Walther's .45ACP MP (P38 Precursor)

Published on January 21, 2019
Duration: 7:19

This review details the extremely rare Walther .45 ACP MP, a precursor to the P38 pistol. It highlights the MP's unique shrouded hammer and its development as a potential export for the US military, contrasting it with the 9mm AP prototype. The video emphasizes the limited production, estimated at only five to ten units, and discusses its likely capture as a war trophy due to its pristine condition.

Quick Summary

The Walther .45 ACP MP is an extremely rare precursor to the P38, featuring a shrouded hammer and developed for a potential US military contract. Only an estimated five to ten units were produced, and their pristine condition suggests they were war trophies rather than trial samples.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Rare Walther .45 ACP MP
  2. 00:55Historical Context: Walther's .45 ACP Development
  3. 02:43Design Comparisons: MP vs. AP Prototypes
  4. 03:23Markings and Serial Numbers
  5. 04:18Technical Specs and Ergonomics
  6. 05:00Visual Evidence of Originality
  7. 05:47Conclusion and Provenance

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Walther .45 ACP MP pistol so rare?

The Walther .45 ACP MP is exceptionally rare because only an estimated five to ten units were ever produced. It was a prototype developed by Walther as a potential export for the US military, predating the iconic P38.

What are the key design differences between the Walther .45 ACP MP and the P38?

The .45 ACP MP features a shrouded hammer and was developed as a .45 caliber prototype, unlike the 9mm P38. While sharing some internal mechanisms, the MP represents an earlier design iteration with specific features aimed at the US market.

How can one verify the originality of a Walther MP pistol?

A key indicator of originality is the presence of a distinct heat treat line on the slide. This line is often lost if a firearm has been re-blued, making its presence a strong sign of the pistol's pristine, original condition.

Was the Walther .45 ACP MP ever officially tested by the US military?

There is no record of the Walther .45 ACP MP prototypes being officially tested by the US military. Their excellent condition suggests they were likely captured as war trophies from the Walther factory at the end of WWII.

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