Questions regarding the Walther P88 Compact

[tiders]

Hi,
I have a question regarding the Walther P88 Compact. I saw a used one at a local gun store.

Is there something in the gun that rattles when it does not have a round in the chamber? I cocked the gun, after I and the clerk made sure it wasn't loaded, and the gun rattled when I shook it sideways. I lowered the hammer, it rattled, I cocked the gun again, still it rattled. Same results with the procedure above and the magazine in the gun or out.

The gun very little outside wear, and no outward sings of gun smithing or tampering. The barrel was fine. Some rust on the part o the barrel/chamber that is visible on top when the gun is in battery. I didn't field strip the gun, but with the breach open there were some darker spots on the feeding ramp and the port, as if it was unevenly worn but not rusted.

I have a “when in doubt, don't” feeling but would like a few second opinions...

 

[dfariswheel]

Many modern double action pistols rattle.
Usually, the rattles are the de-cocking/safety levers in the frame.

This is usually a sign the gun needs lubrication.
Often, all that's needed to stop the noise is a little lubricant.

 

[rfurtkamp]

The question is does it rattle with a loaded magazine/round chambered?

That's one you can't really test at the store, but I have several guns that are their own percussion section that stop any noise whatsoever once they're loaded and ready to roll.

 

[tiders]

I’ll give it a second go. I'll go back with some lubricant and snap caps and see if the clerk will let me try those two remedies.

Thanks.

 

[tiders]

Update.

I decided to get the gun. And after half an hour of cleaning it turned out spotless on the inside and no more rattling or so little it doesn’t matter. The gun seems barely broken in. The feeding ramp has some darker spots, almost as if it was blued and partially worn off. My question is what if any parts should I change or at least get a spear set of? If you believe I should get some replacement parts, please refer to the name and part number in the Parts Diagram in the link below.
http://www.waltherusa.net/views/evp99compact.htm

I haven’t had a chance to shoot it so the range rapport will have to wait. But dry firing (with caps) proved a nice double action pull and a light and precise single action pull. Nowhere near my 1980’s Python but very nice for a service grade gun.

I know I know this tread is no good without pictures, I’m on it...

Thanks.

 

[searcher451]

I wouldn't worry about replacing anything in the original setup, and that includes the recoil springs. You should be good to go. The only thing you might take a look at is the grips; the P88C tends to fit thicker hands better than it does smaller hands.

Just get yourself a couple of spare magazines and have a good time. The P88C is as fine a handgun as has even been offered, by any manufacturer, at any price, period. I've got two of them; one stays in the safe, and the other is a frequent range companion.

 

[tiders]

Thanks. What would be the estimated lifetime of a recoil spring?

The gun fits med ok so far. Not to wide for DA, and I don’t have particularly large hands. We’ll se at the range next week. Is the any ammo that does not go well inn yours BTW?

I find the grips a bit… cheap I guess. The hollow sound when I tap my fingers makes them seem less well made than a Walther should. I have had a look around and have not found any replacements. Preferably I’d like something similar to Hogue’s soft rubber. What do you recommend?

I have gotten to of the original 14 round mags from the importer. At 59 $ in local money I’m not complaining.

What holster would fit the gun? I found no reference to the P88C in the cross compatibility list.

 

[searcher451]

As I recall, there aren't a lot of after-market grips available for the Walther. I outfitted my P88C with Nill wood grips. They are pricy over here, but they sure look great on the gun; they also fit my hand perfectly. Then again, I don't recall the original plastic grips as feeling cheap. I made the switch because the Nill grips look fantastic -- like an elegant dress on a beautiful woman.

As to your recoil springs, a few visits to the local range will be your best gauge as to whether you'd need to monkey with them. My guess is that your gun probably hasn't been fired much at all, and those springs will last for thousands and thousands of rounds.

 

[jsbethel]

I used to qualify with my P88C using a Strong nylon pancake holster made for a Glock 17 - it fit like a glove. (I now actually have to use the Glock 17!)
I have never found rubber aftermarket grips for the P88C. Check out this thread on the Walther forum about a less expensive alternative to Nill grips.
http://www.waltherforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=8658

 

[tiders]

Thanks