Post War Walther P38 Problem

[BillyP]

My problem is, I bought a Walther P38 (cheap) with the firing pin & indicator cover and back sight missing. I ordered the parts and installed them.

I'm certain they were on secure but after two shots, the cover flew off and of course the back sight.

My question is, do any of you know what could cause this problem?

Thanks in advance

 

[jonesiera]

How did your ejected shell casings look? You might have a bad head spacing allowing blow back.

 

[3RRL]

Are you saying the slide blew off the frame?

I'm not sure on the Walther, but there's usually a slide stop pin of some sort that keeps the slide from coming off the frame. Check the clearance of the dovetail notches on the slide and frame to be sure there is no debris that could cause it to derail like that. Also check if the slide stop is working properly. If I remember correctly, that slide should only come off when the retaing pin is removed. Maybe that is worn out or improperly installed?

 

[BillyP]

Actually I didn't look at the casings. I was too busy looking for parts /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

I'll try to find one of the casing and check it out. Thanks

 

[BillyP]

No, Rob, it wasn't the slide. There's a small cover on top of the slide in front of the back sight, that's called Firing Pin and Indicator Cover. I guess you could call it an inspection cover. Below is the schematic for this pistol. Part #7 is the part that flew off. Part #7 also hold the back sight in place and a few other parts.

 

[3RRL]

Hmmm...I see....
What holds the cover in place on the slide itself? From the schematic, there appears to be a dog-leg hook on the bottom of the cover that blew off. Looks like it sits in the slide, maybe clips in, without positive retention like a screw or a dowel? What's holding it in position? Whatever THAT is maybe worn or not fit snug enough?
Also, I can't tell that the cover holds the rear sight on. Looks like there is a dowel and/or screw (parts 12, 13 and 15) that hold the rear sight down onto the frame. Is that right?...can't be adjustable that way...Of course you can tap the front sight to adjust windage.
Anyway, I can't make out how the cover fits and is retained in the slide nor how the cover holds the rear sight on. But in any case, the ejection stroke must be jarring that cover off so the fit somewhere there is not good.
Let us know more, will you?

 

[3RRL]

Well Bill,
I'm glad you got to the bottom of the problem. Could've been...no was a dangerous conditon. Sorry to not have been much help...my German sucks.
Thanks,