Preference: P-38 or 9mm Luger?

[Adam Helmer]

I have two of each and shoot them often on my backyard range. I think the Germans did get it right when they stopped Luger production in 1942 and concentrated on the P-38 Pistol for the rest of the war.

For those who have both, which do you prefer for casual shooting? For those who have shot both, but do not own either or both, which is you preference?

I carry a "1945" P-38 afield as I mow, fix fence or drive tractors about. I prefer the P-38 for shooting and prefer the Luger for quiet contemplation by the evening fireplace setting.

Adam

[skeet]

Personally I prefer a nice Colt 45 auto...but having quite a number of each I pefer the P-08 over the P-38 ...by far. I've never had a P-38 that would shoot worth a hoot. I must admit the P-08 is a little more finicky in regards to ammo used. Also all the P-38's I have had were made during the war...so that may have something to do with accuracy et al. The only one I wish I hadn't sold was one I got from a veteran of WWII who brought one home..complete with holster and two mags..loaded with the ammo that were in them when he took them from an Officer of the Reich

[Adam Helmer]

skeet,

I got my last P-08 and P-38 dated "1945" a few years ago from an old guy, now deceased, who got the guns from his brother who was a corporal in the 28th Division in the Bulge. The brother took the P-08 and P-38 off Kraut soldiers in January 1945. The seller told me he had the "capture papers" (Company officer permission to ship the guns home) someplace in his house and would send them to me. Well, I never got them and wish I had.

I have seen some P-38s that were wore out and not accurate shooters. Mine shoot as good as I can hold. My Lugers shoot anything I feed them without a hiccup.

Adam

[skeet]

Well I had the papers for the p-38 and gave 'em to the guy when I sold it. Of the 6 P-38's I've had all but one would shoot anthing you put in 'em. I even shot some submachine gun ammo through one. Always heard it was somewhat hotter than regular ammo. The P-08's were all a bit finicky about the ammo. New commercial stuff went smoothly. Surplus not always so good.

[GoodOlBoy]

I prefere my p38. Its harder than all get out ta open a can with a luger. . . . .

:D

GoodOlBoy

[Riposte1]

I cannot explain why I dont own a Luger. Neither of the guns appealed to me much over the years excpt for historical value. But, by some strange coincidence, I picked up two P-38s a couple of years ago within 6 months of each other.

I am still not impressed with either design as a practical pistol but I have to admit, shooting some Black Hills 147 gr JHP ammo in one of the P-38s it was as accurate as any service handgun I ever shot. With normal 124 or 115 gr ball it is just average - but that is not so bad..

The triggers are pretty crude on both of mine (one is a
43 and one is a 43/44 overstamp).

One of them came from a woman who's recently deceased husband was a Col. and I got with it a handmade holster stamped "Wolff". She could not relate any of the personal history of the gun unfortunately.

A friend has an 8" "Artillery" luger with the stock and the 32 round snail drum mag. Never got to shoot it though.

Riposte

[Adam Helmer]

Riposte1,

I have Lugers and P-38s and think the P-38 was truly the "next generation" after the Luger and the Krauts got it right in arms design, as usual.

As for "crude triggers", remember these (P-38s) are military issue arms and not target guns. I agree, some are better than others, but that is the luck of the draw, or the guns have just not been shot enough to wear off the tool marks on the engaging surfaces.

I prefer the DA P-38 and have a favorite "1945" carry gun that goes afield with me on the tractors all over the farm. My Lugers are historically significant and the P-38s are shooters.

Adam

[Riposte1]

Adam;

I completely agree that the P-38 was the next genertion of military pistols in the German line - and, I think, the first of a departure; the DA service pistol (as opposed to the pocket pistol). Though it is a moderately complex pistol for a field armorer to maintain it was still much easier to keep running than a Luger. While I am not a fan of DA/SA for shooting, it is sure a change in concept.

I recall an older acquaintence who brought/sent back 2 dozen Lugers (he was a gunsmith when he went to war and had great interest in them). He said after the war he shot them extensively and kept the one that worked and sold the rest...1 out of 24. Not good odds. Though I suspect that had something to do with the ammo that was avaialble post war.

You have to wonder how the high command overlooked the FN P-35 (for a while, they did finally adopt it and the 1911 as well as the Polish Radom, another P-35). But then I guess it was a matter of national pride. They probably did not want a pistol designed by an American and a Belgian (Dieudonne Saive) .

Good thread!
Riposte

[gold40]

I've owned, shot, and sold both the Luger and P-38.

I thought the Luger was more fun to shoot, and prettier -- but far less relaible. I enjoyed shooting my Luger for fun, but preferred the P-38 as a house gun.

Today, there are far better 9mm's for less money.

JERRY

[BILLY D.]

For some strange reason I've never been able to wrap my grubby little paws around either one. I guess I've always been at the wrong place at the wrong time. I am interested in them though.

I really like the looks of the Luger over the p-08 and 38's. I have read many articles of disdain over the 08/38's accuracy but these were probably pistols from the field with mismatched parts etc.

Al Miller did a write up in Handloader Mag. some time ago and the pistol he used was accurate. Of course he probably hand massaged it. Thats alright, at least they have potential.

The Luger intrigues me asthetically, they just look cool. I guess the reason I don't have one is because, in my own mind, I have enough 1911's to sink the Queen Mary and they meet all my needs.

MAYBE SOMEDAY.

[Jack]

The Luger is certainly a graceful pistol.
The ones I have encountered had pretty miserable trigger pulls.
The P-38 was a groundbreaking design for its time, for sure. The few P-38's I've had much experience with were good shooters, and had (or could be made to have) decent trigger pulls.
By today's standards, the P-38 is a rather large pistol for an 8 shot 9mm. But then, the Luger is strictly a collector by today's standards.
I'd take the contemporary Browning P-35 over either of 'em.
Wanna hear a true story regarding Lugers and P-38's that'll break your heart?
At the end of WW2, my father was an infantryman in Europe. Right after the Germans surrendered, there were arms floating all over Europe, in great numbers. One story my Dad laughs about: he had an orange crate full of German pistols- P-38's and Lugers, and a few other various types. He used to trade pistols 1 for 1, for bottles of Coca Cola.
Pistols were everywhere, Cokes were scarce.
Wish I had that orange crate full of pistols today......

[Riposte1]

Times and situations change. My dad had a P-38 after the war and into the early 50's (I can barely remember seeing it but never shot it).

When I was about 4 he traded it for a 1911a1, which I did shoot (with his help) when I was 5...scared me to death (no ear plugs and the brass went down the neck of my shirt!!!!).

That he traded off for an electric pipe soldering rig when I was probably 10 or so.

I wish I had both of those guns!

Jim H.

[Montana Cowboy]

Evening All
My Uncle brought back a P-38 when he came home after the war. It shoots very good and is reliable. There are two clips with it and to buy an orignal clip they are expensive. Also has the holster with it. My brother has it now as it was given to him by my Uncle before he died. I've shot it many times and I would like to own one.
This may sound strange but I didn't know he was in the army let alone WW Two untill about three years before his death. No one ever mentioned it or talked about him being in WW Two. What I remember most about him is that he was so layed back and a very gentle person. MC

[Adam Helmer]

Montana Cowboy,

All my uncles were in WWII. A few brought back lots of stuff that I first saw as a kid. I did get a chance to talk to a few of them before they passed on.

I prefer the P-38 for shooting and have one that is my constant companion afield. Yes, it is large for only an 8-shot 9mm pistol, but it was the first DA military handgun fielded and if 8 rounds is not enough, I have a spare magazine or two on my person.

One of my Lugers was made in 1940 and I often comtemplate where it has been before it became mine.

Adam

[Montana Cowboy]

Adam
I've been thinking about getting a P-38 from Century arms or S.O.G. They are $499 in good condition. Like everyone else I would like to find one that is a vet bring back. The one my brother has is accurate and works no matter what we feed it.
Wanting to get an M-1 carbine when they go on sale at the CMP. Have a good evening. MC

[8X56MS]

Through the years, I have owned several Lugers and P-38 pistols. After the mystique wore off, I sold them. Neither, IMHO, is as accurate or as reliable as a P-35 BHP.