P38 malfunction

[Emri]

It has been a long time since I had one apart. I would have to examine one to remember specific details of the P38. However, like most all DA autos the trigger "connector" that cocks the hammer and trips the sear is also the disconnector. When the slide moves rearward after firing, it pushes the connector down and out of contact with the sear. That is why I stated it could be a spring problem causing the malfunction. Remove the top end and grips to be able to see them easier, and study how the parts interact with each other. By doing that you should be able to isolate the part or parts that are giving you trouble.

Good Luck !!

Emri

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[hsr]

Remove the top end and grips to be able to see them easier, and study how the parts interact with each other. By doing that you should be able to isolate the part or parts that are giving you trouble.

By following this advice this is what I found. The parts in question seem to have 2 different names depending on the diagram I am looking at. There is the trigger bar/connector and sear/cocking piece. I will use connector and sear since they are easier to type. The end of the connector fits into an opening in the sear. It is supposed to move around in this opening variously engaging or disengaging the sear. When I manipulate the slide the end of the connector is sliding under the sear and coming out of the opening, lodging itself under the forward part of the sear. This is letting the hammer follow the slide. Pulling the hammer back moves the sear enough so that the connector slips back into the opening. Looking at the connector with a magnifying glass the end looks worn and rounded which is probably causing the problem. I have a sear and I have ordered a connector. I will try replacing the connector first since it looks to be easier than replacing the sear.