Why the Walther P38 replaced the Luger P08 #shorts

[@garrisonnichols807]

The walther P38 is probably the most advanced handgun of the war because it's the first double action semiautomatic 9mm pistol but the P08 Luger is so iconic and cool.

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

Agreed on all accounts 👍🏻

[@TriZaba]

What about the Browning Hi Power??

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

The Hi-Power is probably my pick for “overall best” of WWII, but the P38 has a few design implements that are at least as impactful as the Browning. Between the two of them (and the 1911) you pretty much have all the modern ideas for how a handgun should operate

[@stevegant7286]

Great point, double action is a big deal!

[@jimoconnor2958]

One of each would be nice and throw in a Hsc for goodmeasure

[@ShaneT.0331]

Personally if I was a GI in those days either one would've been a better souvenir than nothing.

[@dex2591]

Helluva lot better than a wooden leg.

[@ShaneT.0331]

@@dex2591 Yup

[@GrosvnerMcaffrey]

Imagine finding an fn browning instead

[@ShaneT.0331]

@@GrosvnerMcaffrey That'd be sick lol CO and S1 would know me always asking them to sign all those capture papers haha

[@kitosjek9541]

Ye right after you'd execute gay concentration camp workers

[@joshuapatterson3264]

I feel like Beretta borrowed Walthers homework and changed it enough to be different for the 92

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

Basically yeah

[@Gameprojordan]

They did. The Beretta 92 is essentially a double stacked p38 with a slide that covers the entire length of the barrel, and the front sight is removed from the barrel and put on the tip of the slide instead

[@Pwj579]

The Beretta M1951 was the first falling locking block pistol they produced which was influenced by the P-38. Similar to the P-38, it had a single stack magazine. So it’s more accurate to call the 92 series developed during the 1970s, a” double stack M 1951”.

[@nikolascoffey6453]

As a beretta enjoyer, I really appreciate the engineering that went into the walther in order for the 92 to shine. It's the only pistol with both a sleek design and a slide I can operate with my massive hands (the cz 75 is a beautiful pistol, but dear god is the slide a fucking pain to operate with big hands)

[@kamata93]

Dont forget that Beretta did 1915 and 1917 pistols that looked pretty similar to the next Beretta guns. They might have “borrowed” some internal ideas from Walter though to some degree.

[@Heywood_yablowme]

p38 has "Beretta's grandfather" vibes

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

The Beretta 92 is basically a copy of the P38 (randomly, so is the Desert Eagle) so you are definitely getting the correct vibes 👍🏻

[@williamsample2631]

I'll have to disagree on that one. Look at the early Beretta designs and they've all been open slide. I don't care whether they produce it in 25 ACP, 32 ACP, 9mmm Kurtz or 9 m m. My favorite Beretta is a 318 and 25 ACP.

[@neutronalchemist3241]

@@GreatNorthwestWeaponry It uses the same tilting block. That makes it a copy like the Glock is a copy of the 1911,

[@connorhart7597]

​@@williamsample2631 318? I honestly cant say ive heard of that one

[@yourvidia5815]

I own an ww2 P08…the accuracy is amazing…more accurate than a 2020 Colt 1911 government competition

[@Gabe_the_gamer]

We have a p38 that was made right after the war. The coolest gun I ever held

[@michaelwills1926]

@@Gabe_the_gamersame. I think mine was early 50’s Berlin police issue.

[@michaelnorth5215]

Cost and speed of production. I believe there were 300 machining operations on P-08 grips alone.

[@bigdave6447]

I read there are over 1100 seperate machining operations.

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

I believe I stumbled across a similar number, failed to record it in my notes though

[@bigdave6447]

@@GreatNorthwestWeaponry it might be in Lugers at Random.But using the letter block system that's 270,000.plus they made some commercial weapons. Mauser stopped production in '42 ,Kreighoff continued into 1945 for the Luftwaffe.

[@bigdave6447]

@@GreatNorthwestWeaponry as far as machining operations, Mike Krause .45 1907 test Luger maker mentioned it in a video

[@bigdave6447]

Did you buy yourself a Lugerman .45 1907 test Luger yet???

[@Rickinsf]

I was surprised to see a Luger P08 on the hip of the German customs officer on my train in 1980.

[@elliotstannard5621]

For those who don't know, the P38 was also the gun Megatron originally transformed into, in the original G1 toyline and TV show.

[@coryferguson8234]

Heck yes I remember

[@losisansgaming2628]

Still my favorite form for megatron if you go for the original lookin bot mode. I dont care if the gun has to look fake

[@RickJZ1973]

Nice presentation! Luger is such a beautiful iconic pistol. A lot of hand fitting involved in production. P38 just simply an outstanding design that really ushered in the age of double action/ single action semi Auto pistols.

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

Thank you kindly! Both were among the best of their respective times for sure

[@josh05683]

The Walther PP series were what ushered in double action/semi handguns

[@jamalwilburn228]

I just dont like the barrel of the P-38. It looks better on the Luger

[@PhilipFear]

And the P08 Lugar was so tightly fitted it would stop working under many combat conditions that the Walther P38 would continue working through just fine... The P38 was also designed to carry a round in the chamber with the hammer down and fired by double action safely, while the P08 was designed to carry with the chamber empty...

[@joelex7966]

The P-38 was double action and was not as jam prone as the P-08. German officers were allowed to carry any side arm they preferred. Astras were very popular and so was the Browning Hi Power.

[@kylekatarn5964]

The Star Model B in 9mm is a fine pistol too.

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

I’ve actually had the pleasure of shooting one of those in the past, surprisingly good gun. Hopefully I can get one in my collection someday 👍🏻

[@kylekatarn5964]

@@GreatNorthwestWeaponry I have one Nazi proofed example and two in 9mm Largo. They're commonly used by movie studios for conversions to fire blanks (most real .45 framed pistols don't cycle blanks very well). In fact, Jules in Pulp Fiction is carrying a nickeled Star with pear grips. It is a shame Star went out of business, they made some outstanding pistols.

[@454FatJack]

Officer only most Junior Platoon etc carry 9x19 Senior 7,65,22, 9 short/ .25,.32.380ACP’s smaller the gun bigger the boss

[@joelex7966]

@@454FatJack all true, the big guy himself carried a Walther .25.

[@mrchrisnoll1]

Each piece on a PO-8 Parabellum is machined and milled for THAT specific gun. They were NOT "interchangable" as in the P-38. For some that's what makes the Lugar so special.

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

A well functioning and at least mostly matched Luger is a very fine machine, a mismatched/poorly maintained example is near unusable

[@user-id4hh6bd7n]

The P08 is a historical work of art and a fine collection piece.

[@ronaldphillips1047]

I own a WW2 P38. Love it. It's easy to break down and operate. Luger is more precise but I prefer the P38. Just an opinion from an old man.

[@petzouqi76]

Lupin chose the P-38 because it wasn't a display piece, he was going to use it as a tool or a weapon, and everywhere he went to steal something he was likely to get his suit dirty, in turn his gun needed to be much more serviceable.

[@flakproof]

Based Lupin enjoyer

[@SyntaxIsChillin]

The P08 will never be replaced.

[@a.r.m.4you182]

Never did I think I would have either until just a couple of years ago. Now I have multiples of both and really enjoy them each for different reasons.

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

Hopefully someday I’ll have one of each variant (within reason, or not lol) so much history in every example

[@kevinkent6184]

Both of them are beauty's

[@robertdragoff6909]

Interesting story of the P38 on the Man from UNCLE…. In the first episode they used a German 1934 Mauser automatic, but it jammed a lot and when the attachments were added the gun all but disappeared…. The gun used afterwards was a Walther P38 that worked better and didn’t disappear when the carbine attachments were added…. Stranger still, the P08 was also considered, but also was nixed…. The rest is TV history!

[@shmoriy]

They’re both absolutely beautiful

[@jerzygenello8542]

I still love to shoot P38.. Super gun!

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

They are excellent, especially for their time

[@exposingproxystalkingorgan4164]

They are both collectors items now. 😂

[@larrynason8716]

I just plain love em both! 🤷‍♂️

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

Both are excellent!

[@stevewilke8524]

When I was a youngster, Dad gave me a squirtgun with "Lugee" cast into the clear yellow-orange plastic. I spray painted it satin black to make it look really cool (bad idea nowadays) I was fascinated by it, and remained fascinated until I bought a real one 20 years ago. It's still a beautiful pistol, fun to shoot, but I just don't like putting the wear on it.

[@megatronusmumra2273]

They are both works of art

[@IndpndntPtriot]

We would all love to own a WW I/WW II luger, but I really like the P38 and would live to have one

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

They’re both fascinating guns, and some of the best of their respective time periods

[@spokanetomcat1]

I enjoyed shooting the P-38 while I was stationed in Germany in the early 1980s.

[@NoosaHeads]

I have both but prefer the Luger. It feels better and is more reliable. I accept that the P38 has double action, and that's a benefit.

[@JMark-zk5pj]

P08 was not as reliable by a long shot.

[@TheRealSephiroth]

For a gun to be absolutely worth it *to me* it would have to do the following. 1. Cheaper to make, buy and easier to maintain. 2. Longer useage lifespan. In other words it gets so old you cant use it anymore. 3. Less frequent jamming. 4. Can take hotter diet loads of ammunition for longer periods of time. 5. Fits comfortably in my hand. 6. Is more accurate. 7. Can hold more ammo in a magazine. If the replacement gun cant do those things its not worth it. It should be able to do at least 2 or 3 of these things to be considered. Also to be considered all the things it didnt do it at least has to be on par with the previous weapon cuz if something was worse then i wouldnt bother. Lets say the new pistol holds more ammo, is more accurate and is cheap to make and easier to maintain but the other things is on par with the last pistol then its worth the upgrade. If any of those other things were worse than the last pistol then its not worth it cuz youre essentially just getting the same gun just a different face.

[@stevegant7286]

The big reason the P38 replaced the Lugar is because it was more reliable and didn't jam!

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

That’s definitely one of the reasons 👍🏻 production cost/time were also big concerns

[@annawhitis4251]

The P08. Luger would only feed copper nose bullets , lead bullets would cause extensive jamming. The P38. Would not jam on lead bullets because it did not have the toggle action It was a blow back action, for easier feeding. Kevin Phoenix

[@severerisk1581]

The P38 wasn't a blowback operated pistol, it was short recoil operated with a locked breech. Blowback operation doesn't have a locked breech, it relies on spring pressure and the mass of the slide/bolt to allow for its operation. A the Walther ppk is blowback, so are the Astra 300,400, and 600 series. The P38 is similar to the Beretta 92 in that they use a hinged locking piece to operate.

[@loochan325]

The feeding is related to the angle of the grip and magazine, but for army use there is only round FMJ used on all. The Luger angle block the hand in line with the forearm so less mazle flip and also greater accuracy for all shots including the first one, 80m rated for Luger and 50m for P38. P38 is not direct blowback operated but locked breech with sliding barrel as Luger, but instead of togle action P38 use a hinged block for locking the barrel to the slide similar to Berretta 92. On both P08 and P38 the barrel slide a few mm back locked to slide, until the bullet exit the barrel, and then the slide is unlocked.

[@graywhite1529]

legend has it that the Fuerer in a fit of nostalgia decided to take the P08 fully apart and as a result could not assemble it back again, sitting over a pile of random pistol parts he uttered: "To many parts, we need a pistol that has half as much" ergo the P38 appeared (the Luger has 80 pcs. the Walther only 40 two of which were useless, german punctuality at its best ) )))

[@BumblingBushcraft]

The P38 was the standard side arm in the Norwegian army as Germany kindly donated thousands of them to us in 1945. It was only replaced by the Glock 17 as the P80 in the Norwegian army in 1985. It is just very , very easy and simple to maintain. And you can field strip an assemble it in seconds with some practice. The Luger is a pain in comparison.

[@HopliteWarlord]

A lucky returning GI of WWII had a Luger and a P38 in gear!

[@Mutedmouth]

P38 saw service all the way into the nineties with the German army. Their honor guards still use them to this day.

[@ricardobridges2835]

They are the best weapons for working with armored vehicles and protective shields (if it is necessary to contain a freaked out person with a knife), as the slide does not interfere with the weapon's cycling.

[@BradYaeger]

I was surprised to see a P38 be a prominent firearm in the recent "Justified : City Primeval" series .

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

Haven’t actually watched that yet, it’s on my list though 👍🏻

[@davidstewart5811]

I have had both and you are correct. My Luger will jam just because I shot it on a Tuesday, whereas my P38 just runs and runs. I do wish my P38 had a larger capacity clip. Both provide an instinct-based shooting - just point and shoot.

[@davidthefirst6195]

I would love to get my hands on a P38

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

They’re pretty cool!

[@BuddWolf]

American soldiers would trade Lugers for everything, food, memorabilia, other weapons, etc. My uncle fought in the 82nd Airborne division from Africa - V/E day. He must have sent home more Lugers, Mauser K-98’s, among other items (spoils of war), that put my cousin through college. Smart man 😉👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@J.R.in_WV]

Most of the stories by allied WW2 soldiers and officers I’ve read say the Luger was mostly issued to German officers who preferred them to the Walthers for whatever reason and because of this the Luger was far more sought after by allied men as a war prize / “take-home” trophy over a Walther.

[@penchant1972]

Military Luger production ended in 1942. The Walther P38 was not only cheaper to make, but functionally more reliable in battlefield conditions. Side note - it was so technologically advanced, if you want to see its legacy, look no further than Beretta's 92F (or M9) which copied the design, only changing the aesthetics and converted the single-stack magazine into a staggered double-stack one. Functionally, it's the same firearm.

[@reubenpickering7777]

In addition to the switch to double stack mag, it replaced the P 38's twin recoil springs mounted at the back of the frame with a more conventional single spring mounted under the barrel. Hence the full length slide on the Berettas. The heel magazine release was also changed to a push button style. But the method of operation is indeed identical, and the overall shape of the weapon is clearly heavily influenced by the P38.

[@joelee2371]

Also, S&W, in it's 1st, 2nd, & 3rd generation pistols, used the excellent Walther de-cocker/safety system. i have 3 of these S&Ws, and one or the other is my EDC; I also have a Bersa Thunder, another excellent pistol with the Walther safety.

[@lucianene7741]

- Cheaper - More reliable - Safer

[@shootinnscootin5545]

In war time it definitely makes sense to have a weapon that is easy to produce and crank out fast. In some cases it affected the quality but in other cases the simple designs made for great weapons that could be mass produced in a short time such as the AK47 and it's variants.

[@JokerDoom]

I like the Walther because it's responsible for taking out one of history's most notorious supervillains.

[@chuckschillingvideos]

It's a trivial issue. Sidearms are a trivial part of an army's equipment. For those troops who need them, it mattered only that they had SOMETHING that could be used in an emergency. That's all.

[@gorgeousgentleman5390]

Hank is using Walther P38 to shoot spotted Sussy Baka near base Luger and the Mauser Broomstick are also iconic in their era Such Classic guns are never die old

[@ThroughTheGatesOfHell]

cause it looks dope af, that’s why

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

Essentially yes lol

[@Isildun9]

Considering that when West Germany created their own military in 1955, they chose to adopt the Walther P38 for their standard sidearm, yeah, I'd say it was worth it.

[@Dyn4m1t3_.]

Fun fact the original Megatron transformed into a Walter p38

[@RoBe-bb7vr]

Nice video! Only for info: Walther is actually pronounced just Walter. The h is not pronounced, espacilly not like th (sfer). And the Name of the P.38 is correctly written with a point between P and 38.

[@timholland928]

One downside of the P 38 that the spent 9mm case would eject and hit you in your forehead 50% of the time or go over your head.I know because I bought a used one in the eighties and took it to a gun smith and he said that was one of the common things about the P38 handgun.I always made sure that I had glasses on but do not fire my P 38 made in 1975 in Germany very much because it hurts to get hit in your forehead with that spent case.

[@berjo77]

I’ve owned both, miss them both as they were sold when I deployed over seas again. But I agree that the P38 was all that was mentioned, plus it was a better shooter (accurate on target) for me.

[@torsten1163]

Habe mit 12 Jahren mit Beiden schießen gelernt... 👍

[@TheSixteen60]

I always wondered what the P38 would look like if it was in Wolfenstein: The New Order.

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

Yeah that not being a thing was a missed opportunity

[@johncreed2627]

Personally, I prefer the P38 primarily because it fits my hand well and the balance is good. I have also handled a luger and the feel is good but what I don't really like is the external slide mechanisms is problematic, there is opportunity for external jamming issues.

[@gregkelly2145]

I have a Luger that belonged to my grandfather. Field cleaning that gun is unbelievably simple. Because of the back angled grip, it feels very natural to shoot. My example is from 1917 and is still deadly accurate.

[@Lyingrunner]

i think the po8 should have been purely a award pistol like a medal

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

During WWII I absolutely agree, in WWI it was legitimately the best pistol the Germans had so I understand it’s use then

[@neutronalchemist3241]

The P38 was more apt to mass-manufacturing than the Luger, but it was still WAY too complicate for a total war. Too many pistols were needed, and at the same time workers had more important things to do than pistols. As a result, the Wermacht fielded much more .32 ACP blowbacks (Walther, Sauer and Mauser) than P38.

[@nickyminter4271]

Thanks Thomas! This Saturday- range day . Get to put some first time rounds through my Kar 98 k purchase and first time shooting a mates Swiss K31 👍

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

Very cool! And ironically I just shot a K11 vs K31 video over the weekend, probably posting it late tonight/early tomorrow morning

[@Ifdyhjijfthoi]

The broom handle is one my favorite pistols lugers get more credit then they deserve because of the movie Sergeant york i believe it was

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

I’d say WWI & WWII movies in general, it seems everyone has a Luger. I’m hoping to get a Broomhandle at some point

[@boywhohasl1vedhascometodie469]

A well said short!

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

Thank ya kindly!

[@troy9er]

Always liked them both!! 😉

[@blairmiller3863]

Don't know why, but even with the goofy grip angle, the over complicated toggle action, the hand fitting of all the parts, I'd take the Luger every time!

[@ShawnX01Curtis]

German engineering being overly complicated? I simply do not believe you.

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

Oh believe me, the Luger (though a very cool design) is absurdly complex. The C96 is even worse

[@ShawnX01Curtis]

@@GreatNorthwestWeaponry I was just being sarcastic😂

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

Ah 👍🏻

[@TheSleepLes]

Luger was a classy weapon-that is why Abwehr used it. Plus, much more precise and fits the hand better.

[@Number6_]

I have fired a p38 and regardless of its rifled barrel it is usless for hitting a target pass 50 ft due to its 4 inch drift. it is very much for police and officers as you have to be within 25 feet of the target to be successful. using a std 9mm round.

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

Love the P38. My very first pistol in 1987. Super accurate. Not a fancy as the P08, but it was a better gun in just about every aspect aside from aesthetics.

[@markghostproductions3697]

"Was it worth it?" I mean... now we have 3 amazing German pistols to add to our collections so.. yes!

[@NYG5]

P38, grandfather to the Beretta 92

[@richardbrewer8301]

Yeah , the P38 was a cheaper gun to make , but it was still a damn fine firearm !!

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

Oh for sure! I actually shot a faceoff video between the two last week, it’ll be posted sometime later next weeek 👍🏻

[@arianrabit8750]

But the Lugar radiates power and aggression like a radioactive metal.Hold it in your hand and you will feel like a boss.

[@axelibrotherus3526]

in my opinion p38 was always really cool looking pistole.

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

It’s definitely a neat one!

[@allangibson8494]

The Germans also carried Kongberg Colt 45’s… (they were manufactured in Norway)…

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

Indeed they did! Along with many other contract/occupation pistols. Don’t have a Kongsberg yet but hopefully someday

[@joelee2371]

indeed they did, a very little known fact.nmodtbprople know about the High Powers, but few knew about the Colt-licensed plant.

[@alessiomaffezzoli9143]

The Walther could be better but for me the Luger is still the best. Its loading technology and style are literally priceless!

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

Agreed, and I’ve always personally been more accurate with the Luger. Dunno why, I just am

[@alessiomaffezzoli9143]

@@GreatNorthwestWeaponry ...cause it is🤭😌

[@joelee2371]

the Luger is a lovely thing, but beauty and practicality don't mix well on the battlefield. although, the P38 is not in any way an ugly weapon.

[@vitodesimone8120]

Nice comparison.

[@mr.samurai901]

They are both cool but the Browning Hi-Power had them both bested.

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

Yeah… Man I want one

[@Atpost334]

Very true, if I had been in combat in WWII I’d definitely take the Hi power over anything except the 1911 👍

[@mr.samurai901]

@@Atpost334 Yes, it seems like in photos I see a lot of Waffen SS and Panzergrenadier looking troops always packing a Hi-Power. The British airborne seemed to have a lot of them too.

[@mitchmcginn4250]

While I still favor the 1911 overall, the P38 shows evidence of SO many modern day firearms in terms of design and aesthetic just by a mere glance. Besides the Berreta, I can also see the slightly smaller ancestor of the P226.

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

Definitely one of the most influential designs of all time. And if I’m not mistaken a significant amount of Sig’s designs can in fact be traced to the P38 in one design aspect or another 👍🏻

[@mitchmcginn4250]

@@GreatNorthwestWeaponry Exactly. It'd be an interesting time of just holding up a picture or blueprint of the P38 beside a picture of other sidearms designed by Sig and other companies to just look at them side by side and think, 'Ah, there it is.' For the longest time I thought of the P38 as a peashooter but as time went by I've appreciated it more. Germans certainly knew how to make toys back in the day.

[@garylee9738]

The 08 is such a beautiful gun

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

Agreed

[@MigueAngelAstra]

La Luguer para mí vitrina. La P38 para portar. 👍👍🇦🇷🇦🇷

[@utpharmboy2006]

p38 is superior, but that p08 i just love for its german ubiquitous uniqueness

[@nikolascoffey6453]

The best pistol that the Germans had was easily the browning hi power (issued to paratroopers), that pistol is still being used to this day and doesn't suffer from the heavy trigger pull of the Walter or the unreliability of the luger. Plus, the high power had a bigger magazine.

[@gaigestorm8155]

I always felt the P38 was the grand daddy of the M92

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

That’s because it is 👍🏻 Beretta basically copied the design with some modernizations

[@Engineer1897]

The Germans stopped producing the Luger in 1942, but there were just so many Lugers in inventory already, so they used them. Up until 1942, when Luger production ceased, how did P38 production compare between 1938 and 1942?

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

I’d have to look at a chart to say for certain but it was a lot, over 1,200,000 by the end of the war but I don’t know the yearly numbers off hand

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

I've always wanted a Luger, but there are so many pieces of junk out there.. I did own two P38's that were converted or used by the west german police after the war .. Great firearms..

[@user-yr1mz9fk5r]

Oba su bila veoma dobra za vreme kada su nastali P08 je veoma elegantan za svoje vreme nastanka od Bordharts koji je neuglednog izgleda nastao je veoma lep pištolj hvala Georgi Lugeru

[@klunatsch]

Love both

[@jaxm3584]

The p38 is more economically viable, the po8 though is a fucking art piece

[@nobodyisbest]

The P38 served another 50 years under a different name. The Bundeswehr called it P1, but it was the same pistol really.

[@jebbroham1776]

So jealous of those GI's that got to bring home souvenirs from their time fighting in Europe. They don't let the military do that now of course.

[@JoaoSoares-rs6ec]

the reason for the change was coust and speed, the luger war more expensive and took longer and more material, than the p38, but outside of luger copies, the gun was very well made and parts could fit from one gun to another, the tolerances were tight, but could be done, they were not hand fited, nour war it over complicated, the p38 simply had a much simpler system.

[@DamRiley-hh6tc]

A Walther P38 with Wooden Grips would be Sweet

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

Indeed it would be

[@joelee2371]

IIRC, the early ones msy have had wooden grips. they could certainly be obtained from custom/aftermarket makers..

[@ratgobbler]

also bc the walther p38 just looks better and you cannot convince me otherwise

[@Definitely_not_Andrew_Yoshiaki]

It’s the classic quality vs quantity debate in a roundabout way. The Luger is without a doubt a beautiful piece of machinery. It has extreme care put into manufacturing, hand fitted, and is without a doubt a wonderful piece of firearm when holding and firing. But in a wartime setting, you just need more weapons, and that’s where the Walther P-38 comes into play; it’s cheaper, easier to manufacture, with much more interchangeable parts to say the least, but that’s not all. Furthermore, the P38 was advanced with a double action system that’s used even to this day, and it was more rugged and reliable than the Luger in dirty conditions. Arguably the P38 was better than the Luger in every way (aside from the mag release button being replaced with a more dated design). There’s a reason why it’s a design that’s still relatively well used today and the German military used a variant of it well into the 2000s. In a way it’s like the old watch debate: would you rather have a classic Swiss made hand fitted mechanical watch or a Seiko quartz watch? Sure the Swiss watch is immaculate, gorgeous, fine piece of engineering, but Seiko Quartz is cheaper, easier to fix/replace, and can arguably tell the time better over a longer period of time. When handing out a ton of them, the latter seems more useful than the former. That said, during the War, would I have wanted either of them? Personally no, if I have my options, I think I would’ve wanted a Browning Hi-Power, be it Nazi occupied Belgian make or Canadian make, that utilized the double stack mag. But I digress… I’m jealous you have both on the table ahaha

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

A very well thought out comment my dude! I can agree on basically everything you’ve stated. I am very fortunate to have gotten my hands on both of these, but man what I wouldn’t do to get my hands on a WWII Hi-Power…

[@Dionissos1]

I Love Walter this is German Hero❤💛🖤❤💛🖤

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

It’s definitely a neat one

[@SulemanRasul-wp1we]

Luger is my favourite and semi auto hdm

[@andyrihn1]

The Beretta 92 is literally just an iteration on the p38. The Luger was really a dead end in the pistol world

[@hoppinggnomethe4154]

Luger, the archnemesis of GD&T. 😂😂😂😂

[@sirjanska9575]

Parabellum - as we Europeans call it - looks cooler and I'd say is also more fun to shoot with (though I've only shot with the original 7,65 mm version, never the 9mm) but P38/P1 for all effects and purposes was the more economical weapon. Am honestly surprised that the production didn't switch completely to accomodate the Walther.

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

I believe the only reason Mauser continued Luger production is because they were contracted prior to the introduction of the P38 and the contract ran through 1942, but don’t quote me on that I could be mistaken

[@joelee2371]

the lines were already set up to make them, so there was no point in shutting them down, as they were needed.

[@sirjanska9575]

@@joelee2371 Yea I wondered whether it was due to the difficulty of converting the existing methods to support the new weapon but frankly I have no idea how industrial logistics, let alone arms manufacturing, functioned in practise.

[@SamuelWebber-qy2kq]

Are you the guy I met at the war front in Milwaukie?! If so, hell yeah keep the vids coming!!!

[@GreatNorthwestWeaponry]

Yup, that’s me! 👍🏻

[@SamuelWebber-qy2kq]

The guy with that minty pre war Kar 98k?