The P38 was an outstanding handgun. 9mm, eight +1, double/single action. locking block, decocker, dual recoil springs. The manufacturers were Mauser (BYF), Walther (AC), and Spreewerke (CYQ). Walthers are considered the best, Mauser next and Spreewerke the last. The first two were commercial and military gun manufacturers, Spreewerke a railroad engine manufacturer who got in to the business of firearms late in the war and primarily used slave labor.

Top down Walther, Mauser, Spreewerke

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Field stripped

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The Beretta 92 copied the P38.

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Main difference is the recoil spring. Beretta used the P38 locking block design.

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When compared with the other predominant military handguns at the time the P38 was very modern.

Colt 1911, C96 Mauser., P08 Luger

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The 1911 was simpler than the other two, but its easy to see how revolutionary the P38 design was. Manufacturing was greatly simplified compared to the P08 and C96. I still haven't figured out exactly the C96 works.

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