P38 Questions

[JaimeH]

I missed out on the late war gun on my previous thread, Oh Well
moremad

Anyways, I plan finding another P38. I'm looking for a war year "shooter". A few comments earlier got me realizing I'm pretty ignorant on the subject, so if I can ask a few questions I will appreciate your expertise.

I understand an import stamp lowers the value? What does it look like?

Manufacturers, I would guess that Walther would be the most desired followed by Mauser? and others?

What physical difference is on the "Police" model?

Price, I am seeing $500 to $750 for standard 1940 to 1944 about right?.

Do any of you know a good trusted vendor you can turn me on to? Thank You!

[john p.]

P38 evaluation

from the book article,"Great Handguns of the world",it says this.

"The P38 was designed to be made as twice as quick on half as many machines as the Luger.At first the Officers preferred the beutiful Luger.But the Walther was compact,powerful,and some remarkably accurate,effortlesly delivering one inch groups at 75 yards!It even has a loaded round indicator.Fits the hand correct.

Today,there are better handguns than the P38,but just try to tell a P38 that view."

[Matt Weber]

Jamie,

Your search for a P38 will lead you down many avenues.
Price range on P38s will vary from $300- well over a Grand!

The most common P38s (also the cheapest ones!) will be a 1943-1944 models. Makers will be either Walther (AC), Mauser (byf), or Spreewerke (cyq) for these years. The Spreewerke marked guns will not have a date, but Spreewerke made very few P38s in 1942, and thier 1945 made P38s will be marked "cvq", so if you find one marked "cyq" it will either be a 1943 or 1944. Prices for all three makers for these 2 years will be about the same (between $400-$600, depending on condition).

Import marks. These are usually found under the barrel. Sometimes they will try to hide them under the grips! It usually will have the importers name and "German P38, 9mm".

Police marked P38s are extemely rare, and I would advise that you stay away from one for now, since you don't know much about them. They are usually made by Mauser, and will be commercially marked with the "eagle N" and also marked on the slide with the Police proof, "eagle L". They should not have any military proof markings!

As for dealers, you mentioned Tom Heller. He is very good. Also you can check out Charlie Justmanns' website at- www.checkpointcharlies.com
I just visited Charlie last week, and I know that he has several nice P38s for sale. He even has a nice "cyq" P38 with holster, and spare mag, with original capture papers! check it out!

Also be sure to read the article I wrote on P38s for this site. It has a lot of good info in there!

Matt

[RayG]

Bought my M1A1 Thompson from Charlie. Bought it sight unseen over the phone. He had just bought a whole collection of class three MG's that included a couple of Thompson's. When I finally went up to pick it up when the ATF paper work came back, he showed me the rest of the guns he bought. It was fun to be able to handle them. If I remember right there were a couple of M14's among the lot. You're right, Charlie's a good guy to deal with, Ray

[Matt Weber]

Your quite right Ray. Charlie doesn't get the hugh publicity that most national dealers get. But as far as here in the midwest, I think Charlie is probably the best WWII gun dealer around!
I have purchased several guns from him, and I would say about 80% of my holster came from him as well!

I'm going to Charlies' Friday. I have a nice early HSc that needs some work done on the trigger. I'll let him know you said "Hi".

Matt

[Warren O]

Thanks for the Check Point Charlie link.
Warren

[Matt Weber]

No problem Warren. did you get a Pistol from Charlie?

Matt

[Ken B.]

As for import marks, I've seen the Russian " x" on trigger guards. This is a dead give away.

[Warren O]

Just got a 1903A3 from Charlie, he told me its not mint but I would like it. The gun is fantastic, its a beautiful Remington.
Does anyone else have a 1903, what ammo do you use, should I look for Military ball Ammo only or can I use modern loads?
Thanks again Matt for the Charlie link I,m going to get onr of those Lugers next!
Warren

[Matt Weber]

No problem,
Charlie usually has a good selection of lugers in stock. One thing I really like about Charlie, (besides his holsters!) are his prices. They're not cheap, but they are definately fair, and you definately get what you pay for!

Matt