Luger Help
 

I thought I could just search for a Luger to buy but then found a whole list.

American Eagle Lugers
Artillery Lugers
Banner Lugers
Black Widow Lugers
Dutch Lugers
DWM Lugers
Erfurt Lugers
Interarms Lugers
Krieghoff Lugers
Mauser Lugers
Navy Lugers
Simson Lugers
Swiss Lugers

If looking for a "shooter" grade, which of the above should I stick with?
What should be the price range for a shooter grade Luger?
What should be included in a shooter grade Luger (good barrel, matching numbers)?

Hi John,
A shooter grade luger is just that. A shootable luger. Shooter grades are mis-matched or force matched( numbers restamped). Or can be matching and reblued, rebuilt, etc.

The list you have appears to be the menu from Simpson's site. Most of their lugers are collector grade. And are priced accordingly. The DWMs, Erfurts and Mausers (WWII) will be about the only catagories that you will find a shooter grade in. All of the others on that list will be spendy, no matter what the grade.

A shooter grade luger will be in the $450-$550 price range. Check some of the auctions. Auction Arms, Gunbroker or Guns America. Look for a Russian rework or a VOPO(East German rebuild).

A good bore would be a priority, if it's going to be a shooter. Once you get into the 90%+ , you are moving toward collector grade.

Good Luck, Ron

Hi Ron,

I would add to the "shooter" ranks as an original finish luger with matching parts that has had its finish worn to 75% or less...IMHO.

Regards,

Pete...:typing:

Hi Pete,
True, another variance. Ron

Just as a thought; as the supply of original finish matching guns is finite, does anyone think that 'collectibility' status will eventually apply to guns with much less finish than are currently considered ?

There seems to be a steady background noise that some believe the post war eastern block reworks will become significant in their own right at some point.

Personally, I wouldn't shoot an all matching original; that lack of 98% finish can even increase the character of a gun to some. To me it indicates they were actually used by someone, not just sitting in a holster or depot.

Sometimes I spend a few idle moments holding a worn gun and speculating on it's various owners and how it came to be the way it is. They're certainly the only type of all original I'll ever be able to afford ;)

In the last five years (since I got back into Lugers), the price of "shooter" grade rose from just under $350 to now $550, while "collector" grade is worth even more.

Collector grade will always rise in value much more than "shooter" grade.

So short answer is yes.

But why do you ahve them? For shooting or for collecting or for the value to rise? Or a mixture?

Ed

Hi Stu,
There is nothing wrong with a luger that has seen use. Some prefer them, due to the fact that they were probably used in combat.


There was a time, not all that long ago, that you could pick up double dates dirt cheap, because no one wanted them. Not anymore.


I talk with a couple of advanced collectors that believe the Russian and East German guns will become coveted collectable grade pistols in their own category at some point in the future.

As far as what is affordable to you. Buy what you can afford and enjoy it,I do. I would love to collect unit marked Navy lugers, but for what I would pay for one. I can buy three very nice Imperial or Weimar unit marked lugers. (My fetish.)

Don't let someone elses elitist attitude deter you from what you enjoy or can afford. Most gun snobs are all show and no go, usually just braggards. I enjoy owning a rare gun, but it's the history that makes me keep looking. If I like it ,I buy it, if and when I can afford it.

Ron

Stu, Civil war Colt revolvers are only 40 to 70 years older than most Lugers. Consider what passes for a collector grade finish on those. And consider many Lugers have seen two wars and police duty in between (or after in the case of VOPOs). A large segment of the "pristine" lugers in circulation today may have been boosted in one way or another. I think 80 and 90 percent lugers will soon be collector grade.