1916 DWM grips

[Geo99]

Tony,

1. Yes, except for a few commercial Lugers, all WWI Army Lugers had numbered grips.

2. Mostly. Your 1916 would have almost certainly had walnut grips. Imperial Army Lugers had two kinds of grips - walnut (1908 - 1916) and a lighter colored beech wood (1917 - 1918 and even later). I don't know any 1916 with beech, but it's OK if you like it.

Anyway, any walnut grips should be fine on your 1916, but they were all hand-fitted, so a particular set may or may not fit perfectly.

Even later WWII wood grips may be OK, but they would be marked differently on the inside, and probably cost even more.

I should mention that you could spend a lot of money ($250?) on original grips that will not add that much value to the gun.

- Geo

[Tony Min]

Originally Posted by Geo99

Tony,

1. Yes, except for a few commercial Lugers, all WWI Army Lugers had numbered grips.

2. Mostly. Your 1916 would have almost certainly had walnut grips. Imperial Army Lugers had two kinds of grips - walnut (1908 - 1916) and a lighter colored beech wood (1917 - 1918 and even later). I don't know any 1916 with beech, but it's OK if you like it.

Anyway, any walnut grips should be fine on your 1916, but they were all hand-fitted, so a particular set may or may not fit perfectly.

Even later WWII wood grips may be OK, but they would be marked differently on the inside, and probably cost even more.

I should mention that you could spend a lot of money ($250?) on original grips that will not add that much value to the gun.

- Geo

I know. But this is not my last Luger. I am keeping my eyes open for a parts Luger, or shooter Luger, or any Luger.... that maybe has some decent grips. Or a gripping deal.
You say they are hand fitted. Aren't the guns all the same and once the wood is fitted it would change from gun to gun?
Thanks

[ithacaartist]

Originally Posted by Tony Min

I know. But this is not my last Luger. I am keeping my eyes open for a parts Luger, or shooter Luger, or any Luger.... that maybe has some decent grips. Or a gripping deal.
You say they are hand fitted. Aren't the guns all the same and once the wood is fitted it would change from gun to gun?
Thanks

I wouldn't worry so much in this case if the grips are original, as long as they fit well and you like how they look. It will save you lots of dough if you simply keep these on it and treat them cosmetically to be what you like.

I'd remove any old finish from the repros by immersing them for a couple hours in a MEK based stripper, gently brush off in the 2 directions of the checkering with a soft bristle toothbrush and acetone. Now you're down to the bare wood. Apply a walnut stain or toned oil by dabbing it on, so as not to damage the checkering, removing excess with the soft brush. Repeat after dry for a darker tone, but remember it's easier to darken a little at a time than to darken too much on the first round--avoids re-stripping for a new start.

A final light coat of boiled linseed oil--again, removing all excess with the soft brush (absorb buildup in the brush with a paper towel when necessary)--and you'll be good to go.

It's probably not worth sending them to Hugh Clark, since they're repros, and this is something that is easily done in the home shop. And you'll be able to reap the satisfaction when they look great due to your efforts.

Enjoy your shooter, and best of luck with the inevitable next Luger.