Durability of post war alloy framed Walther P38?

[nero45acp]

I just bought a 1967 polished blue Walther P38 in excellent condition. This pistol doesn't have the hex pin to strengthen the (alloy) frame like the later P1/P38 models. How durable will my P38 be using standard pressure 9mm cartridges? Thanks.


nero

 

[gtmtnbiker98]

I would say durable so long as you don't use anything +p or greater.

 

[searcher451]

Most folks on the P38 Forum recommend two things:

1) Change out the recoil springs (Wolff has a good replacement kit);
2) Use Winchester white box 115-grain ammo only.

You'll be good to go for a long time to come; the post-war P38s are solid, reliable, dependable guns. Just wait till you take it to the range and the guys on your left side look up in surprise when the spent casings start flying their way.

 

[Phil DeGraves]

Considering that most modern guns are made of PLASTIC, I don't think you need to worry...

 

[nero45acp]

Thanks for the helpful replies.

I'll order some new recoil springs from Wolff, but frankly this pistol is in such excellent condition, that I believe that it's only had a few boxes (at most) of cartridges through it.



nero

 

[Steve C]

The German police carried them for years. I'm sure they shot them in training and qualifications with the typical European ammo which is more like US plus P. I have 2 Manurhin P1's that where German police surplus that I bought about the time they started appearing maybe 20 years ago. I've shot them occasionally with standard velocity factory and handloads. They still shoot and function fine with their original springs. I keep them loaded with Federal Hydra shocks and Remington 147gr Golden Sabers for potential self defense use.