Walther P1

R

Richard

New member
What do my fellow posters know about Walther P1 pistols. I know they have aluminum frames. Is this a real concern? Does anyone know anything about the longevity factor with the aluminum frames? How bad are the triggers on the P1s?

Why do I ask? Lew Horton has new P1 pistols with 2 magazines for $250. Is this a steal?

Regards,

Richard
 
The Walther P1 is the post-WWII model of the P-38 (not to be confused with the US fighter plane :))

Most of them were made for Police use.
IIRC, a lot of them were also exported for sale to other countries, including the US.
They discontinued use of the pistol sometime in the 1970's or 1980's.

I personally have never heard of the frame on these pistols cracking or breaking.
My understanding is that they make for a good shooting gun, but if you want a collector's item, you should steer clear of the P1 and buy a wartime P-38.
 
I have heard that P38s and P1s have long and heavy DA triggers. When I shot my brother's (one time and a year ago) I don't remember it being that bad.
 
I love my P-38 and I've been thinking of adding a P-1 to go along with it. The trigger on mine is almost revolver smooth. It's fairly heavy but not objectionably so. The only thing I can think of that would hold me back from getting another is that the P-1 is not C&R yet.
 
P-1 is just the post WW-II German Military designation of the P-38. Both the P-1 and the post WW-II P-38 have aluminum frames. There was an issue with these frames cracking after prolonged use, so they inserted a hexagonal pin into the frame to remedy the problem. This pin was carried over into the P-5.

The slides also had some problems with cracking, so they beefed up the sides of the slides in later models. They also added bar-dot sights.

It is my understanding that the cracking problems in both were very minor. So if you get one in decent shape, I would worry whether it had the later mods or not., Especially at $250.

As far as accuracy goes, I personally cannot hit the broadside of a barn. However, I loaned my P-1 to an NRA Instructor who wanted to try it. He aimed at a blank spot on a target he had up and after he shot all eight rounds he had one hole. This was using Blazer ammunition. He was shooting the P-1 just as accurate as his Glock 34.
 
Just took my Walther P-1 to the range and it shot better than my 228 Sig. I was shooting one hole groups with Speer 124 ball ammo. No hang ups at all with either ball or HP's. I bought a later model P-1 with the beefy slide and steel pin, no regrets at all. I liked it so much that I may buy another one, that's unissued in plastic bag. These are very well made and expensive pistols for cheap money. I wouldn't hesitate to carry this pistol.
 
Speaking from past experience: In a year or so, the current batch of P-1's will have dried up, and the price will once again rise.
In the late 80's a number of Walther P4 Police guns came in. Most of these were in excellent to mint condition, in a Walther box, a used police holster, spare magazine, and a Walther, manual.
These sold at somewhere around $250.00????. Now they are bringing collectors prices.

Sooooo, buy a P-1 if you have the cash. It's fun to shoot, makes a nice defense gun, and will be worth more than you paid, in a few years.
 
The current crop of P1s seem to have the post 1976 improvements, steel pin in frame, beefed-up slide and improved sights. The DA pull sucks but the SA is OK. Good but not great accuracy.

In 1990 the suggested retail price on commercial P38s was $1000. Same gun as the P1s that are now available for $250.

The Germans have surplused these because they have gone to a version of the HK USP.
 
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