Best mechanical Luger?

aasafetypilot · 03-05-2026, 03:36 PM

Looking for advice regarding a shooter, any manufacturer, any later date (after 1915?) known for excellent mechanicals. Would prefer numbers matching (not mag) and not reblued, but overall condition not as important as functionality. Thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Kiwi · 03-05-2026, 05:45 PM

Number matching, not reblued would be a collector item, not a shooter.

Mac Cat · 03-05-2026, 08:57 PM

Consider a 1970s Mauser Parabellum
They are easy to find and affordable.
My own is a 6" version I picked up for $900.

You can find older P.08 shooters, but there is a lot of risk involved.

Edward Tinker · 03-05-2026, 10:10 PM

or a vopo or a WW2

But my shooter is a 1914 Erfurt...

HerrKaiser · 03-06-2026, 10:48 AM

I have a very salty finished 1906 American Eagle commercial that is all matching. Condition makes it not super collectible despite its erstwhile matching parts. Guns like that one are not very common to come across as shooters.

aasafetypilot · 03-06-2026, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiwi

Number matching, not reblued would be a collector item, not a shooter.

I have a very nice early S code Krieghoff that obviously I don't shoot, but like originality is important... so, hoping for a DWM that matches, but maybe not perfect. Hopefully in the $1500 range?

Kiwi · 03-08-2026, 09:18 AM

Yes but parts do break. The mainspring guide on my '70's parabellum broke
G.T. had a replacement for me, but even on a ** newer ** firearm parts wear and break.

03-05-2026, 03:36 PM	#1
aasafetypilot User Join Date: Jan 2026 Location: United States Posts: 11 Thanks: 20 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Best mechanical Luger? Looking for advice regarding a shooter, any manufacturer, any later date (after 1915?) known for excellent mechanicals. Would prefer numbers matching (not mag) and not reblued, but overall condition not as important as functionality. Thoughts? Thanks in advance.

03-05-2026, 05:45 PM	#2
Kiwi User Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Wrong side of the Delaware river Posts: 343 Thanks: 247 Thanked 493 Times in 194 Posts	Number matching, not reblued would be a collector item, not a shooter.

03-05-2026, 08:57 PM	#3
Mac Cat Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 780 Thanks: 2,213 Thanked 671 Times in 358 Posts	Consider a 1970s Mauser Parabellum They are easy to find and affordable. My own is a 6" version I picked up for $900. You can find older P.08 shooters, but there is a lot of risk involved.

03-05-2026, 10:10 PM	#4
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,987 Thanks: 2,083 Thanked 4,604 Times in 2,128 Posts	or a vopo or a WW2 But my shooter is a 1914 Erfurt...

03-08-2026, 09:18 AM	#7
Kiwi User Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Wrong side of the Delaware river Posts: 343 Thanks: 247 Thanked 493 Times in 194 Posts	Yes but parts do break. The mainspring guide on my '70's parabellum broke G.T. had a replacement for me, but even on a newer firearm parts wear and break.