A "Real" P38: What to look for? Best value? Shooter grade?

[Redcoat3340]

A "Real" P38: What to look for? Best value? Shooter grade?


Okay, I got the Walther virus again. 3rd time. (First was P99s and Qs and modern stuff. Second was P4, P5 P1)


Now I Just picked up a shooter grade Manurhin and now I want a "real" P38.


Not a collector, more like a shooter who likes guns with history.


So, when I go looking for one....what should I look for besides the usual stuff when buying any used gun.


Are there better or not-as-good manufactures? (I'll get the codes).


Better years? (When I bought my Luger it was suggested I buy pre-war Mauser for it's better steel and non-wartime manufacture).


Are "numbers matching" important to anyone but collectors?


Nazi markings are not my thing and I don't like the idea of paying a premium for them...but I can't see any way to buy one without one.


Am I correct that Russian reworks have the "red" tinge to parts? And most are mixmasters? How to ID them? Are there Russian reworks?


What's a fair price for shooter grade (condition is everything, of course)?


Besides here, LGS, Gunbroker, Armslist and Simpson....is there anyone out there I should be checking out to buy? Is Family Firearms still in business? I got some good guns from them at fairly fair prices.


What else should I know. (I know, a lot. Will be doing more reading tonight.)

 

[merl67]

A lot depends on what you want a P1 sounds like a better fit for you, since the Nazi markings bother you that or a Russian capture would fit the bill as they peened the swastika markings.

 

[CalmerThanYou]

The guys at "The P 38 & PP-PPK Collectors Forum" are very helpful, and good examples are frequently offered for sale.
P.S. The Russian capture guns were usually dipped, and import marked. I have one and consider it shooter grade as most serious collectors are not down with the R.C. guns. Should be able to find one in the $500-$800 range. Mine has matching #s and the Nazi markings intact.

 

[jmace57]

There are post war P-38s that were made for a number of years before the P1. You should be able to find one with at the WA on it and save $100-$150

 

[Filo McShoe]

Make sure you get all the stuff that should come with it.