J.P. Sauer 38H
J.P. Sauer & Sohn · Pistol · Discontinued · 1938
Also known as: Sauer Modell 38, Sauer H38
Overview
The Sauer 38H is a compact German semi-automatic pocket pistol manufactured by J.P. Sauer & Sohn from 1938 until the end of World War II. Chambered in .32 ACP, it operates on a simple blowback action but pioneered an advanced double-action/single-action trigger combined with a thumb-operated cocking and decocking lever - a feature decades ahead of its time. The 'H' in the designation stands for 'Hahn' (hammer), referencing its shrouded internal hammer.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 715 g (25.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 161 mm (6.34") |
| Barrel Length | 86 mm (3.39") |
| Height | 109 mm (4.29") |
| Width | 28 mm (1.10") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 290 m/s (951 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 190 J (140 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .32 ACP · primary — also known as .32 Auto, 7.65mm Browning, 7.65x17mmSR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Decocker, Concealed Hammer
- Features: Decocking Lever, Shrouded Internal Hammer, Double Action Trigger, Loaded Chamber Indicator
Service history
Operators
- Wehrmacht · adopted 1938
- Luftwaffe
- Ordnungspolizei
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 200,000 · Production years: 1938-1945
Issued to Wehrmacht, Luftwaffe, police and paratroopers; production ceased after the fall of Nazi Germany
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
The Sauer 38H is widely credited as the first production pistol to incorporate a decocking lever, allowing the shrouded internal hammer to be safely lowered or cocked with the thumb. This concept later influenced postwar SIG Sauer and other DA/SA designs.
Background
The Sauer 38H beat the more famous Walther PPK to the punch as arguably the first mass-produced pistol with a true decocking lever, letting an officer thumb the hidden hammer up or down without ever racking the slide.