Walther P1 at Gander

[toivo]

My local Gander Mountain has had a Walther P1 in the case for a while now, marked at $299. Tonight when I went in, it was marked down to $249. I checked it out and it doesn't have the hex bolt reinforcement and I don't believe it has the "fat slide," although I'm not sure I'm looking in the right place for the telltale sign on that one. Anyway, the salesman said they had four or five more in the back, but he was busy and it was getting on toward closing time, so I left.

I'm thinking of going back next week and asking to have a look at the ones in the back. If there's a hex bolt one, I'm thinking I'll go for it. If not, I'm not sure. What's the real downside of the non-reinforced models? Is frame-cracking a real possibility? Will it be OK as long as I never shoot any hot loads in it? Or is it better to hold out for the upgraded one? P1/P38 experts, what do you say?

 

[buttrap]

The steel insert was put in due to the uppers eating into the frame in that place leading to loose lock up and then pounding the gun to peices. But then for only 245 bucks it may out last you too if not hot-rodded.

 

[Eightball]

buttrap, any chance you could post a link or PM me the differences of the hex/reinforced thing? First I've heard of it....

 

[lechiffre]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=344874

 

[rogertc1]

See If Gander MT has more in the back room. Few years back I got one for the same price and got to pick my favoriate of 3.

 

[MAKster]

The way to tell you have the fat slide version is the serrations on the slide extend the full length of the safety lever area.

 

[gpr]

toivo

toivo...what gander had them for 249...thanks... gpr