1917 Artilley for review
 

Dear forum members!
This one offered to me today and it looks very good from my point of view, but I need more opinions. Are there any red flags with this Luger? Is this ok to buy?
Thanks in advance!

Best regards,
Alexander

Big question:How much?
Looks original.
Bob

Bob thanks for the input. $3700 for this one.

Way too much.They made 90000 1917.
Compare the condition with Legacy Collectibles 1916 (only made 25000) for 3895.
Bob

Agree. This is a $2,500 or so pistol.

Does seem a bit pricey.
No huge red flags, except possibly the damage to the rear toggle link. Matching magazine, grips, internals? Holster, stock, etc?
dju

Price is a subject to discuss I hope and much thanks for some argumentations for this discussion. Absolutely everything mathced (small parts, grips etc.), no holster and no stock.

It has the fine-tune rear sight. Does it also have the fine-tune front sight?.

Check the 'notches' for the elevator on the side of the rear sight. Are any chipped or broken? Check the elevator for function - Does it move without pushing the button in? (Sometimes, the elevator 'finger' will break off but the 'notches' on the 'ladder' will be intact. It will move without pushing the button in then too).

Does the rear sight number match the frame number? It may not - but somewhat of a plus if it does...

3 photos detail significant damage to the rear toggle link. Not necessarily a deal breaker, but definitely a price-adjuster.
dju

In the second to last pic the rear of the bolt looks rough and molested. I am suspicious of a catastrophic blowout on this pistol that might have been repaired. Something hinkey going on. I would take it apart for a VERY close inspection on the inside.

Looks to me like someone used a hammer and punch mulitple times to obscure some mark at the bottom edge of the rear toggle... The result is ugly, but shouldn't affect functioning.

My guess is that the pistol was simply dropped from some height onto gravel or similar. The pistol's center of gravity would have rotated it so it would strike the ground precisely there.

It does happen!

I would take it apart for a VERY close inspection on the inside.

I would get it for cheap or do like Bob said and get it from another source. Tom at Legacy is very safe to deal with

you don't mention location or if you can pick it up without any trouble - which makes a diff to some people (not having to go through an FFL) - yes, oh CA, NY, MA, PA folks, you can actually buy a 'pistol' with no paperwork, legally in many states :)

At least I hear you, Tom!

Rich, IIRC, the adjustable front sights had already been discontinued by 1917, and the fine-adjustment aspect of the rear sight was being phased out that year. Some 1917 LP.08s will have the latter, some will not.

Early 1917 LP08s do have both front and rear fine tuned sights (I have one). They are kind of mixed in later production. Finally both were phased out late 1917 early 1918. Looking carefully at the photos, I believe the gun has both front and rear fine tuned sights. Enlarge the first photo and you can see the end of the front adjusting screw.

I appreciate your comment and thoughts on this LP.08, a few photos of places that were pointed out above.

This one has the fine tune front sight as well. Rear sight has matching number, elevator works when pushed only and works perfect. The rear toggle link defect looks a trace of impact ...

Thanks for clarifying, Ron!