P 38
I am at a loss about a P-38 I just purchased. On the left side it is marked P.38, ac over 42 and the serial number 96XX f. Above the trigger guard is 96XX f and the 359 proof. Under the barrel is 96XX over f. On the right side is the Nazi eagle in between two 359 proof marks. I have the holster that is marked cxb over 42, the Nazi eagle with it looks like W&A 727 and P-38. Both clips are marked 359 and P.38.
The big problem is a 9 MM Luger won't chamber but a 380 fits. I was told it may be a 30 Luger but don't have one to try. Will get one 03/08/04 if I can find some. I have had it checked and there is nothing blocking the chamber such as a broken casing. The barrel rifling is nice and clean. The Blue Book doesn't list it in 380, just 7.65 and 9 MM Para. The bluing is worn off the sides of the slide but is 95% on the rest of it.
I have had several look at it and some say 9MM and some say 380. A 9MM Luger (Winchester brand) likes about a quarter inch going all the way in.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
H.O.Caudle
The big problem is a 9 MM Luger won't chamber but a 380 fits. I was told it may be a 30 Luger but don't have one to try. Will get one 03/08/04 if I can find some. I have had it checked and there is nothing blocking the chamber such as a broken casing. The barrel rifling is nice and clean. The Blue Book doesn't list it in 380, just 7.65 and 9 MM Para. The bluing is worn off the sides of the slide but is 95% on the rest of it.
I have had several look at it and some say 9MM and some say 380. A 9MM Luger (Winchester brand) likes about a quarter inch going all the way in.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
H.O.Caudle
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I see where you listed the barrel serno. Is it the same style stamping? Use a loupe to tell. It is hardly likely a German military P-38 would be in anything except 9mm P, but if the barrel has been changed it can very well be 7.65 Parabellum (Luger). The 9mm is restricted in some countries as a military only caliber.
Try measring the barrel diameter from the muzzle end. Use a .30 carbine round. Or really better, a caliper.0 -
Thanks for replies. The blue book states they were made in 7.65 and 9MM Luger or Para. The serial number under the barrel end is the same over a f. I see one listed on ************ that states it is in the rare 30 Luger caliber and he is asking a big price for it. Didn't find any 30 Luger today.
H.O.Caudle0 -
Check out www.p38forum.com. These guys know everything. Orv Reichert collects info, and woudl appreciated the SN#, and can tell you anything. If you want, E-mail him privately with the #s, and he'll tell you everything, if you are unsure about publicising the SN. 0 -
My "Small Arms of the World" book says it was also made in 38 Super
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Best way would be to do a chamber cast w/ that Cerro compound. 0 -
There are even some P-38's in .45, but your markings are WWII German. Some were made commercially in 7.65 Parabellum before the war and were the HP series. Some were made post war too. Post whatever you find out please. Very interesting.
What men call a hero...is merely a man who is seen doing what a brave man does as a matter of course.
A man who is in love with learning is a man who is never without a bride, for there is always more. L'Amour0 -
the a/c of course indicates Walther manufacture in 1942. Must have been changes made after war. Don't believe they would have made 30. in that late of the war. nambu 0 -
After all the trouble I have found out it is a 9MM Luger. When I put a shell in it it didn't drop in like I thought it should. Didn't want to force it. Took it to Myrtle Beach Shooting Range & Gun Shop and he tried several different shells. None worked right. He then put a 9MM in and let the slide slam home and it worked fine.
Sorry for all the confusion and thanks for all the help !
H.O.Caudle0
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