Walther's PP, PPK & P38

[seandm]

Hi all! I am thinking of buying a deactivated German handgun for my SS display and was thinking of a P38 initially but I was wondering, I know the German forces used the PPK but what about the PP. I was thinking of getting a PP if not a P38 but not sure if they were used extensively during the war, Particularly by the SS? Also if they were what were more common the wood/brown grips or black? and what was correct magazine type I see some with a flat bottom and some with a larger shaped mag base. Any help appreciated thanks! Cheers, Sean.

[Dean]

Hi, the mag with the large base is the grip extension that adds comfort for a larger hand and much more expensive and harder to find. The p38 with black Bakelite grips were on s/42 marked p38's manufactured by Mauser, if memory serves correct.

The Lugers with black grips are typically known as "black widows" by many, but I don't know if that term is also applied to the p-38 or other pistols. I have been wanting a Luger and/or P-38 for ever now..I almost traded a Colt 38. "Official police" issue revolver made in 1934 in minty condition for a S/42 mauser p38 with the black grips and holster in mint shape, but that fell through, unfortunately..

Thanks,
Dean.

[BillinVA]

... a S/42 mauser p38 with the black grips and holster in mint shape ...

Thanks,
Dean.

I'm confused. Are you referencing a Luger/P.08 or a Walther P.38? Mauser-produced P.38s are marked "byf" (or "svw" late in the war) but they were not marked/coded "S/42"; that is a code Mauser used on their early P.08s and K98ks. (If it matters, the pistol in your photograph is a byf-marked P.38.)