Walther P1 questions

Kohaku2416 · 11-23-2006, 12:09 AM

Just got a Walther p1 from my friend. Have a couple questions, and yes so far i like the gun

But my questions are, what is the difference of the p1 to the p38? is the p1 just the designation for the army like the beretta is to the m9? and is the only real difference to the p1 being made of aluminum to the p38's steel? or is there any other major differences? im just currious. Also the grips on my p1 are checkered post war grips, which i dont like much because the checkering aggrivates my hands. So i was wondering can war time bakelite p38 grips either brown or black fit onto the p1? since it is mostly the same gun just different metal? also where can i find these kinds of grips at? preferred in brown. but would take black if i could find them.

micmacman · 11-25-2006, 12:21 PM

one problem with the P1 verses the wartime P38 is indeed the aluminum frame,im told that lighter loads should only be used in the P1 because of the pressure on the aluminum frame from the more hot ammo will take its toll on it

i dont know from personal experiance,and am just repeating what i was told,i asked the same question when making my decision as to go with the P1 or the war time,i decided to go with the wartime for this reaon,and collectability as well

policeluger · 11-25-2006, 12:45 PM

Have had several P1's come through my shop over the years with cracked frames....I'd never own one for this reason....hope this is of some help

policeluger · 11-25-2006, 07:52 PM

tac....that P38 was also an alloy frame, correct?

wdavid431 · 11-26-2006, 10:31 AM

I have WWII P38 but do not shoot them. Instead I bought a P1 to fire. I was so impressed with it that I bought another. They fire smooth every time. Must remember to us 115 gr winchester rounds however, and there should be no problems. Additionally, they both cleaned up nice and I fire one of them every trip to the range.
Hope you fire and enjoy yours as well.

11-23-2006, 12:09 AM	#1
Kohaku2416 User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Muncie Indiana Posts: 124 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 2 Posts	Walther P1 questions Just got a Walther p1 from my friend. Have a couple questions, and yes so far i like the gun But my questions are, what is the difference of the p1 to the p38? is the p1 just the designation for the army like the beretta is to the m9? and is the only real difference to the p1 being made of aluminum to the p38's steel? or is there any other major differences? im just currious. Also the grips on my p1 are checkered post war grips, which i dont like much because the checkering aggrivates my hands. So i was wondering can war time bakelite p38 grips either brown or black fit onto the p1? since it is mostly the same gun just different metal? also where can i find these kinds of grips at? preferred in brown. but would take black if i could find them.

11-25-2006, 12:21 PM	#2
micmacman User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: West Virginia Posts: 33 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	one problem with the P1 verses the wartime P38 is indeed the aluminum frame,im told that lighter loads should only be used in the P1 because of the pressure on the aluminum frame from the more hot ammo will take its toll on it i dont know from personal experiance,and am just repeating what i was told,i asked the same question when making my decision as to go with the P1 or the war time,i decided to go with the wartime for this reaon,and collectability as well __________________ NRA,give,and give often,,,they fight the good fight for all of us

11-26-2006, 10:31 AM	#5
wdavid431 User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Arkansas Posts: 135 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	I have WWII P38 but do not shoot them. Instead I bought a P1 to fire. I was so impressed with it that I bought another. They fire smooth every time. Must remember to us 115 gr winchester rounds however, and there should be no problems. Additionally, they both cleaned up nice and I fire one of them every trip to the range. Hope you fire and enjoy yours as well. __________________ W David

11-25-2006, 12:45 PM	#3
policeluger RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ca. Posts: 2,141 Thanks: 8 Thanked 89 Times in 54 Posts	Have had several P1's come through my shop over the years with cracked frames....I'd never own one for this reason....hope this is of some help

11-25-2006, 07:52 PM	#4
policeluger RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ca. Posts: 2,141 Thanks: 8 Thanked 89 Times in 54 Posts	tac....that P38 was also an alloy frame, correct?