Walther Serial Numbers Lookup
WALTHER PPK identification Firearms Forum. Where a collector could find production dates for Walthers regarding their serial number? Jul 19, 2013 Walther started up their own re-manufacturing of the PP line in 1985/1986. They also started a new serial number sequence, For the PP the serial numbers started at 700,001 and the the PPK at 800,001.
Should the Walther P22 Pistol be considered a classic firearm design yet, or will it ever be considered classic in the future?. It should already be considered a classic firearm design (1 votes 11.11%) Percentage of vote: 11.11%.
It is likely to be considered a classic firearm design in the near future (4 votes 44.44%) Percentage of vote: 44.44%. This poll is crazy! - There is no way it will ever be considered a classic design (4 votes 44.44%) Percentage of vote: 44.44% Vote Guests cannot vote. All, I was installing an extended barrel and weight kit on one of my Walther P22's yesterday, and I started thinking about the popularity this type of pistol has gained in its short time on the market. I bought the first P22 I saw available in early 2002, and I believe it's one of the first 2600 or so manufactured, out of maybe half a million (estimated) that have been made to date. I can't think of another firearm that has gained such popularity in 10 years since its introduction.
Some of the early P22's had problems that had to be sorted out, and its reputation was somewhat tarnished to begin with, but those issues seem to have been addressed, and were mostly associated with magazines. In the Class III world, it's probably the most popular platform for suppressors, and I know I see a lot of them at the shows I frequent.
So, I'm starting to think the P22 is destined to become a classic pistol design, if it hasn't already achieved that status. Am I alone in thinking it already is, or could soon be considered a classic? It could become a collector firearm of the future. Anyway, I thought it would be fun to post a poll here to see if people agree, or think I'm crazy. David Albert dalbert@sturmgewehr.com. We see a lot of the in the gunsmithing dept.
At my club and the biggest complaint usually is that they are very ammunition finikey. In general this is correct and our usual advice is to shoot CCI Mini Mags which generally operate reliably with this pistol. My wife has one and shoots it on a regular basis and likes the pistol. One word of caution here for anyone in a State that permits suppressors. We've seen multipe instances where the use of a suppressor has result in cracking so I'd suggest you not do this.
I don't know if this pistol will ever join other 22s which are considered classics such as the Colt Woodsman or S&W Model 41 and I guess only time will tell. We see a lot of the in the gunsmithing dept. At my club and the biggest complaint usually is that they are very ammunitionfinickyy. In general this is correct and our usual advice is to shoot CCI Mini Mags which generally operate reliably with this pistol.
My wife has one and shoots it on a regular basis and likes the pistol. One word of caution here for anyone in a State that permits suppressors. We've seen multipe instances where the use of a suppressor has result in cracking so I'd suggest you not do this. I don't know if this pistol will ever join other 22s which are considered classics such as the Colt Woodsman or S&W Model 41 and I guess only time will tell. Jim I guess I have been lucky with mine, so far no sign of it being finicky with ammunition over the past few years.
It has shot every thing from store fresh Winchester to age old loose 22 cartridges found in desk drawers. You have indeed been fortunate. How old is your example as problems seem to plague the earlier examples to a greater extent than the newer ones? BTW: I've had reliability problems with a Chiappa 22 cal Colt 1911 look alike. Again a neat design plagued with reliability problems. I had to change/modify some of the internals to get it to function reliably.
Jim I do not know the manfactured date but it was bought new June 07. From what I have read those with a serial number letter earlier than L are the ones that give problems. The P22 I have has a serial number beginning with L which may explain the lack of problems.
You have indeed been fortunate. How old is your example as problems seem to plague the earlier examples to a greater extent than the newer ones? BTW: I've had reliability problems with a Chiappa 22 cal Colt 1911 look alike. Again a neat design plagued with reliability problems.
I had to change/modify some of the internals to get it to function reliably. Jim I do not know the manfactured date but it was bought new June 07. From what I have read those with a serial number letter earlier than L are the ones that give problems. The P22 I have has a serial number beginning with L which may explain the lack of problems.
Jim, What's the two-letter code that is visible through the ejection port with the action closed? That will determine the year of manufacture.
Also, while you're at it, if you could provide the serial number with'XX' for the last 2 digits, I'm trying to put together a list to determine the serial number range and dates. David Albert dalbert@sturmgewehr.com. All, I thought I'd give this poll another round.My post on WaltherForums.com is beginning to attract more interest since originally posting it in July. I've been gathering data on P22's, and am trying to determine more about the quantity produced to date, and the serial number ranges. Here's an update I posted in that forum: I now have 75 different P22's on my serial number list, and am starting to better understand the schema that Walther used for serials applied during the first 10 years. These results are by no means 100% accurate, but based on observations of the 75 samples, I believe I can accurately state the following: If your P22 was manufactured with a 5' barrel, it will have a serial number beginning with 'H' or 'N.' 'H' prefix, 5' model examples ranged from years 2004-2006.
'N' prefix, 5' model examples ranged from 2002-2010. I have 2 examples of 'N' prefixed models with barrel dates in 2002 and 2003, which is within the range of other 'H' prefix, 5' examples. The 2002 example is from a 'P22 Limited Edition' 1 of 1000 edition with special case and extra barrels. For P22's manufactured with 3.42' barrels, serial number prefixes observed are 'A,' 'G,' 'L,' and 'Z.'
I have recorded examples of the following date ranges for the prefixes as follows: A: 2002 G: 2004 L: 2003-2011 Z: 2011 I observed one 'F' prefix serial number, but it was a European P22 with a completely different serial number pattern than all others, and I was not able to observe a barrel date. I would like to increase the sample size to at least 200 P22's. I began a letter to Walther that I will send after I've recorded 100 examples. I hope some will find this information useful, and that more sample data will be forthcoming from members here to add to the list.
(Here is the WaltherForums link to the thread:) Happy New Year! David Albert. My wife had a P22 and had a lot of problems with it. It was the 2 barrel combo. My memory isn't the best anymore, so I can't remember all the problems, but the one that sticks in my mind was that the slide safety would engage while firing.
Walther Ppk Serial Numbers
That was very frustrating. It went back to S&W once, but we still had problems. We sold it several years ago. My wife recently bought a Sig Mosquito, a gun destined to become a classic, and is so far happy with it. I liked it better than the Walther and when I found out I could get a Gemtech threaded barrel, I bought one myself. Then I ordered a Gemtech Alpine silencer. With a Sig laser/light and the Alpine I can target practice after dark and not bother the neighbors.
Ruger is now out with a threaded barrel model. Had I known this I probably would have bought the Ruger. To my mind, the P-22 is already a classic. I've never had a lick of trouble mine. Now you guys have me curious as to when it was made! I'll have to dig it out. I had a pancake holster made for the P-22 locally, at El Paso Saddlery.
They only make the world's best gun leather. I was so impressed with the little P-22 that I went out and bought a new P-99, which I consider to be one of the best 9mm designs. When I bought it, the magazine ban had not yet sunsetted. Some outfit in Maine was advertising LEO P-99 magazines so I bought three. Wish I had waited; they were kinda expensive. Both of my P-22 and P-99 are the 'military' versions.
Am I correct that there is no difference in these and those with black polymer frames other than the color? Edited by TSMGguy, 04 January 2012 - 07:29 PM. Hello, David, I own one of the earlier P-99s. These have been updated since with minor design changes, including the -DAO and -AS models. There are many reviews available online. I've always appreciated the design because of its extreme reliability and ease of operation, as well as its obvious quality. The ability to adjust grip circumference and front sight height with provided inserts is a thoughtful part of the design that I have not seen elsewhere.
It also offers some intangables not found in just every design out there: it fits the hand extremely well, and for some reason I shoot better with it without trying as it's a natural pointer, which seems to be a real rarity in the world of handgun designs. I tend to shoot where I'm looking. Handling is easy and intuitive.
Newer models have slide and magazine releases on both sides, making the piece truly leftie friendly. My favories in the 9mm world, in no particular order, are the: Wartime Walther P38 Browning Hi Power CZ 75 Walther P-99 Swiss M-49 (pre SIG P-210) MAB PA-15 Glock 26 (an excellent CCW choice). TSMGguy, Natural point of aim is the first characteristic I look for and recommend in a defensive sidearm. The second characteristic is to have enough power to stop an attack, the third is for the gun to feel comfortable in your hand, and the fourth is that it needs to be a firearm of acceptable quality. Sounds like the P99 meets these 4 characteristics for you. How does the grip angle compare to a 1911? I'm often asked which handguns I recommend for carry and/or home defense, and I rarely offer any specific model type recommendations.
I offer the 4 characteristic recommendations mentioned above, and then if the person researches and decides on various models to choose from, I will let them know my opinions regarding the features of each one. David Albert. Couldn't agree more. First, you gotta hit what you're aiming. Then, that hit should do maximum damage. The four factors that you mention get you to that point.
I personally think that 9mm is a little anemic, but the Glock 26 is certainly concealable. It handles and shoots like a much larger piece, once you get down to work with it. I was issued a H&K USP 40 compact (LE), a piece I'd never have chosen for myself. Even after some 4-5,000 rounds, I've never gotten really comfortable with the thing. It seems awfully clunky and unwieldy for a piece that is supposedly world class.
It's never failed me, though. Still, wish it could have been a M1911.
Edited by TSMGguy, 06 January 2012 - 10:29 AM.
Walther and Luger were the handgun providers to the German Army in World War II. Designed by Fritz Walther, Walther pistols were well-designed, reliable 9-mm firearms that were cheaper to produce than the Luger P08. Although Walther designed and manufactured the P38, Mauser and Spreewerke also produced them to keep up with wartime demand. Production of the P38 ended with the war. However, in 1957, Walther manufactured a similar pistol, called the P1. Although there are specifics to look for, depending on the manufacturer, the P38 is an easily identifiable firearm. Examine the P-38.
Walther Model 8 Serial Number Lookup
With the pistol pointing to your left, look at the main metal assembly holding the barrel, with the trigger directly underneath. On the extreme left, 'P38' is stamped into the metal. On the first issue, or '0' series, the trademark Walther banner is found at the extreme left, immediately followed by 'P38.'
Locate the manufacturer codes. After the P38 designation, an alpha, or alpha-numeric stamped designation is found. All Walther-produced P38s are designated AC, followed by the final two digits of the year manufactured. A 1943 Walther P38 is identified by AC43.
Mauser-produced P38s were stamped BYF. Followed by the date, while Spreewerke models were stamped either CYQ or CVQ. Measure and weigh the P-38. Using a machinist's ruler and a small scale, measure and weigh the P38. According to Wehrmacht-Awards, the P38 is 216 millimeters long, with a barrel length of 125 millimeters. An unloaded P38 should weigh 800g, or 1.76 pounds. Identify the serial numbers.
After the manufacturer stamping, the serial numbers are stamped to the right of the pistol, above the handle. Each year and manufacturer had a different serial number system. The first-issue P38s in 1940 had serial numbers that ranged from 01 to 01000. However, 1943 models ranged from 1 to 9999n. Mauser and Spreewerke P38s changed their system from year to year, with each year being unique. To identify P38 serial numbers, reference a P38 serial number listing, such as the one found on the Ole' Army Joel site.
Walther P99 Serial Numbers
Zero models run from 01-013000, with the Walther banner.