The following report on the Sauer Pistol M1938 was published in Foreign Military Weapons and Equipment, Vol. III, Infantry Weapons, Pamphlet No. 30-7-4, Department of the Army, 1954.
7.65-mm Sauer Pistol M1938
(7.65-mm SAUER PISTOLE, MODEL 1938)
The Sauer M1938 pistol, a commercial product, was adopted as substitute-standard by Germany during World War II and was widely used by the air, armored, and police units. This weapon, one of the most advanced types of pocket automatic pistols, was originally designed and issued as a police pistol. The barrel on the M38 patrol is mounted rigidly to the receiver in the same manner as on the Walther PP and PPK pistols. The double-action system is one of the simplest and best yet devised, and is fitted with a unique external lever to permit lowering or raising the concealed hammer manually. This weapon also has an unusual magazine in that a projection on the right side of the magazine wall forces the trigger bar up to make rear contact when the magazine is inserted, thereby functioning as a safety feature.
Salient recognition features are: (1) Thumb safety on left rear of slide; (2) checkered top of slide for an aid in quick sighting; (3) external thumbpiece for raising and lowering the hammer; (4) magazine catch on left side behind the trigger guard; and (5) double-action feature of the trigger mechanism.
RECOGNITION FEATURES
CHARACTERISTICS
System of operation Blowback; double-action Caliber 7.65-mm (cal. .301) Weight: Unloaded 620 g (1.3 lb) Loaded 670 g (1.4 lb) Length over-all 145 mm (5.7 in) Length of barrel 76 mm (2.9 in) Feeding device 7-round magazine Sights: Front Blade, adjustable laterally Rear Fixed, open U-notch Muzzle velocity 270 m/s (885 fps) Effective rate of fire 8-16 rpm Effective range 50 m (aprx. 55 yd) Ammunition European 7.65-mm Browning (U.S. cal. .32 ACP is the same round)
