New Guy, New P08
 

Greetings, All:

My first post on this forum although I've been a "lurker" for years.

Anyway, I recently purchased a 1939 "42" code P08 ("x" block?) from a popular auction site and I'm very happy with it. My only concern is the magazine. I've been scouring this forum (and others) concerning which magazine is appropriate for this pistol without success. I have a nice collection of books on WWII German weapons but nothing specific enough to discern what magazine would be appropriate for this maker and year.

The included magazine is "fxo" (Haenel) marked and Waffenamt "37". It is also marked "P08" and has a plastic bottom. I've seen aluminum and wood bottoms and the black "plastic" bottoms on Black Widow magazines but I'm not sure if this correct for a '39 Mauser.

Sorry for a quesion I'm sure you guys have probably already answered a thousand times. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any post specifically identifying what I need to know (unless I missed it .....I'm easily sidetracked.):banghead:

Thanks for everyone's help in advance.

Dale Taylor

Hi and welcome to the forum (at least to posting here!)

The plastic base was first disclosed on a Mauser drawing in February, 1940.

The "fxo" code was introduced in 1941. I also believe Haenel generally used aluminum bases through 1941. The plastic bases were in use from 1941 on. While WW-II vintage, I believe that they are too late to be a match your 1939.

It may be the flash, but the trigger and safety lever look strawed (golden in color). That process stopped in 1937 at the factory...

Marc

Am I seeing rust bluing? Do all the numbers match on the gun? The trigger and takedown do indeed look strawed or polished, not blued.
dju

Thanks, Marc:

Yes, it's just the flash....all of the parts are still blue with the exception of the ejector which has turned plum. There is no straw.

So, if this "fxo" magazine is too late for the pistol, what should it have? As mentioned, the pistol is an "x" block (at least it looks like a stylized "x" to me) and is Waffenamt 655. Should it have "655" Waffenamt magazines with an aluminum bottom? Extruded mags? Possibly another variation? I just want to ensure I purchase the correct magazines for it.

Thanks for the help.

Dale

To add to the follow-up questions, the gun is blued inside and out. I understand rust bluing is just on the outside(?) And yes, I took it apart and all numbers match (500 or mostly just 00).

Dale

Hi Dave, The correct magazine for your gun would be an Army type 2, with an SE/655 inspection mark, like the one pictured below. If you can find one with an x suffix, it would be better yet.
I'm assuming the yellow glare we see on the trigger and safety is just reflected light from your flash, as the others have noted strawed small parts are incorrect for this variation.
Regards, Norm

Thanks very much; I'll start my search!

Yes, if you look at the second and third photos, you'll see the actual color of the safety lever and trigger not affected by the flash. They're blue.....as mentioned, there's no strawing on this piece, just some plum on the extractor.

Now the quest for magazines begins! Thanks for all the help guys. If you run across any, please keep me in mind. Have cash, will travel. ;)

Dale

I have one 3716 b + 655
 

Hi Dale

I hva one marked 3716 b + 655, if you want to trade.:cheers:

Regards Kai

Norway

Thanks, Kai. Have any photos of it? You can PM me or email offline if you'd rather not post to the forum.

Dale

Well, I've been scouring the internet over the past couple days and have found very few magazines with the markings I need. I did find a couple with the just the "x" block and only one with the "x" block and E/655 markings:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251176244352...84.m1423.l2649

Unfortunately, I have two concerns: (1) I thought I read somewhere on this forum that this Ebay seller was not very reputable. (2) I personally think the price for this mag is a little high at $225 + shipping.

Any thoughts/opinions? Thanks.

Dale

Hi Dale, The answers to your questions are yes and yes. Finding a magazine in the correct suffix block, while not impossible, is not easy either. I urge you to be patient and give it a few months. If after that time you are unsuccessful, send me a PM, I have a nice a block magazine I could let you have.
Regards, Norm

My mag
 

http://imageshack.us/a/img90/1104/311212003.th.jpg


http://imageshack.us/a/img9/4007/311212001.th.jpg


http://imageshack.us/a/img5/5631/311212002.th.jpg

Regards Kai

Looks like a deal. Send me an address. Thanks.

Thanks, Norm. I'm very persistent.