Tell me about refinishing....
 

While looking at the pics in my mag release thread, it looks like my Luger (1917 DWM) could use some refinishing....but I want some opinions regarding historical value, etc.

The pistol seems to be all matching (don't know the proper names, but the extractor, safety lever, "spring-arm" (that releases the firing pin), trigger, trigger plate, toggle all have the same last two numbers as the frame), non-matching mag (1 original, 1 repro) but is somewhat worn in the finish dep't. It says "Gesichert" under the safety.

Not as bad as in the pics, but it could use a touch up...maybe. Then again, looking at the finish, and the date of 1917 (no import marks) makes me wonder if there is some historical value (ok, maybe "historical" sentimental value)

What is the advice of the Luger "hive"? Thanks in advance!

(PS, I'm almost thinking I should get a second "shooter" Luger, have IT refinished, and keep this one "safe"...if this is a good route, how should it be stored/handled? Right now it's sitting on a towel in a gun safe, regularly oiled (about once every other month) Thanks again!

Outside:
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x...6/MVC-887S.jpg

(Showing inside, with "bad" spring):
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x...6/S3010030.jpg

Muzzle:
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x...6/MVC-888S.jpg

Toggle up:
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x...6/MVC-892S.jpg

Imperial (?) proof marks:
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x...6/MVC-890S.jpg

Yusef, I agree with Tac ...Leave it be except for one thing. Find an original set of grips. That would make it look so much better.
Then look for another Luger with a better finish and invest in that to get a better looking collectable.
Refinishing starts at about $500 and goes way up fast. Plus turnaround time is usually 6 + months if you get lucky..2 years otherwise.
Yours has a lot of finish left.
Good Luck!

Jerry Burney

Ok, will do. Didn't really want to refinish it, that's why I asked about it. (btw--DANG that's expensive to refinish! Wouldn't have even asked if I knew it started at $500+! That's almost a shooter price!)

How about the storage technique? I don't want anymore harm to come to it. Can't afford anything high-end (like a gun equivalent to a humidor), can anyone recommend ideas?

Thx!

Just keep it lightly oiled all over and check it frequently. It really isn't magic, just common sense.