Is this a keeper?
 

Finally got the Luger I snagged for $1000 today. It's a '42' 1940, took it apart and all numbers match, grips aren't numbered but have WaA 655 (i think those were the numbers) which matches whats on the receiver. Part of the bluing on the right side of the receiver is worn off in a weird way near the proof marks. Took it to the range tonight and it would jam every 2-5 shots, seems like it had no problem ejecting the spent casings, but the new bullet would either be facing up funny or halfway into the chamber and i'd have to eject it. Was using Walmart's Winchester white box .115g FMJ. Toggle likes to stick up if you pull it back slightly, and then requires a hefty pull from there to open it up. Not sure if that's normal or not. Other than that, it seems like a nice piece. Here's some pics (and a vid) let me know how I did for $1000, and if it's a keeper, i've got 3 days! Thanks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RH8S8IIGM8Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGH38-ipnMQ

left side

Top

Spring look ok??

I like it! Perfect blueing is not that important in my eyes.. grips seems nice, a bit strange that they are not worn out as much as the Luger.

"Part of the bluing on the left side of the receiver is worn off in a weird way near the proof marks." ..that is facing the muzzle? If by proof marks, you meen the seral on the reveiver, it's not that strange that bluing is worn off in that area. Just scrape marks from the sideplate, nothing to worry about.

The jamming of the luger however, is something you can fix.. Try having a firm grip->try different magazines->ammunition->replace main spring (in that order). Good luck!

Nice with the videos! ..no white background next time uh? ;)

Hey, I meant the bluing was worn oddly on the right side, not left. Sorry, it's late :) Here's what I mean:

hmm.. indeed so
perhaps it has been resting against something in the holster? Just a guess

Try adopting a two handed grip for more accurate and reliable handgun shooting. you should only use one hand if there is something wrong with the other . don't take any notice of the movies !

"Hey, I meant the bluing was worn oddly on the right side, not left. Sorry, it's late Here's what I mean:"

These guns have been around for 60+ years. Hard telling what they have come in contact with. Sweat, chemicals, blood, drool, fish guts, just about anything and everything. Odd blue wear and blemishes are common on about any old firearm. It looks like a partial palm print.

As far as function at the range. You might have a weak mag spring. Lugers also require a firm hold (stiff wrist) to function well. And as Ray pointed out, a two handed hold is best.

That is, unless you're a "Gangsta". Then hold it with one hand, canted 90 degrees to the left and 2 feet over your head...:cool:

As a police officer friend told me. "I love Gangbanger stereotypes."

Looks like a nice one...

No gangster shooting for me, just filming with one hand and shooting with the other. Shooting with 2 hands didn't change the jamming issue. Yes it does look like some finger/palm prints on the bluing. Interesting.

Pat,

I would try an after market magazine before doing any tweeking on the pistol. Mec-Gar mags are the best.

Ron

Ron, the spring in my fxo mag seems pretty firm, i can push it about 3/4 of the way down but it's a bear to do so. Before I drop $40 on a new mag, would it be worth just replacing the mag spring with a new one for $6 like this video does?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67XrP3cUf6U


thanks!

I would not attempt to change the magazine spring in an FXO model mag unless you are VERY adept with your hands and have appropriate tools the pin holding the mag bottom is peened on BOTH sides and you can seriously damage your mag.

Get an aftermarket Mec-Gar to try, or send your FXO to member GT for the spring upgrade... IMHO.

So do you guys think it's a decent gun for the price? Worth hanging onto?

I have never shot a Luger except a 1970 Interarms Mauser 9m/m. I fired 1,000+ FMJ, no jamming, no mulfunction, very accurate.... but the front sight was loose after a few hundred rounds. Not sure a "real" Luger's performance, but the jamming rate of your Luger sounds too high. I could be wrong though, maybe normal..... probably not.

Keep it. It is close to the top of the value in its condition, but you probably won't find a better one cheaper.

Ron.........I take from you statement about after 1918, reproductions, that you like earlier Lugers......lol

I just purchased one and put up a post trying to ID the markings.I don't see all of them listed on one site that has all the proof markings..if you get a chance, please take a look and lend your opinion.

Thanks

Mec-Gar mags have saved many Lugers from being safe queens.