Advice on First Purchase
 

OK, guys, here's a typical rookie question.

I'm looking to purchase a nice, original, "first Luger." Nothing ultra rare or expensive. Where's a good place to start? Late WWI? Mid-WWII? I'd appreciate any input as I'm new to this collecting field but would love to start off with a good "representative, " "correct" pistol. Thanks for any and all input!:cheers:

All the best,

Mike

Mike, welcome if I didn't say that before.

First, what do you like?

WW1?

Commercial Guns?

Weimar era?

Army, navy or Police?

WW2?

Find an era that interests you the most, then buy luger books on this subject; this will narrow down your search. Many, many lugerohlics buy a luger, then try to learn about them. Thats okay, but buy a rep piece, one that is as nice as you can afford, but nothing super rare.

Also, is it a shooter or a collector piece? If a collector piece, if you break a part, value goes down to a shooter (does not happen often, but many parts have been broken just from forum members....)

Ed

Some thoughts from a non-expert person interested in Lugers, thinking about buying another, not a lot of money to spend.

For you, it's all about what you want and can spend.

If I had $700 to a thousand to spend, I'd hunt for a decent looking, fully functioning WWII era Mauser that might have a mismatched part or two on the inside to knock down collector value, but would still look good and that I'd shoot a little.

If I'm right in thinking a really nice VOPO Luger might be $800 to $1000, with import mark hidden or not glaringly visible and obnoxious, that might be interesting.

If I had $1000 to $1500 to spend, and did not mind a Commercial Luger in 7.65 Luger/.30 Luger/7.65x21 Parabellum, maybe a really nice one might be found. This ammo is more expensive than 9mm though.

If I had $2000 to $3500 to spend, maybe a really nice Swiss Luger or WWI or WWII Luger or Luger rig from some Lugerforum mainstay or respected dealer who hopefully would sell the genuine unboosted article at a fair price.

The Mausers made in the 1970s are neat but I'd go for an earlier Luger first.

Prices mentioned could easily be off some. Again, it's all about what you find interesting and can spend.

The high end stuff (Krieghoff etc) is but a dream. lol

Gene

Ed & Gene both have good advice...It's best to read some before you go shopping. By studying you will know intelligent questions to ask when you do find something interesting.

My first Luger was ANY Luger..the first one I could find. I made a few mistakes and 3000 bucks later I found I liked and wanted to collect long barrels. I could have used that money to concentrate on what I ultimately collect but I wouldn't trade the experience.

I like Imperial Lugers..they are more interesting to me.

Study some history, you will be glad you did.

Good Luck!

Jerry Burney

Thanks very much, guys. Yes, I'll plan on doing some reading.

I'm also thinking along the lines of a late WW1 or a "representative" WW II model. I can start out at around 1,000 to 1,500. We'll see....

Thanks again very much!

Mike

Here's my $.02.
Look at WW1 DWM's. They are a beautifully made commercial grade items pressed into military action. The fit and finish seems to be second to none. If they could talk they'd have great stories to tell, and best of all you can find very nice ones with mismatched magazines around for $1200.
And don't forget artillery models. Again excellent craftsmanship and added grace. My experience is that they will eat any loads too. Very unique items at the shooting range that will set you apart from the glock crowd.
Well you got what you paid for...
DJU

This sounds like a great idea, and I must admit that I'm leaning toward a WWI model. Believe me, I love to be set apart from the Glock crowd, and between my P.38s and soon-to-be-gotten Luger, well, I think you get the picture.

A DWM from the WWI era would do quite nicely, actually. It sounds like a great place to start.

Thanks ever so much for the input.:cheers:

Mike