Beater Luger
 

Hello, guys. I'm interested in picking up a Luger to further my collection of German firearms. All of my guns (well, save the G41(W) ) are shooters, and I'd like to keep that true when I buy a luger as well.

That said, I'd like to pick up a shootable Luger. It seems that all the ones on GB or AA are all super-nice all-matching examples. I'd be perfectly happy getting one that was a hodgepodge of different part numbers and/or reblued, so long as it had a good barrel and functioned correctly. I wouldn't even mind an import mark as long as its not one of those God forsaken CAI billboard stamps on the left side.

My questions are:

1) Is there a decent online source to find one of these?
2) What is a reasonable price to expect to pay for one of these?

Thanks, guys. Your input is appreciated.

Hello Gewehr, welcome to the Luger Forum!!!!!

The so called shooters that you are asking about has a prices range from $500 to $800, depending on the condition. Generally a shooter has mismatched parts, has a finish that is not original, has some pitting or is fully matched, but has less that about 85% of the original finish. The more original, the higher priced.

Good Luck!!!!!

Hi Gewehr and welcome to the forums. I must warn you that you ought not enter into buying Lugers lightly. Before you know it you'll be charging a 99% Erfurt Artillery on your CC and selling your kids to pay for it... :D

Seriously though, you can still pick them up for fairly cheap (sic). I just got a 1920 DWM commercial for $500. It's all matching but the finish is only about 60%.

But that's the cheapest one I've ever seen. I think I was able to get it because everyone and his brother has a 1920 commercial. It seems to be the single most populous Luger there is.

Enjoy whatever you buy. I hope you are able to resist the siren song of Georg's baby.....:cool:

thanks, guys
 

Thanks for the tips, guys. I'm more of a rifle guy, really, but we'll see how I like my first luger. ;) I really don't mind getting a mismatched example or one with worn finish. I just know I don't want one that's had all its markings buffed off or been nickel-finished. :mad:

I'll likely lurk here for a long time before I make the plunge, as knowledge is the best defense against getting raked over the coals. Are there any good tips you can give for a beginner? I'm familiar with German longarms (collect K98's, G43's, and even a G41) but I'm new to the arena of handguns.

Are there any things particular to lugers that you should watch out for? Wear areas to watch out for? Particular parts that are prone to breaking?

Gewehr 43,

Are you looking for something WWI or WWII ?

I may have something you might be interested in WWI

Jim

It doesn't really matter. A luger in shootable condition is what I'm looking for. Some of the criteria I've set myself on are these:
-no broken/missing parts
-good+ bore
-no huge CAI billboard stamp on the side
-no nickel finish
-no buffed off markings
-little to no pitting or rust

Matching numbers, manufacturer, and year aren't really a concern. I'm just looking for a decent, shootable, representative piece. The funds are kind of tight right now until I sell one of my 1911's, so I wasn't planning on purchasing one for a month or so.

Oh man, that's tough. Having to sell a 1911 for a Luger.... Kind of like having to let one kid go to keep the other.... :(

G43, I do have a mismatched DWM 7.65mm 20 Commerical available with most of its original finish but some deep pitting, but in reliable shooting condition @$500 + S&H. TH

Thank you for the offer, Lugerdoc. I've received a couple offers already but unfortunately, the buyer for my 1911 has backed out, so now I've got to start over again.

I'll post a "wanted to buy" ad when I have the cash mustered.