Best models for use?
 

Any advise on better years or MFG. of Lugers in 9mm

I have a choice , in DWM 1917 all matching numbers,
A 1920 police double stamped not matching DWM
Or a 1937 s42 with suspect numbers,
Any feed back would be appreciated.

Although I prefer WW2 Lugers, as an investment, I would go with the pistol that is known to be righteous. In this case that would seem to be the DWM 1917.

What about the 1937 S42 numbers "seems suspect"?

The 1937 has exterior matching numbers but dealer doesn't know about about inside numbers, finish looks like new nickel.

what is your purpose in getting it?

shooting?

collecting?

prices being asked?

Shooting , and Pride of ownership Always wanted a Luger since I was a teen, I'm a vintage kind of guy and I like it history.

So it seems matching numbers is key , also are build years important.? Is a 1937 more robust that a 1917.?

Oh I'm sorry prices, 1937 $1200.00 , 1917 matching $1000.00 , 1920 police non matching $699.00
All are nickel.
Sorry but I like it.

Don't apologize if that is what you like. "There's a seat for every saddle"...
If all are nickel plated, their collector value is no longer a factor. So then is matching numbers.
Rumor has it that the WW2 guns MAY be a bit more robust to shoot.
Now the choice is yours.
Will he let you shoot them first? Nice to find which one functions the best if you want a shooter.
Welcome aboard!
dju

I personally like nickle lugers, as an extra, not primary.

The prices shown are way, way to high for a nickled luger except the 1920 police, which is still too high, and personally, I would like to hear why it is a police. Does it have markings of police, sear safety, etc.

1920 Lipzieg Police, double date stamped , more pictures on way to me.
I know prices are high put that's all that's out there. Went to Johnson's firearms in Miami on sat. Two terrible condition Lugers for $900.00 each.

Gun shows in the southeast have become junk shows.
I've had Steyr Mannlicher which I sold, Smith and Wesson, Marlin, Colt, Remmington. I like German guns, I don't know what's happened to prices, I know Nickel kills collector value , but prices on all the Internet sites they are asking $1000.00 .

Unless One of you guys has a Krieghoff engraved silver presentation for sale, hahhaaha.

Andrew, lugers can be found on the forum for sale, on line, at gun shows etc.

Like I said, depends on what you are looking for, as many are for sale at any one time.

Ed

Thank you Edward, I am enjoying the forum and have a tremendous amount to learn about these magnificent firearms.
I shall keep searching.

This is just my opinion, but it would seem that technology improved as time passed, perhaps not as fast as today, but I would submit that metallurgy, manufatcturing techniques, and heat treating technology would have to have improved somewhat in the 20 years between 1917 and 1937 so for a shooter I would always pick a WW2 or 1940's commercial gun. Just sayin'...

The 1937 ,has 901 in front of trigger guard and 100 and S42 on top of receiver .?

So what? If it shoots it doesn't matter, and the collector value is no longer an issue.
dju

It means the 1937 is both nickle plated AND mismatched. Certainly not worth even close to the asking price.

That's what I thought thank you.

I agree with John. When somebody asks me about getting a shooter, I tell them numbers matching from 1936-1942.

FN

That's really what would be ideal 1936/37

Now are any MFg. better made , say Krieghoff , Mauser, Erfurt. , I wouldn't be opposed to a late model Swiss.

Krieghoff's have a tighter fit, better finish, But also go well into the 4 figure range.

The late model Swiss are excellent shooters, but all are .30 cal. Luger. i.e. 7.65, which is getting hard to find.

FN

Thanks I gathered this by the prices, one I'm looking ats a 1917 DWM war bring back in same family since. Has tiny bit of nickel flake at slide and pin. Wants $1000.00
Guy on gun broker has 1937 very nice nickel but wants $2000.00
Rock island as 1917 engraved DWM don't know price.

What I gather is this American GIs liked to add coin Germany or back home. Europeans liked to engrave particularly the Germans with oak leaf motifs .