Walther Stainless Steel P-38 ?

[Gun Master]

During another THR thread about the stainless steel Luger (Mitchell/Stoeger), I began to think of the "possibility" of a stainless steel replica of the WWII era Walther P-38. I owned both Luger (P-08) and P-38, but prefer the latter since it is more reliable in performance. (I know the P-08 is more about collectability).

Even Smith & Wesson are bringing back their classic models. Rossi and others are making replica firearms, too.

Would you like Walther (or another company) to reproduce the P-38 in SS ?
Would you like to own one, and how much you be willing to pay for it ?

Just kicking around an idea.

 

[Mayvik]

Why? Surplus P38s and P1s are plentiful and cheapish.

 

[GBExpat]

Would you like Walther (or another company) to reproduce the P-38 in SS ?

Sorry, but, no, that fails to produce even the slightest bit of interest in me.

 

[Jim Watson]

No and no.

 

[il.bill]

... Surplus P38s and P1s are plentiful and cheapish.

You could buy one and have it hard-chromed, if you like.

I am extremely fond of my Walther P.38 and P1 pistols. It is an iconic design, many of whose features live on in numerous modern pistols, but after more than three quarters of a century it is long in the tooth. Why would anyone spend big money tooling up to produce a stainless steel version of an old design that has been surpassed in stopping power, accuracy, dependability, capacity, and concealability by a number of relatively inexpensive much more modern handguns?

No way would I ever spend serious money on a new production stainless steel P.38 or P1 pistol. I am, however, always on the look out for a nice P1 with original fat slide and frame hex pin ... for no more than $300.

 

[Gun Master]

Opppps!

 

[Jim K]

Every once in a while, someone gets the idea that it would be "cool" if some company revived some classic gun of the past, whether it be a Colt Python, a new Luger, or a .32 Colt Pocket Automatic.

My response is the same. If you can get firm orders for, say, a half million guns, with cashier's checks attached, and are willing to wait a couple of years, Colt, or Walther, or S&W, or Ruger, will be happy to talk to you. Other wise, forget it.

Jim

 

[Gun Master]

Non-Stainless Steel Guns

Anyway, I'd still like a SS P-38. Of course, I'd still have to weigh the options (mainly cost). Just think, you could wear it in the shower, not have to worry about it rusting, and it would operate perfectly ! (Chuckle)
I recall 007 was showering with his PPK (I think), and it was not stainless steel.
If that had really happened, James would be busted and his gun would have rusted.
Anyway, I still like "the dream of a Stainless Steel P-38", although it probably will never become a reality.

 

[gripper]

If it had a stainless steel( P38) frame and a final variant P-1 slide? With a full length barrel? Yes.

 

[bannockburn]

Plenty of P38 and P1 models out there to fulfill my wish list for many years to come to make me even think about a new stainless model. I would pass on this idea.

 

[CoalTrain49]

I had a P 38 for awhile. What impressed me about it was it's unfailing lack of accuracy. Other than that it was a fine pistol.

 

[mgmorden]

No. The P-38 is by modern standards an antiquated design both in function and form (ie, it's ugly). I've already got a P-1 that I don't like - I certainly don't need a silver one .

In general, I think most people on gun boards overestimate the nostalgia market. Brand new gun owners usually have little interest in "old stuff". Many existing gun owners have also already scratched that itch for many models. Generally, the styles of guns we see so many of today are common because that's what the public is buying.

 

[Kleanbore]

Mgmorden expresses my sentiments, but what I think does not matter. The marketplace has spoken. The P38 and P1 are out of production, for at least a few reasons. Users of service pistols have opted for other designs.

If I recall correctly, Elmer Keith said that it pointed poorly.

Here's a bit of historical trivia: a Puerto Rican Nationalist who was part of a plot to assassinate President Truman used a P38. He had very little pistol training and was not experienced with the DA/SA trigger. His first shot, reportedly fired DA, struck a Secret Service agent in the knee outside Blair House. The change in trigger pull no doubt contributed to his missing with all of his subsequent shots.

I once had a Smith and Wesson Model 39, which combined the Colt-Browning locking system with a P38-style trigger operation and hammer drop safety. I sold it for three reasons: the extractor, said to be "will break someday" part , had become unobtainable; the gun was not suited for modern defensive ammunition; and I had decided that the DA/SA mechanism was not a good choice. I was not aware until a few years ago that the ISP, which had used that design and the later 39-2, had had problems with reliability.

Some people like that mechanism, but I have never really trained with one, and I prefer a trigger pull that does not change.

 

[Gun Master]

To P-38 or Not P-38 ? That Is The Question !

That, for me, about sums it up, except about the nostalgia part.

My two most favorite pistols were used in the WWII era: 1911 and P-38.

I don't think I have to tell anybody which has been around the longest, and which has the brightest future. They are both one and the same (1911).

 

[Onmilo]

There is a product improved modern stainless steel P-38 on the market now.
It's called the Beretta 92FS Inox,,,

 

[Gun Master]

P-38 / Beretta 92

There is a product improved modern stainless steel P-38 on the market now.
It's called the Beretta 92FS Inox,,,

I definitely am prejudiced (I confess) against the Beretta 92, and disqualify myself, because it replaced the 1911. It may be a quality gun, but I have never desired to own one.

I do, however, own a P-38, and a Croatian PHP MV-7, which many have compared to the possible mating of a P-38 and a Beretta 92.

A 2nd reason I have for not liking the 92, is a former Marine Gunny said you could disable the 92 by simply grasping the front and pushing below the barrel. Since I had no love for the 92, I didn't check it out.

Please, Beretta 92 lovers, don't bombard me. Any info and constructive observations would be appreciated. But, I would like to know if our boys are carrying "a nice piece" or "a piece of junk".

Thanks.

 

[Capt. Ct.]

A P-38 in SS just wouldn't be a P-38. As far as disabling a Beretta by grasping the front, it MAY work but I wouldn't want to try it. That is the end where that little metal thingy comes out at rather high speed. I think they call it a bullet.

 

[casec]

Cool idea

 

[Gun Master]

A P-38 in SS just wouldn't be a P-38. As far as disabling a Beretta by grasping the front, it MAY work but I wouldn't want to try it. That is the end where that little metal thingy comes out at rather high speed. I think they call it a bullet.

It may be the recoil spring guide.

 

[Quercusalba]

And, worn blued guns already look cool so why do you need a stainless?

 

[Gun Master]

And, worn blued guns already look cool so why do you need a stainless?

They are not rust-proofed, ergo "stainless".

 

[kellmark]

I have a post war German P-1 that I bought around 1968. I still think its a cool looking gun but don't shoot it anymore. I used it as a car gun for years. I don't see any need for a stainless one.

But I have a suggestion. Why not get a stainless Walther PPK or PPK/S? I have an Interarms PPK that I carried for years and still love. But both of these guns, the P1 and the PPK, have been replaced in my use by other guns which are much better in different ways.

I will never get rid of them though. I like Walthers and the history behind them.