Accuracy of the Walther P-1

[Snowdog]

I'm seriously considering buying another 9mm to justify more 9mm reloading components and using up existing stock. I would like something relatively cheap and with some historical value. Obviously, I found myself looking into C&R handguns so I could put my C&R license to use before it expires, which is likely soon... couldn't find what I was looking for, but I did stumble upon the P38 and P-1, which I do like the looks of.

I'm primarily curious of the accuracy of these firearms as I intend to use the purchase as a range plinker. How does the P-1 stack up to more modern 9mms? Is it something with enough intrinsic accuracy as to make for a decent range gun?

Also, I understand they don't much care for JHPs, but I have a little less than 5K Zero brand 125gr JHPs with a very round ogive and very slight meplat that might feed similar to a FMJ. I understand it's unlikely anyone here has tried this combo (P-1 and Zero 125gr JHPs), but could someone give me an idea on just how finicky the P-1 is when JHPs are used? Does the P-1 typically become somewhat undependable when using JHPs or does the pistol through a fit with anything other than FMJs.

Thanks in advance!

 

[kmrcstintn]

I owned one for a short while; the DA trigger didn't agree with me; the SA was hum-drum; the accuracy was good for combat ranges out to 10 yards...I didn't shoot any farther; my P-1 fed the Winchester WWB Personal Defense 147gr jhp very well and ended up sputtering and FTF'd with the 115 gr jhp in the same lineup

 

[trooper]

My dad (who is not a bad shot by any means) carried and shot one while he served as an officer in the Germany army.

He hated the P-1 and always joked about how it was "16 warning shots and about three lethal throws"...

 

[dfariswheel]

Keep in mind that these guns were military pistols, so accuracy is up to military standards.

These are NOT target pistols, but accuracy is usually decent.
Walther was Europe's premier gun maker and these P-38/P1 pistols were Walther's top-of-the-line premium gun.

 

[Zerstoerer]

Joined the German Military at age 21.
Shot pistol competition for several years prior and had shot most semiautos
before and was able to hit the standart olympic target at 25m with anything.

Then came the P-1. The only pistol I had trouble with to hit the military 'Standing Man' target anywhere at 25 meteres.

It is a reliable pistol - we kept ours stored in leather holsters in baltic coast climate for years. Magazines were loaded with only 7 rounds and were probably compressed for the last 15 years. No problem.

No experience with other that military FMJ which works fine.
Preferred to take the UZI on exercises instead.

 

[Snowdog]

Thanks for the replies.

Though I'm sure the P-1 is a well-made sidearm that does what it was designed to do, it seems it isn't suitable for what I'm looking for.

As for the clarification of the P-1 being a military firearm, I must say that fact is quite obvious. However, there are many military sidearms that have proven to possess adequate intrinsic accuracy for informal target work, such as the 1911, Hi Power and Makarov.

I suppose I'll shell out a few extra dollars for a modern commercial 9mm. Perhaps someone's offering Bersa's fullsize 9mm or FNs new polymer frame 9mm for a fair price. Or perhaps I should use my G19 or K9 more often. I might be looking for an excuse for a new toy, but I won't attempt to analyze myself since I'm not qualified.

Thanks again for the information everyone.

 

[modifiedbrowning]

Snowdog, you mentioned the Bersa Thunder HC so, I thought I should comment on my experience with mine. Mine has been reliable so far after 600 or so rounds.
The trigger is very good with the DA being lighter than many of my other DA/SA pistols and the SA is very nice. Short take up with a nice light pull and a short reset.
I paid $350 out the door for my Bersa HC and I think that I got a great deal.
The Bersas are nice Walther P88 copies and the triggers are actually better in the Bersas. The fit and finish are not as nice as the Walthers but, the Bersa cost 2-3 times less than the Walthers.
Check out the Bersa line, I don't think you will be disappointed.

 

[Snowdog]

modifiedbrowning, thanks for the info on the Bersa. Can you tell me if you've put any JHPs though yours? I'd imagine Bersa fully understands that when it comes to the American civilian market, JHPs are going to be part of their product's standard diet. However, I've seen modern handguns of decent quality choke on some JHPs.

Also, are you please with the general accuracy of your Bersa? I know that accuracy is relative and a "poor shooter" cannot make an accurate firearm perform as such, but likewise, the opposite can be said about an inaccurate firearm. I certainly don't want to end up with a pistol that prints patterns instead of groups... I already have a CZ-52 for that.

Thanks in advance!

 

[modifiedbrowning]

Snowdog, I have only put 50 JHPs through the Bersa but it did not malf.
As far as accuracy I have not shot the fullsize or my compact on paper but, I have had fun blasting cans at 7-10 yds slow and rapid fire.
The accuracy of the Bersas, in my hands, has been comparable to my other pistols (Walther P88, P88C, P99, P5, CZ P-01). I am by no means a sharpshooter but paying $350 for a P88 copy (P88s go for 1K plus) that has a nice trigger and is reliable makes me happy.
h