Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this semi-automatic pistol for a penny-start auction, this is the Walther P38-K.
The Walther P38-K occupies a rarefied niche in advanced military-pistol collecting circles, representing one of the most elusive factory variants of the classic P38 lineage. Produced in extremely limited numbers—approximately 2,600 pistols total—the P38-K (“Kurz”) features a shortened slide and barrel assembly that gives it a distinctive profile while preserving the iconic locking-block action and double-action/single-action system that define the platform. Its scarcity, combined with authentic factory configuration and postwar production provenance, makes it highly desirable to serious P38 collectors who value originality, matching numbers, proper proofs, and documented production runs. In today’s collector market, the P38-K is widely regarded as a low-production, investment-grade variant whose rarity and historical context elevate it well beyond a standard service example.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Walther
Model: P38-K
Serial: 502300
Date of Manufacture: 1981
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Finish: Matte Black
Barrel Length: 2 ¾"
Optics/Sights: Fixed White Dot Front Sight on Slide with Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Wood Two-Piece Grips and Original Checkered Black Synthetic Grips
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Walther P38-K is a compact variant of the classic German service pistol originally developed by Carl Walther GmbH and widely used during and after World War II, representing an effort to produce a more concealable, shorter-barreled version of the standard P38 while retaining the design’s renowned engineering and handling. Chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum, the P38-K (with “K” denoting “kurz,” the German word for “short”) maintains the original P38’s locked-breech, short-recoil system with a falling locking block—a sophisticated mechanism that contributed to the pistol’s reputation for reliable function and durability under a broad range of conditions. Compared to the full-size P38, the P38-K features a shorter barrel and slide assembly, reducing overall length and weight and making it more suitable for concealed carry or use by personnel who require a more compact sidearm without completely sacrificing performance. The pistol uses a double-action/single-action trigger system with an exposed hammer and incorporates a slide-mounted safety/decocker that allows the hammer to be safely lowered on a chambered round, adding a layer of practical safety for carry. Its fixed sights and simplified controls reflect the pragmatic design philosophy of wartime and postwar production, while the steel frame and slide construction provide the rigidity necessary to manage the 9mm cartridge effectively. Though not as widely produced or as ubiquitous as its full-size counterpart, the Walther P38-K remains an interesting and noteworthy adaptation of one of the 20th century’s most influential military pistols, blending compact dimensions with the robust mechanical heritage of the P38 platform and appealing to collectors and historic firearm enthusiasts who value its unique place in the evolution of service pistols.
Contents:
Model: P38-K
Serial: 502300
Date of Manufacture: 1981
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Finish: Matte Black
Barrel Length: 2 ¾"
Optics/Sights: Fixed White Dot Front Sight on Slide with Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Wood Two-Piece Grips and Original Checkered Black Synthetic Grips
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Walther P38-K is a compact variant of the classic German service pistol originally developed by Carl Walther GmbH and widely used during and after World War II, representing an effort to produce a more concealable, shorter-barreled version of the standard P38 while retaining the design’s renowned engineering and handling. Chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum, the P38-K (with “K” denoting “kurz,” the German word for “short”) maintains the original P38’s locked-breech, short-recoil system with a falling locking block—a sophisticated mechanism that contributed to the pistol’s reputation for reliable function and durability under a broad range of conditions. Compared to the full-size P38, the P38-K features a shorter barrel and slide assembly, reducing overall length and weight and making it more suitable for concealed carry or use by personnel who require a more compact sidearm without completely sacrificing performance. The pistol uses a double-action/single-action trigger system with an exposed hammer and incorporates a slide-mounted safety/decocker that allows the hammer to be safely lowered on a chambered round, adding a layer of practical safety for carry. Its fixed sights and simplified controls reflect the pragmatic design philosophy of wartime and postwar production, while the steel frame and slide construction provide the rigidity necessary to manage the 9mm cartridge effectively. Though not as widely produced or as ubiquitous as its full-size counterpart, the Walther P38-K remains an interesting and noteworthy adaptation of one of the 20th century’s most influential military pistols, blending compact dimensions with the robust mechanical heritage of the P38 platform and appealing to collectors and historic firearm enthusiasts who value its unique place in the evolution of service pistols.
Contents:
This example will ship with the factory-labeled Walther case and all other contents pictured above.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1160488566 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-03-22 16:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
2526 |
SoldOutTime: |
2026-03-22 12:01:37 |
