The P.38 Pistol, Germany's Famous Service Pistol in Detail

In his January 26, 1945 letter, General George S. Patton wrote: “In my opinion, the M-1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised.” With that statement General Patton converges the focus of military historians and military firearms collectors and focuses attention on the personal arms that the average combatant carried. The excellent work, The P-38 Pistol Germany’s Famous Service Pistol in Detail, by Messrs. Alexander Krutzek, Dietrich Jonke and Orvel L. Reichert permits both historians and collectors to learn virtually everything about the P-38 pistol, the principal side arm of Germany in Work War II. They have provided a vast amount of knowledge about the P-38 pistol into one attractive and user friendly book.The P-38 pistol is interesting in that it served in every front in which the German military participated during the Second World War. These weapons were everywhere and thus, provide the collector with a piece of history in one’s hand. Germany was meticulous with its proofing system for its weapons and holsters and Krutzek et al trace the evolution of the P-38 from its inception to last ditch production late in the war to post war production.Krutzek et al book is thorough and easy for a beginner or advanced collector to read. Each variation of Walther, Mauser and Spreewerk P-38s, in each year of production, are documented with clear photos and easy references. The data sheets are full of information and have lucid and vivid photos. This alone is worth the price of the book. In addition to the pistols themselves, there is ample and easy to understand documentation on parts and accessories such as grips panels, frames, slides, barrels, magazines and small parts. In addition to the knowledge offered, Krutzek et al book is interesting, concise, easy to read and easy to reference. This is the most user friendly and concise work on the P-38 that I have encountered. The P-38 Pistol Germany’s Famous Service Pistol in Detail is a must have for collectors and military historians.

I have used this book as reference in identifying P38 pistols, parts markings and history in my gun shop and gunsmithing. I have yet to find anything including holsters that I have not been able to find info about and identify. It is just an awesome find and well worth the money

Great book! As an owner of a WW2 P-38, I purchased this book with the intention finding out as much as possible and this book helps a great deal. This book has incredible detail and is a must-have for any P-38 collector. There is a treasure trove of information and great pictures too in both color and black and white. I was able to use my pistol's serial number to cross reference when and where it was made, how it was inspected and for which branch of service it was built and when it was made. If I could ask for anything more, I wish the book could tell me to whom the weapon was delivered such as which division, which theater of the war etc but that would make for too many volumes if that was even possible to publish in any detail but I can assure anyone interested that the publisher, Simpson LTD is not only the authority on german handguns but also an experienced seller of them as well.

This one has everything for the curious and the advanced collectors.It a heavy book - about 7 lbs of dense hardback on high quality photo paper.The photos are beautiful, full color and high resolution - and they are on every page.It is a well organized reference book, 600 pages long, with every kind of acceptance stamp, firing proof or other manufacturing detail you can every imagine.If are lucky enough to own a P.38 pistol, you can expect to learn a lot about it.There are extensive lists, tables, and serial numbers, accessories, grips, magazines, etc.It lacks some basic reference book details like a Table of Contents, Index, or References, but it is still very easy to follow.The book is often cited as the Gold Standard for P.38s.In my own opinion it is more up to date, more detailed and better organized than the Buxton series (3 volume).

Very informative well written gives a great history of the weapon gives a lot of detail and markings of the weapon

I don't collect these pistols but was interested in them. I am an original AC42. Very pleased with the book. Pleasing cover. Excellent, clear, detailed photos. The book goes through all the details of the pistols including development and manufacturing. shows you all the codes and marking. It also covers all accessories including the small part and things like magazines, lanyard, ammo, holsters, cleaning kits, and soldbuch entry. Highly recommended. Worth the money even if you don't collect.

Everything anyone would like to know about the P38. All the facts of their production and use by the Wermacht

Must have for any 38 collector. Detail of info is extrodinary