P5 vs. P5C

[MGMike]

For those fascinated by data of mostly academic interest, I offer the following comparisons. These figures were not taken from a book, incidentally, but by actual measurement.

Mass:
P5, P5C
Slide assembly: 286.5 g., 267.7 g.
Barrel and locking block: 150.2 g., 141.3 g.
Total, recoiling parts: 436.7 g., 409 g.

(Difference of 27.7 g., or just under 1 oz. [28.35 g.] )

Barrel Length: 90mm, 79mm
(3.54"), (3.1")

Just what you always wanted to know...

M

[jujonte]

Originally Posted by MGMike

For those fascinated by data of mostly academic interest, I offer the following comparisons. These figures were not taken from a book, incidentally, but by actual measurement.

Mass:
P5 P5C
Slide assembly: 286.5 g. 267.7 g.
Barrel and locking block: 150.2 g. 141.3 g.
Total, recoiling parts: 436.7 g. 409 g.

(Difference of 27.7 g., or just under 1 oz. [28.35 g.] )

Barrel Length: 90mm 79mm
(3.54") (3.1")


Just what you always wanted to know...

M

Looks like you had a productive day Mike. Good information. Much appreciated. ~J

[MGMike]

What these figures tell me is that, because the P5 and P5C use the same recoil springs, it is probable that the P5C has a higher slide velocity using any given cartridge. We know that the P5C works very well, so lightening the mass of the recoiling parts by one ounce compared to the P5 is still within the spectrum of what is acceptable for good functioning (though the P5C's power loss from its shorter barrel reduces somewhat the rearward momentum of the recoiling mass).

It might be interesting (I haven't done it) to weigh the same parts in the P38 and P4, and compare all of them. Since all use the same recoil springs, one could get a (very) rough idea of how much tolerance there is in this basic design for variation in mass.

I am not an engineer, but I am already wondering whether late P38s with the fat slide would have a greater tolerance for hot ammo than a P5.

M

[searcher451]

Originally Posted by MGMike

I am already wondering whether late P38s with the fat slide would have a greater tolerance for hot ammo than a P5.

M

An interesting question, indeed. I'll keep fingers crossed for a rainy day in Virginia, which will keep you off the range and in the shop with the digital scale.