[WarBaby]

I recently acquired a neat 43 Walther P38 and I'm itching to shoot a couple magazines through it just because. I've read all the precautions, but still tempted to get 16 rounds in. A. Is it a terrible idea with factory ammunition? And B. Is it a terrible idea? I bought it to sit and paw over mostly but will two magazines break my slide? If I knew about the brittleness of them beforehand I likely wouldn't have bought it but I've always wanted one and I don't want to say I've never fired it at all. Advice?

Thanks
WB

 

[Stanga375!]

Of course the P38 can be shot! While there are documented cases of slide cracking, especially with well worn examples, it is not common...nor is the pistol made of glass. Use appropriate 9mm ammo do a careful inspection of the parts prior to firing and maintain a clean, well lubricated pistol.
I regularly fire my 1945 era P38 and sometimes remove the original barrel/slide and use a modern P1 slide/barrel. An inexpensive means to enjoy the gun without fretting over damage to a war relic.
The P38 is a battle-tested weapon, not a fragile toy...I hardly think you will encounter any sudden problems with occasional use.

 

[papa whit]

I recently acquired a neat 43 Walther P38 and I'm itching to shoot a couple magazines through it just because. I've read all the precautions, but still tempted to get 16 rounds in. A. Is it a terrible idea with factory ammunition? And B. Is it a terrible idea? I bought it to sit and paw over mostly but will two magazines break my slide? If I knew about the brittleness of them beforehand I likely wouldn't have bought it but I've always wanted one and I don't want to say I've never fired it at all. Advice?

Thanks
WB

Shoot it, and Shoot it again

 

[CadillacMike]

I shot all my P.38s this past week. Just 2 magazines each. No issues, pretty accurate and much better performing than my two year old SA Range Officer compact 9mm.

Walther AC 40, Walther AC 41, Mauser byf 44 and Spreewerk cyq 45 - dated to April 1945 if I am correct.

 

[Redcat94]

I would stick to using 115gr FMJ. Inspect your slide and locking block for cracks afterwards.

 

[CadillacMike]

That's what I used. But 124gr 9mm Luger isn't any more powerful, it's the 9mm NATO that I'll keep away from these four.

 

[WarBaby]

Thanks folks, I appreciate the replies. Ive got a bunch of Winchester white box, ill at least run a few magazines through her. I do have guns I've never shot, but don't want this P-38 to be one of them.