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How to Take Apart a Walther P38

The Walther P38 is a semi-automatic pistol that is chambered for the 9mm Parabellum cartridge. Walther designed the pistol for use by the German military during World War II. Designed for military use, the pistol is easy to disassemble for routine cleaning, and a skilled user can perform the procedure in a matter of seconds. Aside from removing the magazine, slide and barrel assembly, further disassembly is not necessary or recommended.

Instructions

- 1
  Press the magazine release on the bottom of the hand grip, and remove the magazine.
- 2
  Rotate the safety lever up to disengage it.
- 3
  Pull the slide to the rear, and perform a visual inspection of the chamber to ensure there are no cartridges present, then release the slide.
- 4
  Push up on the slide lock lever on the left side of the pistol as you pull the slide to the rear. Once the slide lock engages the notch on the slide, release the slide. It will remain locked to the rear. The best way to do this is to hold the pistol in your right hand and use your right thumb to push up on the slide lock lever as you use your left hand to pull the slide to the rear.
- 5
  Rotate the disassembly lever on the front-left side of the pistol down and forward.
- 6
  Grasp the slide with your left hand and pull it slightly to the rear as you use your right thumb to press the slide lock down. Allow the slide to move forward until the chamber is closed.
- 7
  Place your thumb on the hammer to control it, pull the trigger and slowly lower the hammer. Pull the slide forward off the lower half of the pistol.
- 8
  Place the slide upside down, and press the block pin on the rear of the barrel assembly. The rear of the barrel assembly will raise up slightly, allowing you to slide the barrel forward, out of the slide.

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