Early 1937 S/42 purchase - newbie
 

This is my first P-08. They are certainly not my expertise, so I would also be appreciative if anyone had comments on this pistol. The photo of the frame s/n is weak, but it is 3469r. The bore is shiney and near mint...although I am somewhat disappointed in the light corrosion on the frame corners and the right side of the bbl. Also some blotchiness on the front and rear straps. Maybe I expected too much for $1150...which would buy a very nice Model 12 Winchester trap...

Give it to me straight doc. I can take it. I may not LIKE it, but I can take it...

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You have a first variation 1937 of which, according to Still, estimated at only 37000 production. This variation has the stawed small parts(trigger,safety,ejector,takedown/disassembly lever,and magazine release)
The second variation had a producton of 89k. This variation had blued small parts and all subsequent production years the same.(with the exception of some mauser Banners).

I passed up a really nice one about 5-6 years ago. Came with holster and 2 non-matching but correct magazines, plus take-down tool. It was only $1100. I'm still kicking myself over that one.

What is the magazine like? Does it match?

It looks like you really haven't cleaned it up yet...I'll bet that it would look much better if you spent some time on it. Do a search on this board and there are plenty of suggestions/recommendations on how to do this.

For the money, it looks pretty good to me. It could be in nicer condition, but you could have paid another $800 for it too.

As the other Steve said, it could use a little cleaning. Check this link out for all the info you need on the subject. Repairs, Restoration & Refinishing

If this was your first, you started out pretty good. The S/42 seem to be gaining value as we type...:eek:

A nice Pre-war military Luger in typical condition for it's age... I think you did fine! Congrats on your first Luger!

Steve(s) and John

Thanks for the feedback. I folloed your advise and gave her a good cleaning. The finish took on a better hue and I'm a little more satisfied, even though there's not much to be done on the pitting...other than a full "Thor job". Problem is that this gun is just a little too good for a resto (IMO). Steve, the mag is non-matching. Here are both of my "Reich" pistols together. Sorry, couldn't get the 98k rifles in the view. I've had the P-38 (Spreewerk) since 1988 and it is an all matching (including the mag) vet bringback. I went to the guy's house to look at a 1914 DWM, but it was a parts gun. Seeing my disappointment, he said, "Well, I've got this P-38 that was my uncle's..."

Looking forward to more education as I surf the forum. Dave

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Wow, she cleaned up quite nicely.... :)