How to Field Strip a P38

The Walther P38 was adopted by the German army as the official service weapon of its troops in 1940. The P38 is a simple design inspired by the army's previous service weapon, the Mauser P09 Parabellum, better known as the "Luger." Earlier designs of the P38 include the PP and the PPK. To ensure that any firearm works properly it is necessary to disassemble and clean the weapon. The first step in disassemling a firearm is field-stripping it into its basic components.

Things You'll Need

  • Empty magazine
Show More

Instructions

  1. Field Stripping

    • 1

      Load an empty magazine into the butt of your unloaded P38 and flick the safety downward; it is located on the left side of the slide. An "S" should be visible after doing this.

    • 2

      Hold the butt in your right hand and pull the slide back completely with your left hand. It will click into place and remain there.

    • 3

      Press the lock for the barrel and slide until it clicks; this lock is located beneath the front of the barrel. Remove the empty magazine.

    • 4

      Pull back slightly on the slide; allow it to move forward slowly with your left hand. You can now pull apart the receiver and the slide/barrel assembly.

    • 5

      Turn the slide/barrel assembly upside down and hold it in your left hand.

    • 6

      Push the locking bolt holding the barrel in the slide; it is located in the center of the slide. Remove the barrel from the slide.