Initial P-38 Observations

[Birdmann]

Gang- When I got my first P-38 back in 1977, I never knew that the back of the hammer was milled out and that the barrel moved rearwards when the pistol was fired! lol!
Share your observations.

[daltrey99]

When the upper moves back like that, it softens the recoil (Lugers do this as well) Milling out the back of the hammer and trigger (wartime) saves on metal that could be used to make other parts.

[Birdmann]

Interesting! ^ Thanks.

[daltrey99]

I should correct myself somewhat on the wartime trigger comment. Some were also stamped and not milled.

[Blade]

Originally Posted by Birdmann

Gang- When I got my first P-38 back in 1977, I never knew that the back of the hammer was milled out and that the barrel moved rearwards when the pistol was fired! lol!
Share your observations.

The barrel on all locked breach automatics moves to the rear a short distance during recoil. The slide and the barrel stay locked together for a brief time, and recoil as a unit. This allows time for the bullet to exit the barrel and the pressure to drop off to a safe level before the breach opens. There are various locking mechanisms to make this all happen. On the P38/P1, the barrel recoils about 3/16 of an inch before a plunger pushes the locking block down and disengages it from the slide. This is the same locking mechanism used on the Baretta 92 series of guns.

[Birdmann]

Thanks. ^
Does the Colt .45 and the Glock barrels move upwards when being fired?

[Blade]

Originally Posted by Birdmann

Thanks. ^
Does the Colt .45 and the Glock barrels move upwards when being fired?

The barrel moves back and down. Those guns use the most common locking system. The barrel and the slide move rearward together, a short distance. When it reaches a certain point, the breach end of the barrel drops down, which unlocks it from the slide.

The only center fire automatics where the barrel doesn't move are blowback operated guns, and there aren't many of those around. Hi-Point guns are blowback operated and have fixed barrels. Some smaller 380 pistols like the PPK are blowback and also have a fixed barrel.

[searcher451]

How about some eyes-on observations?

http://www.p38forum.com/anime7.swf

We've got a Stick on this animation, by the way, in the FAQ section.

[towboater]

Cool animation!!!!!!!!!!

[Birdmann]

Searcher- Thanks! VERY cool!