First Luger for First timer
 

Ok here goes, I have a byf 41 ser# 4939 block p. It is all matching as far as I can see all parts with numbers match along with the grips. The bore is in excellent condition there is some light pitting on the barrel and some frost on the out side end of the bore and a small spot of pitting on the lower right corner of the side plate.

Needed some TLC, a cleaning and good oiling down. Was wounder what info there is and a value. The mag are not correct for this gun and the loading pin on the wood bottom mag has been replace with a screw is there anything that can be done with replacing the screw with an original pin. Also what are your thoughts on refurbishing the grip panels.

Thanks,
Chris From Minnesota

Chris,
The original grips look fine. DON'T refurbish them. If you mean clean them, you will get a lot of different opinions.

I guess I meant clean them, I've read two different ways one was hot soapy water I can't remember the other way.

Phillydog, it's a nice one and a great start!
I have it's sister, just 360 "away" from yours in production line. But it does not have the vertical production marks in the safety lever area + opposite side like yours. The marks are more square-shaped on mine.. not that there is anything wrong with any of them, just different production method I guess. Welcome to the world of details ;)

If there is a chip missing or some other damage to your grips, we have a member here (Hugh) who does a fantastic work restoring grips. I have no idea what he actually does, but it must be some kind of magic..
Your other alternative is to clean them yourself, there are some useful treads about this if you search up. Personally I use a mild soap made for baby/children skin, it has a low ph value (about 5) and without the smell of strawberries or any other fruits.
I let it soak for a while in temperate water and use a soft toothbrush for cleaning.
But you can also buy stuff made for this exact purpose. Just don't panic when they turn gray.. and let them dry completely before oiling them up again.

You can ask 'Lugerdoc' here in the forum for a mag follower to replace that screw. Do so before it damage your 'hold open' or something;)

Grips look fine to me, but if you want to clean them, I use Murpheys Oil soap, a wood soap, use it and a toothbrush and my fingers, clean them up let them dry overnight and them give them a coat of boiled lindseed.


Welcome to the forum,

Ed