Walther P1 - New Arrival

[PRM]

I have always liked Walther Pistols and have been carrying the PP series for over 30 years. I currently have a Manurhin PP in 7.65 that is one of my all time favorites. I've always looked at the P38/P1 pistols and yesterday I picked one up at a great price. I was lucky to find one with all the upgrades (hex bolt and fat slide).

Took it to the range and was very impressed. I only had time to shoot one box of Federal AE 124 grain FMJ through it. But it got favorable marks. Its function was flawless and at 12 yards it was dropping one round on top of another at point of aim. It's definitely a keeper.

 

[Ohio Gun Guy]

I like the P1s all the fun of a P38 without the devaluation

My Dad has one that I just happen to be very good with. I keep trying to get him to part with it.

 

[searcher451]

It's good that you found one with the upgrades; it should give you many happy years on the range. The doggone things make terrific shooters -- and you have, of course, purchased a nice slice of history. Mine likes Winchester WB FMjs, American Eagle, and most anything else I run through it. You've also gotta love the looks you get from the guys down the line at the range when the brass starts flying to the left.

 

[Publius1688]

I love mine, too----have put a lot of ammo through it! Just keep an eye out for the brass. Mine has a habit of ejecting one piece of brass, about every other magazine, straight between my eyes. Will certainly keep you on your toes.

 

[Mad Magyar]

Mine has a habit of ejecting one piece of brass, about every other magazine, straight between my eyes.

Same with mine...I consider it a "badge of membership"... I thought I read on someone's post about an over-travel trigger: mine is sweet and just right....

 

[PRM]

Little Upgrade

Thought some walnut grips would upgrade the P1.

 

[bannockburn]

PRM

Nice upgrade; those walnut grips look great.

 

[Publius1688]

PRM---those grips are sweet. Where did you get them? Can I ask how much $ you paid? thanks.

 

[BHP FAN]

Great gun.

 

[PRM]

PRM---those grips are sweet. Where did you get them? Can I ask how much $ you paid? thanks.

Got them on ebay for $50 buy-it now. The vendor has an ebay store with grips. edritch1, Here was the item number 290432378954 - you can link to their store from it.

 

[Snowdog]

Nice specimen you have there (even more stunning with those grips)!

The only reason I haven't purchased a P38 yet is due to what I've heard about the ergonomics and pointing aspects. I've been told (yeah, I know) that the P38 kind of feels like a CZ52 in terms to how it feels in the hand. Do you feel the P38 points naturally or is there something different about the grip angle?

Regardless, that's a nice looking pistol steeped in history without a doubt.

 

[PRM]

I have only been to the range once since buying it - very impressed with it so far. Feels and points great for me. Bang for the buck, I could not beat the deal I got. And, I have seen several more at, or close to that price. It's a pretty neat 9mm for $350 or under.

I've read a lot of pros and cons on the pistol, not much different from any other. Some love it others don't. So far it suits my needs and promises to be a fun shooter that did not break the bank.

I will post more later.

 

[MikeJackmin]

Does anyone have a link to photos that show how to identify the fat slide upgrade? Dunno how to spot that one...

 

[Publius1688]

PRM- excellent, thanks for the ebay link. I think it's time for some new grips.
In regards to the natural point of aim, the P38/P1 has a very comfortable and intuitive grip pattern.

 

[MrFox]

My P1 was the first pistol I purchased and I have not regretted it. Mine has been re-arsenaled 3 times, and was unissued and stored after the most recent. It even came with a fancy holster that sucks and a sweet box that looks like its from the 60s.

It's a fantastic piece of history that is great on the range. I have yet to have any problems with mine, other than running out of ammo. Wouldn't want to carry it though.

 

[PRM]

Does anyone have a link to photos that show how to identify the fat slide upgrade? Dunno how to spot that one... MikeJackmin

The "fat slide" can be recognized by the longer serrations and their extension in front of the safety.

 

[MikeJackmin]

Thanks!

 

[Slamfire]

I bought this 1964 vintage P-1 because the price could not be beat. It was $250.00 in the wrap.

If I had known about the product improvement that reinforced the frame, I would have chosen a later model. I assume the cross pin on later models is to reduce frame cracking.Still, I have not shot this enough to worry about frame cracking.

I had to file the front sight down and drift it to get it to shoot to point of aim at 25 yards.

My P-1 is not a target pistol. While it is not as accurate as a target pistol it is more than accurate enough to engage a person at combat distances. Most importantly, it functions. As it is a product improved P-38, I would expect this pistol will function, as did the P-38, in environments as diverse and hostile as the Siberian tundra to the deserts of Libya.

It is fun to play with the P-1. This was a very advanced pistol design back in 1938 and is still a decent one. I don’t like the awkward safety, but outside of this, it is a well thought out pistol and still a formidable weapon.

 

[Mad Magyar]

SlamFire, mine is similar; 1963, a G.I. bringback from Germany. It is a sweet shooting pistol, minus the occasional brass on the noggin; but with a nice trigger. I find mine to be more accurate than the holder...