther and Mauser made P38s will command a higher price, but
Spreewerkes guns are also very good, and are in fact rarer than both Mauser and Walther. The Year and condition are the big factors, and will make a huge difference in price!
For example you can get a byf44 (Mauser 1944) P38 in about 90% conditon for around $450-$500. However if you want a byf42 (Also Mauser made in 1942) in 90% conditon will cost about $900-$1000!!! Basically the later war years will be more common, and cost less. Early war models like the byf42, AC41, AC40, svw45, cvq and 480/40 will command a premium price!

If you decide on a Spreewerke gun (maker codes cyq or cvq). Look for an early example. You can tell by the letter suffix. They started with "a" and went to "z". If you see a "cvq" marked gun, it should have a letter prefix, either "0" , "a" or "b". These are very rare, and will be high priced.

I would recommend that you pick up a book or visit the P38 website and do some research before buying anything!

Matt

[JaimeH]

Thanks Matt, I'll take your advice. It will be a shooter, it will be about the only piece in my collection that can be used (other than my Luftwaffe compass).

[Matt Weber]

Sounds good Jamie. If you are just getting a shooter. I would recommend buying one of those recent import marked ones. If you are going to the MAX show there will probably be a guy (forgot his name) that has a whole crate full of P38 imports. These usually will have matching numbers, but will be re-blued, and import marked. They are great for shooters, and usually cost around $350 range (plus or minus $50).

Good luck, and good shooting!

Matt