P-38

The Walther P-38. Standard issue sidearm of the German military from 1938 to 1965, this 9mm semiautomatic replaced the famous P-08 Luger in service. Although not as accurate as the Luger, it compensated by being mechanically less complex and more reliable in field conditions.

Double action with a decocker, the P-38 can be safely carried with one round in battery and as soon as the safety is clicked off its ready to roll. 8 round magazines are standard issue.

Starting in the mid 1960s these pistols started to fade out of service in the German military as newer models came about, though German police units continued to carry them until the 1980s, when a new design, the P-5 appeared. Effectively a "P-38 Mark 2" if you will, the P-5 is built on the basic P-38 platform with a few modifications such as ambidexterous controls and a magazine release near the trigger guard instead of at the base of the grip.

I have to say this is one of my favourite pistols, its nice and light, fits good in the hand, and when she lets fly with a round, it gives a fair but easily controlled kick. I'm not too terribly fond of 9mm, but since P-38s don't come in .40, I didn't have much of a choice (XD).

More pics:

Slide:
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Magazine and release:
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Chamber:
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Down the sights:
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And a box of my ammunition brand of choice:
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