Help with a Mauser P38 / NOW HAVE PICS
Hey Guys, My dad just bought a 1944 Mauser P38 - his first. I've tried to do some research on them and have determined it is all there, has the correct markings and is numbers matching. I do have some questions I cannot find answers too.
1) Is there a specific finish to a Duo Tone Mauser? The reason I'm asking is because the slide, receiver and barrel have a very nice brownish to bronze finish. Or Is this what they call patina?
2) The grips on the pistol are Walnut checkered. Every pic I have been able to find shows the grips to be the not so attractive brown plastic grips with grooves. Is it possible the walnut grips are original to the gun or no?
3) Possible Mechanical issue. When he got the gun I took it apart and found the recoil springs to be absolute junk, they were compressed and in no way shootable. I ordered new ones and just installed them, much better. The problem is when you pull back the slide back it can be pulled too far and the slide separates from the receiver / barrel. There are 2 steel fingers on the bottom of the receiver that push upward when this happens preventing the slide to close. At this point you have to remove the top assembly and then put it back together. Is this a problem or is this just the way it's built?
4) Lastly he is greatly interested in the value. I have checked gunbroker and found these selling for $900 or so up.
Any info that is provided is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Hey Guys, My dad just bought a 1944 Mauser P38 - his first. I've tried to do some research on them and have determined it is all there, has the correct markings and is numbers matching. I do have some questions I cannot find answers too.
1) Is there a specific finish to a Duo Tone Mauser? The reason I'm asking is because the slide, receiver and barrel have a very nice brownish to bronze finish. Or Is this what they call patina?
2) The grips on the pistol are Walnut checkered. Every pic I have been able to find shows the grips to be the not so attractive brown plastic grips with grooves. Is it possible the walnut grips are original to the gun or no?
3) Possible Mechanical issue. When he got the gun I took it apart and found the recoil springs to be absolute junk, they were compressed and in no way shootable. I ordered new ones and just installed them, much better. The problem is when you pull back the slide back it can be pulled too far and the slide separates from the receiver / barrel. There are 2 steel fingers on the bottom of the receiver that push upward when this happens preventing the slide to close. At this point you have to remove the top assembly and then put it back together. Is this a problem or is this just the way it's built?
4) Lastly he is greatly interested in the value. I have checked gunbroker and found these selling for $900 or so up.
Any info that is provided is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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