WWII Luger information
 

I've been collecting milsurp rifles for a period of times and am looking to getting into lugers. My milsurps consist of all WWII guns so I'd like to stick with that theme. I was referenced to this forum from a user at gunboard forums and have a couple questions.

First, is it reasonable to get a decent WWII (early) luger for under or about 1500? I would prefer something that I could not feel bad about shooting on occasion so not museum quality or anything like that, but just a decent representation of a slightly pre war or early war luger.

Also, is this forum the best place to find said lugers? Is gunboards? Or do you guys recommend buying from a business as those typically are a bit more expensive. I know it pays to be patient, but I just want to make sure I'm looking in all the right places.

Thanks in advance,

Derrick

Welcome, you have asked some really good questions.

Luger "shooters" of WWII vintage are IMO a great first pistol from a standpoint of price, availability and quality. A WWII vintage shooter can be had for around $1,000, give or take a few hundred depending on finish, if/how many parts match, overall condition. If you have the patience it is best to buy a book or two first. The nicer books like Still or Gortz & Sturgess cost hundreds of dollars but that is very cheap insurance vs. making an expensive mistake. The biggest factors in getting a decent shooter at a fair price are IMO knowledge and patience.

Lower end collectibles (a collectible Luger typically has original finish and all or almost all matching number parts) start around $1,200 or so, my cheapest collectible was $1,250.

This forum and the other forum http://luger.gunboards.com/forum.php are excellent resources for buying. Auctions can be too, but require caution. The local gun shop/gun show is IMO not a good resource, few choices and they mark up too much. Simpsons web site is another dealer option, they do get shooters from time to time but they go very fast - within hours of posting - so you must check their 'new items' listing frequently.

Derrick, welcome to the forum. Check out the forum's FAQ section. It is more of a Luger primer or tutorial. You will learn a lot just by reading the great information that has been collected there. Plus it's free. :typing: