J.P. · Pistol
J.P. Sauer 38H
Blowback (semi-automatic) · .32 ACP · introduced 1938
Also known as Sauer Modell 38, Sauer H38
About the J.P. Sauer 38H
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.
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.
J.P. Sauer 38H specifications
General
- Type
- Pistol
- Action
- Blowback (semi-automatic)
- Firing mechanism
- Double action single action
- Trigger
- Double action
- Calibres
- .32 ACP
- Magazine capacity
- 8 rounds
- Magazine
- Detachable box magazine
Dimensions
- Barrel length
- 86 mm (3.4 in)
- Overall length
- 161 mm (6.3 in)
- Height
- 109 mm (4.3 in)
- Width
- 28 mm (1.1 in)
- Weight (empty)
- 0.71 kg (1.58 lb)
Barrel
- Rifling
- Right hand
- Grooves
- 6
Materials
- Barrel
- Steel
- Receiver / frame
- Steel
- Slide
- Steel
- Finish
- blued
Performance
- Muzzle velocity (typical)
- 290 m/s (951 fps)
- Muzzle energy (typical)
- 190 J (140 ft·lb)
- Effective range
- 25 m
History
- Introduced
- 1938
- Discontinued
- 1945
- Production status
- Discontinued
- Country of origin
- DE
Features
- Decocking lever
- Shrouded internal hammer
- Double action trigger
- Loaded chamber indicator
Safety
- Manual safety
- Decocker
- Concealed hammer
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.