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Walther P38 Rebarrel?

milsurplus
Have a very nice all matching Walther P38 however the bore is pitted very badly and I already tried replacing it with a P1/(P38 supposedly) barrel that had a mirror bore however that didn't work as it didn't fit right and I haven't been able to find any Walther P38 barrels.
Is there anyone that could fix this(doubtful) or some how re-barrel this and match the numbers perhaps?
Thanks.
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • nmyers
    Numrich sells barrels that they say will fit both the P1 & the P38. What makes you believe that it doesn't fit yours? Did your gunsmith tell you that?

    There's no point in numbering a replacement barrel; it won't fool anyone. The markings, the polishing, & the finish won't match, even in the unlikely event you find someone with the correct number font.

    Neal
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  • milsurplus
    It doesn't fit because I already tried it several times to no avail and have heard others state that they do not fit as well and I dont want to force it and damage the pistol...
    Not sure what this has to do with 'fooling someone' nor how someone could presume that not knowing me.
    Anyway I simply wanted the numbers to match for me and would keep the original barrel, as I obviously wanted to keep the pistol from previous posts or would have sold it or parted it out already.
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  • perry shooter
    The barrel you bought may NOT be a DROP-IN however a good PISTOL SMITH most likely would be able to fit this new barrel to your frame.

    EDIT Hello Mil-surplus This is only my opinion " A gun is only original ONCE" It can be upgraded into a safe and accurate SHOOTER many times. Like some models of Lugers P38's and other collectible Military firearms part of the reason for inflated prices for all matching is because like the 1911's of the U.S military these pistols were rebuilt many times . With that said First you need to know what year and maker your P38 is . The reason for this information being important is if a rare model then you don't want to modify it in any way that can not be reversed. If a common model then it does not make much difference. your pistol with 2 barrels one original and one replacement fitted to your frame will give you a shooter that you can put back to original by re-installing the original barrel . A rebored/relined barrel is NOT the way to go because then it can NOT be made original again. I hope this helps. Perry Shooter
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  • milsurplus
    Thank perry shooter, I will see what they say about it, how de-tractable from its value is a mismatched gun as opposed to an all matching gun would you say?
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  • rufe-snow
    If the P 38 has any collectors value? I would have a pro reline the bad barrel. This would have little affect on the external condition of the original barrel. Some of these gunsmiths are so good at restoration that it's barely discernible that the barrel has been relined. Like any other high class professional work it isn't cheap.
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  • milsurplus
    Thanks rufe-snow, I really like that idea, would this be permanent and would it effect accuracy?
    Will it look the same as the original with the lands and grooves except that it would be like a mirror?
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  • cbyerly
    Any one know who can reline a 9MM barrel?
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  • rufe-snow
    quote:Originally posted by milsurplus
    Thanks rufe-snow, I really like that idea, would this be permanent and would it effect accuracy?
    Will it look the same as the original with the lands and grooves except that it would be like a mirror?



    It would be permanent, the accuracy after relining would be the same as standard P 38 barrel. The only difference if done correctly would be a very faint line on the breach end of the barrel, where the original barrel was reamed out and the liner epoxied in. If done correctly the line would be very difficult to see.
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  • milsurplus
    rufe-snow,
    Any recommendations for gunsmiths that can reline bores correctly and professionally?
    Thanks.
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  • rufe-snow
    quote:Originally posted by milsurplus
    rufe-snow,
    Any recommendations for gunsmiths that can reline bores correctly and professionally?
    Thanks.


    Unless your P 38 has the potential to be a big buck collectors piece I wouldn't be putting a lot of money in it.

    The barrel of a P 38 isn't cylindrical in the breech area, this means it would have to be set-up and held in a 4 jawed chuck to have it reamed concentric with the original rifling/bore.

    The skill required and equipment to do this is considerable, and would be costly.

    If you still want to go ahead with this project? Check for gunsmiths who advertise restoration work.
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