Firearm purchases require a background check and must be picked up in person by the purchaser
SBR transfers will not be accepted 
Type
Semi-automatic pistol
Place of origin
Nazi Germany
Service history
In service
1939–1945 (Nazi Germany)
1949–present (other countries)
Used by
See Users
Wars
World War II[1]
First Indochina War[2]
Algerian War[2]
Portuguese Colonial War
Rhodesian Bush War
Vietnam War (limited)[3]
The Troubles
1958 Lebanon crisis[4]
Lebanese Civil War[4]
War in Afghanistan
Iraqi Civil War (2014–2017) (P1)
Production history
Designed
1938
Manufacturer
Carl Walther Waffenfabrik, Mauser Werke, Spreewerk, Manurhin
Unit cost
30 ℛ︁ℳ︁ (1943)
equivalent to €120 in 2021
Produced
Walther P38 1939–1945
Pistole P1 1957–2000
No. built
c. 1,000,000[1]
Variants
HP, P1, P38K, P38 SD, P4
Specifications
Mass
960 g (34 oz) (empty)[5]
Length
216 mm (8.5 in)
Barrel length
125 mm (4.9 in)
Width
36 mm (1.4 in)
Height
140 mm (5.5 in)
 
Cartridge
9×19mm Parabellum
Action
Short recoil, hinged locking piece assisted breechblock
Rate of fire
116 rpm (semi-automatic)
Muzzle velocity
1,050 ft/s (320 m/s)[6][full citation needed]
Effective firing range
Sights set for 50 metres (55 yd)[6]
Feed system
8-round magazine
Sights
Rear notch and front blade post