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Hey all,
I am considering purchasing this gun. From the research I've done, the finishes look right, the stamps look right, etc. The S/N and ac 45 stamp on the slide look to be light, but I have looked at a few others, and they looked light too. Anyway, I would appreciate your opinions, and thanks in advance. Below is a link:
Pictures here!
I know very little about these having just recently purchased my first also but it looks very similar in condition and markings as mine and it is a late ac45 b block. Only major difference is mine has black grips, this one has the brown.
I'll post better pics when I get the gun in!
The finish on the pistol looks un-messed with, I don't think it's been redone in any way. You look at the little lines and marks and they are still present. The stampings aren't polished over. The wear at the front corners of the slide are there and just visible. The grips are as new, could have been changed. That happens...the inside should look the same...?
When you get it home break it apart and check the locking block. It should be in the white with a waffenmat stamped on both sides and the last 3 digits and letter of the serial number on the bottom. If it was a Russian capture the locking block would be blued as they threw everything in the tank together. It looks nice and correct though. Here is a chart that will give you an idea as to when it was made: http://www.p38forum.com/P38ProductionDates.pdf. This chart will give you an idea of it's collectability by amount produced: http://p38forum.com/technical/P38Chart.pdf
If your going to shoot it replace the springs with new ones (save the old ones) with a standard weight set from Wolff (http://www.gunsprings.com). Don't get the heavy ones those are for the P1 which can shoot +P ammo yours can't. NEVER use +P ammo in a wartime manufactured pistol they weren't built to handle the extra pressure. Only use standard velocity 124gr ball ammo. 115gr are kind of short and will cause feeding problems. 147gr is too heavy and can cause parts like the locking block and slide to fail which will ruin it's originality.
Nice pistol good luck with it. Waiting for the better pics! - Bill