Walther P1--P38 magazine sticks

[vta33]

I recently bought a Walther P1 and the P38 magazine that came with it fed just fine. Tho, on the last two visits to the range, the bullet end of the cartridges get stuck and don't want to move up in the magazine. I cleaned and lubed the magazine but the problem persists. Also, there are no visible restrictions like a burr in the magazine or on the follower. Any ideas as to what might be the problem? Ammo is Remington 115gr, FMJ.

 

[dfariswheel]

Check to be sure the magazine spring is right way around, and not bent, twisted, or kinked.

Check the follower to be sure it's not bent out of shape.

Make sure the mag isn't TOO lubricated. There should be just as thin a coat of lube on the inside of the body as possible.

Check the magazine for dents or a bent/crushed magazine body.

Check for broken welds that are allowing the body to separate or spread.

Check the overall length of the ammo. If the ammo is slightly too long, it will cause sticking.

If all else fails, buy a new magazine. Sometimes this is the only "fix".
Remember, this is a used ex-military firearm, and it's possible the magazine was damaged.
There is NO difference between the Walther POST-war P-38 and P1 pistols or magazines.
Same gun and mag, just one made for German police and commercial sales, and one with military P1 markings for the West Germany military.

 

[sigma 40ve]

I have had the same problem with a mag. I even put in a Wolff extra power spring, still the same thing. Don't understand it. There is no measureable or visual differences between my 2 mags. I have cleaned the problem mag and put "dry" lube on it also, still the same thing, I don't understand it other than just a bad mag. Both my mags were brand new, still in the wrap.

 

[vta33]

ammo length

dfariswheel wrote, "Check the overall length of the ammo. If the ammo is slightly too long, it will cause sticking."

I hadn't thought about that one. So, based on your suggestion, I compared the length of the Remington round with CCI Blazer, 115gr, FMJ and sure enough, the Remington cartridge is longer.

Thanks for the tip.