Walther Armee Pistol Prototype (Mod AP) & COVID-19 UPDATE

Published on March 24, 2020
Duration: 21:45

This video provides an in-depth look at a rare Walther Armee Pistol (AP) prototype, a precursor to the iconic P38. The presenter, with 30 years of experience, meticulously disassembles both the AP prototype and an early P38, highlighting key developmental differences. Notable distinctions include grip material (wood on AP, bakelite on P38), the presence of a bridge on the AP slide, and the AP's internal hammer design versus the P38's external hammer. The video also touches on the historical context of Walther's pursuit of military contracts and offers a brief industry update regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on firearm sales and gun shows.

Quick Summary

The Walther Armee Pistol (AP) prototype, serial number 44, was a rare precursor to the P38, likely made between 1935-1937. It featured wooden grips, an internal hammer, and an internal extractor with a rectangular firing pin, differing from the P38's external hammer and later models' external extractor.

Chapters

  1. 00:08Introduction & Rare Gun Reveal
  2. 00:34Glove Use & COVID-19 Update
  3. 01:52Walther AP Prototype Overview
  4. 02:53Lead-up to the P38 Development
  5. 03:59Walther Model 6 & Model 4
  6. 05:05World War II Context & Luger Issues
  7. 05:39Walther PP & PPK
  8. 06:01Attempting a 9mm Blowback
  9. 06:42Focus on the Army Pistol (AP)
  10. 07:17AP Prototype vs. Early P38 Comparison
  11. 08:30Front Sight & Slide Bridge Differences
  12. 09:37Hammer Design: AP vs. P38
  13. 10:19Disassembly: AP Prototype
  14. 11:03AP Internals & Grip Material
  15. 13:17Disassembly: Early P38
  16. 14:08Internal Components Comparison
  17. 15:02Later P38 vs. Early Variations
  18. 15:39Frame Internals & Trigger Spring
  19. 16:43Summary of Differences
  20. 17:04COVID-19 Industry Update
  21. 19:36New Product: Dehumidifier
  22. 21:41Support the Channel

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Walther Armee Pistol (AP) prototype?

The Walther Armee Pistol (AP) prototype is a rare firearm developed by Walther as a precursor to the P38. Serial number 44, it was likely produced between 1935-1937 and represents a key step in Walther's pursuit of a 9mm military pistol contract.

What are the main differences between the Walther AP prototype and the P38?

Key differences include grip material (wood on AP, bakelite on P38), the AP's internal hammer versus the P38's external double/single-action hammer, and the AP's internal extractor and rectangular firing pin, which were also present in early P38s but changed in later models.

Why was the P38 developed by Walther?

Walther developed the P38 to meet the demand for a reliable 9mm military sidearm. The existing Luger was expensive and had reliability issues, and Walther's earlier attempts at 9mm blowback designs proved inconsistent.

How did COVID-19 impact the gun industry according to Legacy Collectibles?

During the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the gun industry saw a significant increase in sales, particularly online. The cancellation of gun shows led many consumers to purchase firearms and ammunition through internet retailers.

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