Walther P38 question.

[jsalcedo]

I've been practicing with my P38 recently and noticed that when inserting a magazine the slide moves foward and chambers the first round as soon as the mag is fully inserted.

I at first thought it was kind of a cool feature but now I'm wondering if it is supposed to do that.

This happen to anyone else?

 

[denfoote]

No, it is not supposed to do that!! I would say that you either have a weak slide stop spring, or a warn slide stop!! Have it checked and don't shoot it any more till you do. You have a potentially dangerous condition there.

 

[noklue3]

I agree with denfoote!

Goto www.p38forum.com and ask them what is happening. I am sure they will help you.

Art

 

[keederdag]

Wolf gun springs sell's a complete tune up package for P-38's. This is common. Is it a wwII vintage?

 

[jsalcedo]

Its a 1963 manufacture probably a police issued gun.

I'm tempted to try a new magazine because the gun is in otherwise
98% condition

 

[Jim K]

Wait a second, folks! Slide stop spring?

On the P.38, the slide stop spring pulls the slide stop down, not up. The slide stop is pushed up by the follower of the empty magazine and held up by friction with the slide until it is released. When a fresh magazine is inserted, the slide stop is released, either manually or by slightly retracting the slide. If the latter, the slide stop spring forces the slide stop down.

Premature slide stop release is probably caused by wear, either on the stop or on the slide.

Jim