 scarymike23 
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Joined: Jul 2012  MI, USA
 Posts: 16 Feedback: 0% (0) |
Posted: 8/3/2012 4:29:56 PM
THE IMAGE ABOVE IS A PAID ADVERTISEMENT What is the deal with the hex pins (or lack of hex pins) on the P1s that are making the rounds currently? Can someone give me a very quick rundown on what those do? I thought I remembered something about needing them if you wanted to run +P 9mm through them but I could be mistaken. How important is it to get a pistol which has them? Thanks in advance! |
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P08
WAIT FOR IT!
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Joined: Apr 2001  AND
Posts: 13878 Feedback: 100% (14) Link To This Post |
Posted: 8/3/2012 4:48:42 PM
The pins were added to help keep the frame from cracking at higher round counts. If you rarely shoot the P1 no worries, but if you intend on shooting it lots look for one with it.
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Posted: 8/3/2012 5:21:05 PM
Originally Posted By P08:
The pins were added to help keep the frame from cracking at higher round counts. If you rarely shoot the P1 no worries, but if you intend on shooting it lots look for one with it. Cool, good to know! Well, I don't really want to own anything I can't shoot the heck out of so I guess I'll be getting one with a hex pin. Thanks! |
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Posted: 8/4/2012 10:58:40 PM
Regardless, aluminum framed P1's should be shot with standard pressure rounds.
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Posted: 8/5/2012 11:09:14 AM
What they said ^
I restrict my late P1 that has all the upgraded parts to 115gr. standard pressure ball loads. I know that the military and police used 124gr. ammo, but I take the very conservative path here. |
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Posted: 8/5/2012 8:12:58 PM
[Last Edit: 8/5/2012 8:14:45 PM by dfariswheel]
The pins were not added to prevent frame cracking.
The pin was added to give the locking block a steel surface to wear on. In high round count Walther's they found that the aluminum frame in the locking block ramp area was wearing and causing locking problems. So, they added the steel pin to provide a steel surface on the ramp for the locking block to rub on. This pretty much eliminated locking problems from high round counts. The Walther aluminum framed P-38/P1 was not intended for use with +P ammo. During most of the production life, +P ammo didn't exist. A common mistake some Walther owners make is to install "extra-power" recoil springs, thinking this will protect the gun and allow shooting hotter ammo. They never think that while the stronger recoil spring may "pad" the slide during recoil, they don't consider that the stronger springs cause the slide to slam SHUT with much greater force. The harder closing of the slide will crack the frame through the take-down lever hole and can literally hammer the front of the frame off the gun. The Walther aluminum guns were intended for standard load 124 grain ammo, and will handle standard 115 grain. Heavier bullets, stronger springs, or hotter loads will wreck the gun. |
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scottrh2
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Joined: Jul 2006  AFG
Posts: 4337 Feedback: 100% (181) Link To This Post |
Posted: 8/6/2012 2:52:02 AM
Originally Posted By dfariswheel:
The pins were not added to prevent frame cracking. The pin was added to give the locking block a steel surface to wear on. In high round count Walther's they found that the aluminum frame in the locking block ramp area was wearing and causing locking problems. So, they added the steel pin to provide a steel surface on the ramp for the locking block to rub on. This pretty much eliminated locking problems from high round counts. The Walther aluminum framed P-38/P1 was not intended for use with +P ammo. During most of the production life, +P ammo didn't exist. A common mistake some Walther owners make is to install "extra-power" recoil springs, thinking this will protect the gun and allow shooting hotter ammo. They never think that while the stronger recoil spring may "pad" the slide during recoil, they don't consider that the stronger springs cause the slide to slam SHUT with much greater force. The harder closing of the slide will crack the frame through the take-down lever hole and can literally hammer the front of the frame off the gun. The Walther aluminum guns were intended for standard load 124 grain ammo, and will handle standard 115 grain. Heavier bullets, stronger springs, or hotter loads will wreck the gun. Thank you. I enjoyed reading that too. |
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Posted: 8/6/2012 11:10:14 AM
There is one more Walther I want as well, a P5.
It is my holy grail 9mm pistol. |
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