The Walther P38 was first introduced in 1938 as a result of the German military's search for a more modern and efficient sidearm to replace the aging Luger P08. Developed by Carl Walther GmbH, the P38 was designed to meet the demanding requirements of the German Army, featuring a unique locked-breech design, a double-action/single-action trigger, and an external hammer.
During World War II, the P38 became the standard sidearm for the German Wehrmacht and was also used by the Luftwaffe and various police forces. Its exceptional performance and durability made it a favorite among soldiers and officers alike. After the war, the P38 continued to be used by various military and police forces worldwide, including the West German Bundeswehr and the French military.