[mako72401]

Just trying to start researching and learning about these. I know value has gone up in the last couple years on almost all the milsurp stuff.

Have a friend needing money that has offered this to me for $600. Haven't gotten my hands on it to look at it yet, just the pictures he has sent. Has a repro holster to go with it.

 

[Pudge]

Welcome to the forums.

ac 42
ac = made at the walther plant as opposed to mouser or spreewerken
42 = 1942

4858 K
serial numbers were 4 digits then they started over with a letter suffix
# 4858 of the 11 thousand block

Not sure if 1-9999 had no suffix or the a suffix. so that may be off by 1000.

May be one of the experts here can say how many suffix's were used in 1942, but my GUESS would be it was made in the 2nd half of 1942.

I'm not qualified enough to venture an estimate on value, but basically it is only worth what someone is wiling to pay for it.

I'm sure the p38 experts will have more info on this weapon.

Pudge

 

[mako72401]

Thanks, Just getting into the milsurp stuff. Have basically gotten all the "New" stuff I am interested, so now the older/milsurp is catching my eye.

The volume of information is tough to sift through sometimes.

 

[donp326]

The P.38 in your pictures was made by Walther in December of 1942. You will need to check the locking block to make sure it’s all matching. The gun look fine not overly worn and no corrosion as I can see. Its definitely worth $600 if not a couple hundred more.


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[mako72401]

Thank you, I am not looking for perfect, just a good example that I can shoot.

Have a 1950s M44 Mosin that I am probably trading him plus $300. I have $200 in the Mosin, so I am hopeful it works out that way.

 

[donp326]

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[donp326]

I would not shoot it much. I would get a post war P-1 (38) for a shooter. After all the AC42 is 77 years old.


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[mako72401]

I would not shoot it much. I would get a post war P-1 (38) for a shooter. After all the AC42 is 77 years old.


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I won't shoot it much at all. But don't want something that I am afraid to shoot because of hurting the value of it, or safety concerns. This would probably get 50 rounds a year through it, if that, and probably less each year I have it.

 

[donp326]

If you do shoot it get the Winchester White Box rounds they pretty benign. No high velocity +P or anything like that.


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[Waveski]

Here is a bit of terminology for you - ac42 "stacked" . That means that the ac on the slide is over the 42. That is a good thing.

It looks like the red paint on the FIRE indicator has been retouched ; that would not make me hesitate at the price so long as the fore mentioned locking block is a match.

If you want to own a P.38 - buy that one (if verified as matching - I'm betting yes based on general appearance). The price is reasonable , to say the least.

 

[Vandal320]

The stories that P.38 could tell...

Looks nice, I agree that is a great deal for $600. If you do purchase it, please post some more pictures of it.

 

[Jimbo80]

Make the trade.

 

[Jimbo80]

Double post.

 

[rmacbyf44]

That's an outstanding deal if the numbers match and no import stamp. That's a fine looking AC42 2nd variation!

 

[donp326]

If you shoot it. It's yours to do with whatever you want. But if you crack the slide there is no going back.

 

[Kar98]

I would absolutely not hesitate that price. Here's mine that I paid $500 cash for in the early 2000s, and it's all original and matching (everybody was still into Lugers back then):

https://www.waltherforums.com/forum/classics/77410-i-never-did-show-off-my-p-38-did-i-pic-heavy.html