ww2 p38, anyone know much about them?
 

As the title states, I've always wanted a p38 but I know jack-all about them. Found this one on gun broker. Does it look like it's been re-blued at all? I'm not an expert on that kind of thing.

It is a correct mid war 1943 made by Mauser. The finish is original and it looks like a decent late war break open holster is included. You would have to make sure the the barrel also matches the slide and frame, but in general P38s are rarely seen mismatched.
The big question is; how much?

looks like its currently at 1,125 with 5 days left

Way too much money. I just purchased a similar CYQ with a rougher break open holster for about 40% less. Granted this is a slightly more desirable Mauser, but not $400 more desirable. I would be out of any bidding on a standard issue P38 at $800. And that would have to be minty.

It can be very difficult to judge salt blued gun finishes from photographs.

The finish looks OK/

I think it is already overpriced. I think it's worth a bit more than $800 if original and matching. Perhaps $925 with the holster. I'd also like to see the interior of the grips to confirm originality.

That P-38 looks a lot nicer then mine, but that price is quite stout!! I am not 100% convinced that that is the original finish....I could be wrong....have been many times. I see red paint in the "fire" area of the safety.

Over priced even if it is one of Herman's pistols. ;)

20% higher? Don't worry. Looking from positive side -- if a gun came to you very cheap but it worth more, it's not easy to keep it, there is always a lure to realize that profit. It's a little bit high, you can enjoy it longer. I assume that we are talking $200-$300 in price difference, in C&R world, that's nothing. Don't worry. You won't lose anything in longer run.

Wow, Ok thanks so much for the posts! Didn't realize it was overpriced haha. Glad I checked here first :) I suppose I'll keep searching! Anything I should specifically watch out for on p38s for fakes or anything like that?

If you're specifically looking for a P38, I think you should join the P38 forum. There are collectors there who sell like they do here, and for a price much closer to market value. No point throwing away money on a common gun, even if Alvin thinks you get to "enjoy it longer" that way. :confused:

Regular P38 should not have many fakes.

If we have to summarize out the general feeling on P38, say, what's the feeling on this type? My feeling is this: most of them look same, except markings. So, be aware of that. If one sample is marketed as having rare markings and asking a lot, you'd better know what you're looking at, otherwise, leave it alone. It could be a great correct item, but you're not ready for it yet.

If it's a regular byf 43, 44,,, not likely having many fakes.

Cool man, thanks so much. That helps a lot

No problem. After playing these for a while, you will summarize out many small tips like this yourself.

Also the owner did not properly install the left hand grip. Too much space between grip & frame. TH

Do you think its not original to this firearm?