Late War P-38 changes & simplifications.

[swjXE]

So, Thanks to you guys I now know about the slide lock, frame re-enforcement changes, phosphate finish and the cog hammer. Are there any other late war simplifications or improvements such as changes in grip composition or anything else? Also did all three of the manufacturers participate in these changes?

 

[mrfarb]

The slide stop was changed at all the factories - I imagine that it was an approved by the HWA update or simplification, much like the extra material at the trigger pin. There were other weaknesses like the slide which never got addressed. There are some subcontracted Czech made barrels marked "fnh", along with Durofol made grips (same maker as Durofol handguards for K43), and FN made frames. The grips were pretty standard until the end, except for the black plastic ones used at Mauser and on a very few Walther made pistols. The last grip design never made it before the end of hostilites, thats the sheet metal grips you see on French P.38's - had the war gone on you would have seen sheet metal grips, like those used on the experimental late pistols. Also, don't forget the grooved followers from really late P.38 mags, seen at Mauser and Walther.

 

[swjXE]

Thank you kindly Mr. Farb for taking the time.
I guess I'm just too cheap to buy the books on these, but the info you just gave me is all I'll need.

 

[mrfarb]

Lol, it really is. The only book I’d recommend on p38’s is this one (it’s out of print, surprised he has copies):

BALCAR&CLARIN'S P38 PISTOL SPREEWERK PRODUCTION - Books and Manuals

 

[swjXE]

I'll buy it, if I can get it cheap!

 

[fishermankw]

Checkpoint Charlie’s had/has some copies, I bought one maybe a year ago, fantastic book and well worth the money!

Drrrrr…. Just saw it was linked

 

[Slash]

Lol, it really is. The only book I’d recommend on p38’s is this one (it’s out of print, surprised he has copies):

BALCAR&CLARIN'S P38 PISTOL SPREEWERK PRODUCTION - Books and Manuals

Essential reference.

 

[swjXE]

OMG, What an idiot I am! I can't believe I just let you guys talk me into buying another expensive book.
I hope I can get you guys to help me pay the legal expenses for the resulting divorce.

 

[mrfarb]

Just think, now you’ll be armed with more info to spend more money on p38’s. Your welcome.

 

[fishermankw]

OMG, What an idiot I am! I can't believe I just let you guys talk me into buying another expensive book.
I hope I can get you guys to help me pay the legal expenses for the resulting divorce.

When I started collecting I thought I could get everything I needed from the internet. Once I bought my first book it made collecting so much easier and enjoyable, a $100 book is well worth the expense for a $1k pistol!

 

[CRMausr7]

When I started collecting I thought I could get everything I needed from the internet. Once I bought my first book it made collecting so much easier and enjoyable, a $100 book is well worth the expense for a $1k pistol!

Amen to that.

 

[swjXE]

I'm actually quite excited waiting for this book.