How to Replace a P38 Extractor

The Walther P38 was designed to replace the Luger P08 as the service pistol for the German army at the beginning of WWII. The weapon was made to fire a 9-by-19 parabellum cartridge from an 8-round magazine. As with all weapons, periodic maintenance or repair is needed from time to time to ensure that the weapon will continue to perform well. The P38 extractor may become worn and need replacement. Replacing the Walther P38 extractor requires tools and adjustments, but is not very difficult.

Things You'll Need

  • Rubber tipped slotted screwdriver
  • Rubber-tipped needle nose pliers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Unload the weapon completely. Remove the magazine. Pull the slide to the rear. Visually inspect the chamber to ensure that no live ammunition is present.

    • 2

      Insert an empty magazine. Move the safety lever to the "safe" position. Pull the slide to the rear until it stays in the open position. Remove the magazine.

    • 3

      Turn the barrel catch lever down until it stops and you hear an audible click. Pull the slide to the rear slightly, then push the slide forward and off of the weapon frame.

    • 4

      Turn the slide upside down. Insert a rubber-tipped slotted screwdriver under the lip of the slide cover. Push forward and remove the cover.

    • 5

      Lift the firing pin spring gently using rubber-tipped needle nose pliers. Remove the chamber indicator pin from under the spring. Remove the auto-firing pin lock and firing pin retainer. Pull out the firing pin spring and firing pin from the weapon.

    • 6

      Press and lift the extractor against the extractor plunger so the extractor stays flush against the slide. Place your finger over the plunger so it won't pop out. Insert the slotted screwdriver inside the firing pin channel and press against the extractor base pin. Twist the screwdriver counterclockwise gently. The extractor will pop out.

    • 7

      Insert the new extractor and push back on it while keeping it flush against the slide as you guide it into its groove. Reassemble the weapon by reversing the above steps, and cycle ammunition through the magazine and chamber without firing to ensure proper mechanics. Cycling is done by inserting a loaded magazine, pointing the muzzle in a safe direction and taking the safety off. Pull the slide to the rear repeatedly until all ammunition has been extracted from the magazine through the chamber. Note that you must keep your finger off of the trigger during this process.