Walther P38 - Shooting a Classic Pistol

Published on December 23, 2011
Duration: 7:28

This review explores the Walther P38, a highly influential WWII-era handgun. It details the P38's advanced features for its time, such as its DA/SA trigger and hammer-drop safety, which heavily influenced later designs like the Beretta M9. The video also covers internal mechanics, field stripping, and a positive shooting experience, noting mild recoil and reliability. Finally, it touches on market availability and pricing for surplus models.

Quick Summary

The Walther P38 is a highly influential WWII-era handgun, pioneering features like its DA/SA trigger and hammer-drop safety. These innovations heavily impacted later designs such as the Beretta M9 and the 'Wonder Nine' pistols, making it a significant piece of firearm history.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Walther P38
  2. 00:43Key Features of the P38
  3. 02:47Comparison with the Beretta M9
  4. 03:59Internal Mechanics and Field Stripping
  5. 04:47Influence on 'Wonder Nines'
  6. 05:18Unique Features and Shooting Experience
  7. 06:06Market Availability and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Walther P38 influential in handgun design?

The Walther P38 is highly influential due to its pioneering double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger and hammer-drop safety. These features were adopted by many later handguns, including the US M9 service pistol, and laid groundwork for the 'Wonder Nine' era.

How does the Walther P38 compare mechanically to the Beretta M9?

Both the P38 and Beretta M9 share a falling block locking mechanism and have very similar internal mechanics and field stripping procedures. Key differences include the M9's higher magazine capacity and heel-mounted magazine release on the P38.

What are the key features of the Walther P38?

The P38 features a DA/SA trigger, a hammer-drop safety, a falling block locking system, and a loaded chamber indicator pin. It was adopted by the German army in 1938 and is known for its advanced design for the era.

What is the shooting experience like with a Walther P38?

The Walther P38 offers a comfortable shooting experience with modern ergonomics, mild recoil, and high reliability. Its design makes it a pleasant handgun to operate on the range.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Military Arms Channel

View all →