Shooter vs. Collector piece
 

I just bought my first Luger. Its a 1939 /42 with all matching numbers, 2 mags (one matching), original wooden grips, no chip. It has some pitting on the end of the barrel, but otherwise looks good. Ill post some pics soon. I want to shoot it, but if its more of a collectors piece, maybe I shouldnt.. What are the thoughts on this?

Mike, welcome to the forum.

There are real mixed feelings on this among collectors and shooters.

If all matched, including a magazine, then it is worth more as a collector piece than a shooter.

That said, lugers were made to be shot.

That said, you shoot it and break a numbered part, it now is worth $600 to most collectors.

Ed

Hey Ed...Thanks for the welcome and reply. Here are the pics so you can get an idea of the condition. I didnt show the second mag or the leather hardshell holster or the loading tool. Also, any info about this gun would be greatly appreciated. Ive been reading all I can, but I still have a lot to learn about Lugers.

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/733/dsc00045ra4.jpg
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/5031/dsc00046vz3.jpg
http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/5914/dsc00047se8.jpg
http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/7167/dsc00048jr4.jpg
http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/6357/dsc00049bj0.jpg
http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/2025/dsc00050kh0.jpg
http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/9233/dsc00051xm1.jpg
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/8910/dsc00052aq0.jpg
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/3871/dsc00053ny3.jpg
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/354/dsc00054yy4.jpg

The finish on the gun is well worn. Nice gun though, the matching mag is esspecially cool! But what is with the marks on the lug on the upper on the bottom of the chamber (Picture 5). Is it supposed to be like that? Also what is the lug really called? And I am no expert, just sharing my thoughts.

Although this is a bit of a "colletor piece", the finish is has a fair amount of wear, so the handling/shooting it should not be too bad for it. What you should watch for is the elements involved in shooting it. Things happen on the range, just don't treat it like the gun they still make parts for. You have a better chance of dropping it, than any damage occuring from firing a few rounds.

But you may want to get a second opinion,
--Rylan

Rylan, and Mike,

See this discussion: http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthre...n+parts+survey

--Dwight

Dwight,
That survey was interesting as well as new to me and very informative. I can add a small bit of personal experience. I seldom fire my Lugers, but sometime back I jointed a friend on the range for a few rounds. Just as luck would have it, after firing the first magazine the toggle remained closed. I thought there was something wrong with the mag, but after further examanation, I discovered the holdopen latch had been sheared off. Unbelievbly, Tom had a original holdopen in stock with the correct number.

Mike

Thanks for all the info. I really want to shoot this thing, but maybe Ill wait a bit until I can find one that is more of a shooter grade. I just got a lead on a 1937 model, but I dont know if its matching or what. As for replacement parts, how difficult are they to find?

Lugerdoc has parts!

If you live near South Jersey and never shot a luger before, you can try shooting mine.

Chris

Shadow,
I didn't know they let anybody in NJ to shoot guns !

Jim

Unfortunately a lot of people in this state think we shouldn't be alowed to.

I actually had to get a pistol permit and a NICS check to buy a BB pistol. And whatever you do, dont let you kid put a rubber band in a y shaped piece of wood because slingshots are strictly verboten. Heck we even had laws on how to cook eggs.

My wife and I are already trying to figure out what other state we will move to when we retire.


Chris

You would be surprised with the stuff you can still shoot in NJ.

I remember being stationed while in the Army at Swedesboro, NJ 1961 thru 63. I owned 3 handguns at the time. We could only use the local police range to shoot the guns. Shotguns: slugs only. Swedesboro is in the southern part of the state. NJ has the highest population per sq mile in the US. Also liberal and I've been led to understand many "Hate those nasty guns!"

so am I....Tn?

DCCUK