New guy to forum with first luger.

[Mauserguy85]

Hello, I’m new to the forum. I’ve been a gunboards and k98k forum senior member for many, many years. Just recently I got interested in Lugers. I’ve been primarily a k98k collector for the past 20+ years, so forgive my ignorance on this subject. I wanted a luger that is WW2 era, looks the part, mostly “matching” but that I can also shoot once in a while. Luckily, a fellow forum member there explained that a R/C may be that compromise that checks most boxes. So another fellow member had this that he was willing to part with. Grips are repro (want to change that asap for something more appropriate) and mag is force matched? Soviets? Any opinions and or input is always appreciated, good or bad.

Bore is a shiney very good+ but my pic doesn’t do justice because I slathered the inside with ballistol….

I noticed that the trigger numbering font is off compared to the rest and if I’m not mistaken, trigger should have been blued? Can someone explain that? Replacement? Humped? Soviets?

Also 43 on the outside of the cover plate, but 57 on the inside?

[Mauserguy85]

More pics.

[aldo35]

The numbers don't look forced. The grips look original black plastic too

[Mauserguy85]

Few more pics. You mean original black plastic grips to the R/C refurb process (I have read that the soviets made some post war grips) or original WW2 German? The gentleman I purchased from said they are “definitely repro”. The bottom of the inside of grips looks non-German work to me, but I’m coming from a k98k perspective so I’m ignorant to what is right/wrong for Lugers.

[Curly1]

welcome to the forums

[HerrKaiser]

The 57 on the back of the side plate is correct, it means it is the original sideplate if I remember correctly about my 3rd Reich mfg guns. I am mostly an imperial collector.

Welcome, nice looking first Luger.

[Mac Cat]

Welcome to the forum.
Nice pictures.

You will want to buy a new Mec-Gar magazine for shooting purposes.
I wouldn't worry about the grips unless then don't fit snuggly.

Download the FAQs until you can get a good luger reference book.
For WW-2 Mausers, I like The Mauser Parabellum 1930-1946 Analysis of a Million Luger Pistols, by Don R. Hallock & Joop van de Kant

[ithacaartist]

Original black grip scales would be Bakelite. These at least seem to have the proper holes in the back, which should receive grip screws--threaded the same. Heat up a pin red-hot and apply the point to a discreet area on the back. If it produces a little wisp of smoke, they're Bakelite. If it melts a little hole, they're after market plastic. East German VoPo grips are Bakelite, but they have a bulls-eye molded on them.
Yes, the trigger should be blued, not strawed. The X on the frame usually indicates East German, oftentimes reworked for maintenance/rehab, part of its history.
Try downloading our FAQ, which is linked at the top of every page. It's very informative and will likely answer many other questions you might have. (I don't know if it's the same as the one on Jan Still's forum.)
WWII Lugers are reputed to be built of the best steel of any of them. Enjoy yours! Avoid +P, +P+, or NATO ammo. Winchester White Box or Blazer Brass 115 grain FMJ should work fine.