"Interesting" Rear sight
 

Hi Gents,

Has anyone seen this type of sight on a Luger? It's a v notch that flips, what is the purpose of that?

It is "machined" (if that's the right term) in the toggle, sort of like a navy toggle is made differently from a regular. Any input would be highly appreciated.

Why?
For shooting at 2 different distances.
Would it work, might require re-setting after each shot; I see nothing to hold it "up".

Don,
The first photo is the sight in the middle of travel to show how it is attached and pivots. It flips down left or right (looking at photo 1) very tightly. I can't find anything like it in the reference books I have yet.

rear sight!
 

Very neat and resourceful! I love stuff like that, simple but effective.. just needs some refinement... But, it's real potential would be in different height on the different sides?... :eek:.... neat and interesting stuff.... GT....:thumbup:

Brien, they are saying its a homemade rear sight, well done but not factory.

Welcome back, G. T.
dju

Yes, I see that; but if fliped forward, it will flip backwards under recoil and rotation-unless it has a really strong spring hidden somewhere invisible!:confused:

Brien, I've only seen this type rear sight on some German commerical rifles & shotguns. Those are usually under spring tension and difficult to move. TH

It appears to operates in a similar manner to the original M-1 carbine rear sight... but I agree that I don't see a spring to hold it in one position or the other.

Maybe there is a ball detent under the sight built into the dovetail?

Does the sight "click" into place when you flip it back and forth? or is it just "loose"?

That is a very interesting rear sight on this Luger. I have never seen one like it installed on a Luger. Thanks for posting. Have you tried firing the Luger with this sight setup?

These flip sights were common on European double rifles. I have an old foreign double 44cal and 12 guage with these sights. Bill

Okay... after reading everyone else's thoughts on this matter... here are mine FWIW:

• This is a one-of-a-kind custom rear sight
• By a European Gunsmith (the name "Herbe Werle" comes to mind...
• Either for himself (Self-gratification on creation of his concept), OR
• Done at the request of a wealthy client (probably because he a had a rifle that had similar rear sight)
• The work was not cheap because it likely involved a lot of experimentation and testing
• Other than its uniqueness, I don't think it adds any particular value or advantage to the gun.

That's my $0.02

Thanks
 

Ed,

It flips as strong as an m1 flip sight. It takes a bit of effort to move it. I haven't fired it so I have no idea if it stays in position.
Quite likely it does judging by the effort to move it. I just found the sight to be intriguing. It is a parts pistol. .30 cal. Frame and barrel match. Though it started out as a 1939 model. Skillfully ground off. If hold it to the light you just make out the 639. The breach and extractor match but the center link and toggle do not. If you guys would like better pictures just let me know and u will post them.

My plan was to take this piece and drop in a navy toggle. If this is A keep able oddity I have to work on another frame. Having handled a navy, I think I prefer the shorter barrels. The 4 3/4 is.just short enough and long enough to make mini navy shooter.

In the near future I'll work on a range report for it. Everyone's enthusiasm and support do a great job at helping with any buyers regret. I can buy firearms in short bursts. My clung is about a grand.
BTW
I've taken everyone advice. I have fred Datig book, John walters book,kenyon lugers at random and luger variations.

Cheers you good folk

Brien,
Be careful before you start changing things, pretty soon you will have way too much money in this pistol, JMO.

Cheapest/best way to "restore" it is to replace the rear toggle with a "std." one, maybe $30-50.

A navy toggle could cost you $600 to $1000, unless you get really lucky. A repro Navy rear toggle piece with sight is about $400! Then the taller rear sight will not shoot to vertical point of aim with the original front sight.

A .30 matching luger did not start out with a 1939 date, must be something else or else it is likely a parts gun, re- numbered to match. But more better pictures of all markings(close up) would help.

Don, it is a parts gun. I'll take some pics and post them. My idea was to make a faux navy shooter for my own personal enjoyment. It is kind of weird that the .30 barrel and receiver match #s on a ex 1939. I guess not TOO odd. Whoever made it either got really lucky or maybe stamped them themselves. Who knows. Pics coming soon.

Ps. To all who read my posts thank you. It's really nice to talk to share with and learn from.