Old War Trophy
 

Greetings all!

This is my first time here and the first post.

I've had an old P08 that was a WWII bringback from my stepDad for about 25 years. Last year he decided to make it "officially" mine. (Thanks again!!) He brought it back with a case of 2000 rounds - the steel cased, sintered material projectile type. When I got it, there were 8 cartridges left. I shot one "just 'cause" and about 150 Win. factory rounds with no problems. then I met a knowledgeable collector who suggested that I never shoot it again. I haven't.

It is a 1916 Erfurt model - pretty common, I've heard. ALL serial #s except the magazine match - and it's 101 numbers higher than the gun, which has a 3 digit #. It has "the-triggerpull-from-Hell" and since it was rescued from a stream, has surface rust over all the outside - excepting the innards. The surface rust is only noticeable at less than 5 ft. It was obviously well maintained with oil before its bath. Also, the bore is LIGHTLY pitted, probably due to the dunking after being shot with the old style corrosive primers, powder or both. Still, in spite of the triggerpull, which is AT LEAST 22 lbs (10 Kg) it shot great when I did shoot it. Mechanically, it's perfect.

I don't know if it's worth much money, but I really don't care - it's a special gun given to me by a real special person.

Some day I MAY be able to post pics, but I'm still learning this confuser stuff. Heck ... I'm over 50, so unlike the kids, it doesn't come naturally. :cool:

Check the FAQ for instructions of posting pictures. Most of the fellows here are your age or older and they seem to manage okay... :)

We would love to see some pictures if you can post them. It'll help greatly in being able to give advice on how to proceed with it. If the rust problem is bad you might want to have it refinished. To have it done properly you'll need someone who's an expert on Luger refinishing. There are several that the guys here can recommend if that's the way you go.

And also, welcome to the LugerForums... :cheers:

Thanks, Steve.

I'm new to digital photos, but that'll change.

I'm not sure I want to do anything with it. I wouldn't mind shooting it a bit more, but the Old Guy has earned his retirement. I'm one of the people that Murphy loves to use as an example! :rolleyes:

In order to shoot it, I'd probably get new springs and a new style firing pin, with the gas cut. That is, however, not very high on the priority list 'tho. I'm one of the types who loves to shoot what I own, like the old guns deserve - but carefully. Matter of fact, the ONLY gun I have that I can't shoot is a fairly rare Jap rifle in 6.5 mm J which I simply can't afford to start shooting due to start-up costs.

Thanks!

Jeff, Shooting any more of that stintered steel WW2 bullets will definately take the rust out of your bore, along with the lands and groves. I'd remove any active rust from the metal, as it will only grow worst, if left alone. TH

Jeff, Can you fill us in on how it took its dunk in the stream?

Welcome to the forum! Some of us are much younger (46 :D) Seriously, I tell folks, we didn't grow up with computers like the kids did. Still, if you look at it as an engineer, auto mechanic etc., you just take it by steps and it is not so intimidating to post pictures or share knowledge.


Ed

Re: Old War Trophy
 

Maybe its the former 08 from my father, he endowed to a US soldier in Linz in 1945.

Cherish it! :cheers: