Heavily modified 08 for target shooting

[Rick W.]

Martin,

Thanks for posting the picts of the Luger. The target-ized versions of the Luger have always interested me.

I am not sure where is where on this thread, but suspect across the big pond with the Euro reference.

Just a few observations on the item. I am sure you are already up on these things; being an target guy.

The rear toggle mounting of an adjustable rear sight on a Luger is a rough area for sights, perhaps a bit of the reasoning behind the integral on the originals. The toggle moves around quickly and fairly abruptly; that means the newly attached rear adjustable sight sometimes flies off onto the ground.

I have seen some heavier duty rear sights, such like the old Bomar, attached to Lugers. I think that some will use a mechanical interface lock at a minimum, sometimes the dovetail(slotting) is amended with hard silver solder. The adjustable rear sight has mass to consider with the fast movement. If the rear sight was simply screwed to the toggle, it could be suspect to breakage.

Here in the states, some have used a carrier with a Smith Wesson revolver rear sight to good review. I have seen a stainless target Luger by Volquartsen that featured an adjustable rear sight, old names like Dewey in NY also featured adjustable sights and heavier barrels. Over the big pond, the name Werle comes to mind for target Lugers.

The Luger pictured is probably refinished as by the scratching in the blue, and the over colorization(in my opinion of course) of the strawed parts. Was intended as a improved shooter as the main emphasis.

Tis hard to get a big barrel on a Luger to function, the maker of this one, used fluting to lighten the barrel, but still is fairly longish for the balanced basic system of the Luger, again my opinion. As you know, overly hot loads in the Luger can batter the Luger surfaces trying to get a heavy, long barrel to function from the clip.

It was interesting to see how the banded front sight was affixed. My assumption of course, might be threaded underneath. Lots of ways to do banded sights, barrel diameter reduction to fit the oem band, expanding the band to the barrel taper and size, and boring the band to existing barrel taper and size. This one appears to be turned some at the muzzle end to accept the band, not against such, just an observation in method or possible useage. Sometimes this movement of turning the taper is so slight that the eye cannot pick up, but this one is fairly easy even for my sight.

Luger triggers are multi level sorta speak, lots of surfaces to keep track of to achieve a better pull/letoff. Takes some talent to produce such and have a high level of safety.

I am not sure I would be up to the Euros you said were required for this one, again just an opinion. I know how firearms can call to one.

Adjustable sights on a Luger to me is quite a boon, the improved sighting picture is much easier to pick up/see. I probably am one of the few that has scoped a Luger for my personal use using an offset removable mount on the left side of said Luger(left master eye).

No dog in this fight, just observations from here,

Rick W.

[sheepherder]

That is the first time I (I'm a noobie) have seen that name - "Büma Schönwald".

Is that a well known builder 'over there'???

[Logger08]

Hello,

First of all thanks a lot for your detailed replies.
I have to admit I am not very deep into mechanics and for sure not into Luger 08, so forgive me if I got somthing wrong.

Originally Posted by Rick W.

Martin,
...
The rear toggle mounting of an adjustable rear sight on a Luger is a rough area for sights, perhaps a bit of the reasoning behind the integral on the originals. The toggle moves around quickly and fairly abruptly; that means the newly attached rear adjustable sight sometimes flies off onto the ground.
...

Over the big pond, the name Werle comes to mind for target Lugers.

Hello Rick,
Thanks for pointing that out.
Yes, I have read about it but I for sure did not give enough thought about this topic.

I found the page of Werle and had a look at the sports version shown. The rear sight is a different type, but I think your point is still something to keep in mind.

Originally Posted by Rick W.

...
Tis hard to get a big barrel on a Luger to function, the maker of this one, used fluting to lighten the barrel, but still is fairly longish for the balanced basic system of the Luger, again my opinion. As you know, overly hot loads in the Luger can batter the Luger surfaces trying to get a heavy, long barrel to function from the clip.
...

Luger triggers are multi level sorta speak, lots of surfaces to keep track of to achieve a better pull/letoff. Takes some talent to produce such and have a high level of safety.

That is also a good point (which I did not consider at all).
I was aware of the fact concerning the ammunition, but I did not bring it into connection with the increased barrel weight.
As I will want to use factory ammunition this is for sure an important point.
Also the Luger gets a totally different balance and I am not sure I like that.
Concerning the trigger there is also an other point I need to keep in mind. I am used to sports pistol triggers (10N) and the usual Luger trigger is for sure a lot heavier. I am looking forward to getting the answer from the weapon smith also concerning the modification of the trigger.
So I for sure have at least to dry-fire it.

Originally Posted by sheepherder

That is the first time I (I'm a noobie) have seen that name - "Büma Schönwald".

Is that a well known builder 'over there'???

Hello Sheepherder,
The only thing I can say about this topic is, that Büma is an abbreviation of Büchsenmacher (gun smith).
As I do not live close to him I am also not able to say how long he is already in the business and google does not really provide much customer feedback. So as I am new to Luger as well I cannot answer your question.

Originally Posted by Ron Wood

I could be wrong, but it looks to me like the entire rear toggle link with adjustable target sight was fabricated. That is a significant piece of work and could account for much of the asking price.

Hello Ron,
I thought the sights were screwed but as I have already asked the question about all the modifications to the gun smith, so we might get an answer first hand.

When/If I get an answer from the gun smith I will also share this, perhaps this triggers some additional good feedback.

Thanks and best regards,
Martin