Mauser Parabellum - what did I get?
 

Gents,

I picked up this 9mm yesterday; it has supposedly never been fired after leaving the factory in the early 1970's(?). Should I keep it as a safe queen or are these considered shooters? Any input will be highly appreciated.

Balder

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...m/P1090183.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...m/P1090185.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...m/P1090191.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...m/P1090193.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...m/P1090196.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...m/P1090198.jpg

Nice gun.

It's an 06/73 (the second type, introduced after 1972), proofed in 1973 for the non-US market. The US-versions lacked the eagle/N proof and had the Interarms logo + text, combined with an FBM (Mauser inhouse proof).

If it came with the box and all accessories, I would keep it as a collector's piece.
You can shoot it, but the deep blue finish will wear rapidly, especially on the frame rails and at the toggle joints.

I would like to have one like that. I have had a couple of the U.S. models, but the non-US is particularly attractive and doesn't have so much extra Interarms writing. I'm not a real big fan of these later Mauser pieces, but this one I could live with.:)

That is one of the better ones I've seen. For me, it would be a non-shooter.

Gentlemen,

Thanks for your opinions and insight. The pistol came with a very fake (but still good-looking) police-style holster - no box, no manual, no spare magazine and no cleaning rod. I guess I'll keep it off the range; I have 8 other Lugers, 7 of which I can take to the range if the urge to fire a Luger gets overwhelming (and that does happen). So this will be the first exception to my rule of firing all of my guns - I guess I can live with that. I paid roughly what I'd pay for an ordinary 1939-1942 P-08 over here.

Regards,

Balder

That holster that came with your Luger could very well be an Interarms holster. They did sell some in that configuration.

It's the one I've been looking for!!! Nice gun... Very nice... They are becoming collectable but I would shoot it till my arm hurt. (as I do all my Interarms Lugers) so I don't have to shoot the older collectibles. Reliable accurate and fun, fun. IMHO...cheers

Balder,
Very nice specimen.

Vlim,
Did the European market 06/73 always have the Swiss style sideplate and the US market have the partial hump on the side plate or is this just on the early 06/73 variation? I notice this has the Swiss style side plate like on the 29/70.

Hmmmm...1973 model. Lets see....it's unfired, it's 39 years old, perfect condition if not mint and it's NOT a collectable and only a shooter?

If your going to shoot it, sell it to me first. I'll keep it unfired because in a few years, it'll be worth twice what you paid. But sadly, your in Norway and importation is virtually impossible.

Brad, Since the Parabellum shown is the first year of 06/73 production, Mauser was probably still using up parts from the previous model. TH

The Mauser Parabellum can be found in many, many variations. Mauser had a tendency to use what they had and functionality came before 'the model', so it is possible to find a mix match of small parts on the 1972-1973 pistols especially.

This pistol was made somewhere between the end of 1972 and march of 1973, so I'm not really surprised.

SteveM et al,

Again, thanks for your inputs. Here are a few pictures of the holster and tool which came with the gun - it will remain unfired as long as it is in my possession.

Balder

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...m/P1090202.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...m/P1090203.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...m/P1090208.jpg

The tool is an original Mauser tool from the 1970-1999 era, although many loading tools were unmarked. The holster looks like a repro policeholster.

It makes a nice set, alltogether, though.

The Interarms police style holsters were not marked, as far as I know.

Here is a link to Mauro's site that show the different holsters that Interarms was selling.

http://www.lugerlp08.com/Holster.htm

I'm with Augsburger! I bought a 1973 copy of a 1906 Navy,even to the safety position. Up instead of down. Original box, papers, target, two mags, cleaning rod, and tool. It may be worth more someday, but for right now I shoot it! Hugh redid the grips for me, and GT fixed the mag springs. Nicest people on this forum!

It has the partial plate hump, but seems to be all Swiss type machining inside. Or different than a pre-1942 Luger anyway. No Mauser hump.

Just as my 1964 Triumph TR-4, total frame off redo is a driver, not a trailer queen.

Guys just gotta have fun....

FN

I never knew that Mauser/Interarms made holsters for these guns.
Something else that I now need to look for!

On the back of the military style holsters,what are the markings? They made a waist band holster as well? That is very cool.
I have a boxed 9mm Swiss 4 inch type that I bought new. I do not shoot it very much as it is uncomfortable to hold.
Very reliable and it has never had any problems,no matter what nasty range reloads I have used.

If you find an Interarms marked holster, buy it. They are as rare as hens teeth and are very nice holsters as well.

Confession: I am now selling the Mauser Parabellum to a friend, making a slight profit. Am I stupid?

Balder

Can I call it a stupid move? I don't think that is a smart move. Slight profit? Well we all can't be Mauro Baudino but every Luger collector should at least have one Mauser Parabellum in my opinion.

Be able to share with others is a merit. If no owner sells, where can others get those C&R guns? The factory has stopped making them.

They need a thumb's up thing for liking comments. Good cooment Alvin.

Gene,

If you look in the lower right side of your comment box, there is indeed a little "thumbs up" icon for "liking" a particular comment.