New P38

[MapleHill]

I will start this by saying, I am not a collector, just a shooter! I do not have any military firearms of any sort, but the deal on this was too good to pass up. I ended up with a P38 ac44 war bring back. All #s match, it appears all original, I haven't disassembled it yet, with a 42 P08 holster, in excellent shape and 2 correctly stamped magazines. Gonna try to shoot it this weekend

[Petrol & Powder]

Congratulations on your new pistol.

The P-38 is a milestone in history. It was the first full sized double action military pistol. We continue to see its influence in DA/SA pistols.

[dubber123]

I'd suggest slugging it. I was surprised when I did mine, it turns out it needs a .359" boolit. Yep, looser than all my .38's, much less my other 9mms. It does shoot pretty well once you use the right size boolit.

[Der Gebirgsjager]

Congratulations on acquiring a very nice pistol. You will like it!

[Scorpion8]

And a very ergonomic and natural pointer too. Something about the P-38's just fits the hand almost perfectly. Good score.

[Texas by God]

I missed a Walther for $200 a few years ago that shot better than the unissued Manhurin I had 25yrs ago. They are neat guns but crunchy triggers and so-so accuracy. The Beretta 92 is the zenith of the P38 design IMO.

[pietro]

.

I'm sure happy with my P-38.....

[Texas by God]

I'd rather have the airplane.......

[Artful]

Excellent choice - I love mine. Only surprise that was found that a lot of the P-38 barrels are lined and not one piece.

[HarryT]

You should send it to Reuben Klamer to have it converted to an U.N.C.L.E. Special.

[GONRA]

GONRA suggests shootin' yer "P38 ac44 war bring back" with a modest nr. of mild reloads.
You hava wonderful collector's item!

If you do NOT reload ammo, shoot common US factory ball ammo in the winter to keep pressures down.
Have Fun!

[leftiye]

First handgun I had was a WW2 P-38. I bought it the day I was drafted, later sold it. A couple of years back, I got a new police surplus P38 from Europe. Virtually new, I slobber whenever I fondle it. Super nice feel to it.

[Scharfschuetze]

Congrats on your P38 pistol.

The Beretta 92 (US M9) is a direct descendant of the P38 with virtually the same oscillating recoil operated lock up.

My first 9mm was a P38. I had a great time with it using both cast and jacketed bullets. Wish I still had it. I learned all about loading the 9X19 Parabellum round and its vagaries with it.

Oh, and Pietro, I've still got a P38 or two laying around the War Room somewhere. When MREs replaced C Rats in the 80s, they kind of went away.

[Larry in MT]

Enjoy!!!
My 1st center fire handgun was the P38 Dad brought back from the European Theatre in WWll. I've never had it fail to fire and it's reasonably accurate. I still have it, along with the permission slip.

[gwpercle]

Great score !

I was surprised to learn my WWII P38 likes a load with the Lee 105 grain SWC boolit , sized to .357 , over 4.7 grains of Unique. This load shoots to point of aim of the fixed sights , mild recoil , 100 % functioning and take the center out of a target. 2 inch 10 shot groups !
My Dad passed it on to me, although a Navy vet. from WWII , he mailed ordered it from Kleins in 1960, I wanted him to get the 1908 "German Luger " , but he insisted the P38 was a better pistol .
I remember waiting every day, at the end of our driveway for the postman to deliver it . Good old days for sure .
Have fun at the range,
Gary