WW2 German byf 44 P.38 1944 Caliber 9mm Pistol (Original)
SKU: GERMAN BYF 44 P.38 PISTOL
Original/Reproduction: Original
Availability: In-Stock
Manufacturer: byf
Date Manufactured: 1944
Model: P.38
Caliber: 9mm
Serial Number: 6010e
Action Type: Short recoil, locked-breech design
Capacity: 8 Rounds
Barrel Length: 4.9 inches (125 mm)
Weight: Around 2.2 lbs (1 kg) unloaded
Bore: 9.5/10
Grips: Black Ribbed grips
Condition: Near Mint
Price: $2000.00
Seller Type: Classification: C&R / FFL
Seller ID: JMW
Seller Code: PAA 1190
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description
This is an Original WW2 German Mauser "Byf/44" Code P.38 Semi-Automatic Pistol, Cal. 9mm. Manufactured by Mauser in 1944. The Left side of the slide is marked "P.38," followed by Mauser's mfg. code and the 2-digit year of mfg. "byf/ 44", as well as the S#, with an Eagle/WaA135 proof and an eagle firing proof stamped on the right. Metal components exhibit a professionally reapplied blue finish overall. Frame is mounted with 2-piece, grooved, black, pressed resin grips. All serialized parts are matching and include the frame, slide, bbl., and locking block. Bbl. S# appears to have been a factory error, originally reading "6000/ e" and having been over stamped to "6010/ e." MAGS: two 8-rd. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: contemporary production black leather holster. The condition is excellent, as refinished, with metal components retaining bountiful amounts of their reapplied blue finish overall, exhibiting some scattered spots of light to mild pitting beneath the finish. Brilliant mirror bore, exhibiting sharp and well-defined rifling throughout. Grips show some scattered marks and nicks from handling and storage, with the right panel exhibiting a chip at the bottom right corner. Holster is excellent overall.
History
The BYF 44 P.38 is a notable semi-automatic pistol produced by the German arms manufacturer Walther during World War II. Here’s a closer look at its history, specifications, and significance.
- Introduction: The P.38 was designed by Heinrich Ortgies and was first introduced in 1938 as a standard sidearm for the German military. It was developed to replace the Luger P08, which was more complex and expensive to manufacture.
- Production: The BYF marking indicates that the pistol was produced by the Walther factory in 1944, during the later years of the war when resources were increasingly scarce, leading to some changes in manufacturing processes.
Features
- Construction: The P.38 features a double-action/single-action mechanism, allowing the first shot to be fired in double action mode and subsequent shots in single action after the first shot is fired.
- Sights: The pistol is equipped with fixed front and rear sights, which are typical for military sidearms of the time.
- Finish: P.38s produced in 1944 often display a more utilitarian finish, reflecting wartime production conditions.
Significance
- Military Use: The P.38 served as a reliable sidearm for German troops throughout the war, praised for its accuracy and effectiveness in combat situations.
- Post-War Influence: After WWII, the design of the P.38 influenced many modern service pistols, making it a significant milestone in firearm development.
