P.38 Newbie has questions

[JustOneMore]

Hey everyone,
Brand new to the world of P.38 And never had any real interest, preferring more modern specimens. However just acquired an apparent Mauser P.38 at an absolute steal. Need some advice on authenticating the weapon.
Manufacturer code: byf44 (Mauser factory, 1944)
Serial number: xxxe (Three digit, matches on slide, frame and locking block)
Has apparent German Army acceptance mark on frame and slide
Finish is practically 100%, high gloss almost black
Wood grip, checkered
6" barrel
Sights, finish matches firearm with white 3-dot
Barrel and rifling clean, crisp lands and grooves
Steel slide and frame
Safety lever VERY tight

What think ye?? Exceptional collectible or an average gun reworked??

Thanks for your interest!!

 

[Jim K]

White dot sights are not original; they have either been changed or modified. Wood grips are not original, either, nor is a 6" barrel. It sounds like a WWII gun that has been customized. Pictures would be good.

Jim

 

[Gun Master]

No Original WW II P-38

Ditto with the above. Especially the 6" barrel, and wood grips, and black finish.
Have you checked to see if there is a "red" tip on the end of the barrel ?

 

[rcmodel]

That was cruel and uncalled for.

But funny!

rc

 

[bannockburn]

JustOneMore

Another thing to consider is that a P38 built that late in the war (1944), might have some problems due to the use of sub-standard parts, questionable metallurgy and/or heat treatment, and slave labor construction. Given that gun may have already been modified it might be a good idea to have a qualified gunsmith check it out thoroughly before using it.

 

[PRM]

Check out these sites:

http://www.waltherforums.com/forum/

http://www.p38forum.com/

 

[davidh5000]

A lot of things happened to these guns after G.I.'s brought them back after the war. I've even seen them that had the barrels shortened down to roughly 2 1/2 inches. A pint of whiskey can make for interesting decisions.

 

[Jim K]

Shortening a P.38 barrel is easy; installing a longer one takes some gunsmithing know-how.

Could JustOneMore confirm that the barrel is 6 inches, and not the standard 4.9"?

Jim