I have a byf43 WWII P-38 with a missing lanyard loop that is fitted to the lower left hand side of the frame that should fit into a slot in the lower left grip. How is it attached to the frame? There are two holes where it is to be fitted into the frame. What secures the U shaped loop? Anybody work on these old guns? Am I missing a part? There must be a simple solution but it evades me! It belonged to an older friend that liberated it in Germany during the war when he captured the German officer carrying same. It has a neat story.

The lanyard ring legs that go into the frame were riveted on the inside of the frame , there is nothing missing except the loop itself.

__________________
Gunsmithing since 1961

Check out the p38forum.com if you're looking for expert knowledge on the P-38. You might find a replacement part and/or instructions on how to replace the lanyard loop. I have never seen one of these missing. What else does the gun need? Repair / parts? Is it an all matching gun? Post some pics if you get a chance. Good luck!

I have fired this P38 many times over the very long history that I have with it. It has always performed in an excellent functional manner. The only part that I need is the lanyard loop. I probably lost it at the range several years ago. I still need to walk thru the process of securing the loop. The space between the sides of the frame is small. I would think the ends of the legs would need to flare out after insertion into the frame. Here are a few photos of this remarkable gun.

Attached Images

	IMG_1833.jpg (67.2 KB, 42 views)
	IMG_1834.jpg (82.2 KB, 40 views)
	IMG_1830.jpg (81.7 KB, 41 views)
	IMG_1829.jpg (62.9 KB, 38 views)
	IMG_1835.jpg (56.8 KB, 35 views)

The guys on the p38forum.com can likely explain what it would take to repair/replace the lanyard loop. Looks like yours may have been refinished at one time from the depth of the markings. It's a fine gun no doubt and looks matching slide, barrel and frame from the pics. I have a couple of P-38's and they are very enjoyable to shoot and collect. Make it a "rig" and find a holster and extra magazine. Original or repro are out there.

The legs of the loop are slightly smaller in dia for the length that they sit within the frame thickness.
This makes for a small shoulder on the part so it stands firmly on the frame and sits at a predetermined height.

Makes riviting in the replacement easy as the loop will sit at it's correct height on those shoulders against the frame as you gently rivit it into place.

The ends of the legs on the replacements generally have a slight cupped shape to them. This aids in riviting them in place.
The opposing blank holes in the frame are where the riviting punch is placed and allows access to the end of the leg of each to carefully rivit the legs in place.
A flat face punch is all you need to do the work.

Replacement Loops are commonly available from on line sources.
I'm told there are slight differences in the shape betw War time & Post War Loops , the Post War being a bit rounded.
The distance betwe the two posts is the same and either will fit.

A War time loop may be harder to find than the PostWar replacement and may not be a pristine example.

I think the Post War lanyard loop might be alloy instead of steel,,but that's just my guess. Others here would know better.

I can't check my P1 Walther as the lanyard loop is cut off flush with the frame for some reason. I never have had reason to replace it.
Maybe some day.

Added..
Here's a replacement I found with a quick search.
This is a Post War replacement and it does say it is Alloy
But it shows the short smaller dia legs and the cupped ends for riviting

Walther P1 D-Ring Lanyard Loop New, P38, German Surplus, WAL-1952, RTG Parts

Thanks for the website referral on the D-ring. It is on the way, the old gun will be complete, it has bugged me for years. I have also ordered a vintage extra Walther Banner marked P1/P38 magazine for it. Thanks to all who responded, thats why I love hanging out on this forum!

Good luck with your P-38. As automatics go, it is probably one my favorites. You can't beat the gun's feel and styling. Walther quality and design.

I am a fan of the P38 as well.
I carry the P1 often during colder weather, the gun is very accurate and feels very comfortable in my hand.
One of the few semiautos I can still easily rack the slide on.

It feeds and functions 100% with plain fmj Rem-UMC ammo.

I have a couple Walther ac44 guns also, but I don't shoot them much anymore. I had a fairly rare byf 42 edition at one time as well.
My Father brought home a Walther banner P38 from WW2 complete w/holster and belt.
But he took a sledgehammer to it one day in the garage.