Home >> Collecting >> Gun Collecting

How to Disassemble a Walther P-38

On the eve of World War II, the German army changed its standard-issue pistol from the Luger handgun to the Walther P-38. The Luger featured an open design that made it susceptible to dirt and other blockages, limiting its effectiveness in ground battle. The Walther P-38 became the official standard-issue pistol of the German army in 1938. Today these pistols are collector's items and must be properly protected and maintained to stay in their best shape. For proper cleaning and maintenance, you will need to disassemble the Walther P-38.

Things You'll Need

Walther P-38

Instructions

- 1
  Press the magazine release button, located at the bottom of the gun's handle, to remove the magazine of bullets from the gun. Set this aside in a safe place.
- 2
  Pull gently back on the slide and check that the gun's firing chamber is empty. If there are any bullets, remove them before continuing.
- 3
  Pull the slide all the way toward the back of the gun. Hold it in place by pushing the slide lock lever into the lifted position.
- 4
  Locate the take-down lever on the left side of the gun (when it is pointed away from you) and under the barrel. Push the lever into its down position, and then lower the hammer on the back of the gun. This will loosen the slide so that it can be removed.
- 5
  Gently push the slide forward toward the front of the gun; it will come easily apart from the frame. Set aside the frame; no more disassembly is required on the frame.
- 6
  Turn the slide over in your hand so that you are looking at the area that is usually attached to the frame. There you will see a small pin, the locking block pin, at the base of the barrel.
- 7
  Press the locking block pin down toward the slide. This will loosen the barrel; pull the barrel away from the slide. No further disassembly is required.

Gun Collecting