Unsure Where to Start
 

I have reached a point in my life where I think I can finally set aside the funds to purchase a P08 Luger. I have wanted one for quite some time but I'm not really sure where to begin.

Let me just lay out what I want the gun to be and maybe I can get some advice here on how to search, what to look for (and to avoid) and how much to expect to pay.

First and foremost, what I want is a shooter (I'd prefer a 9mm example). I don't consider myself a "collector" of firearms for the purpose of collecting...I love to shoot. I have a fairly large gun collection and every piece in it is meant to be shot, no safe queens here. So, the gun doesn't have to be in pristine condition.

I think I want a military version over a commercial version (although I will admit that I don't know much about the difference). I know I have seen some that have grip safeties and I don't want that. I have always had a very strong interest in WWII history so I would prefer a WWII era German military example ideally. I like having the reich eagles on the gun (I have a pair of Mauser 98 rifles with eagles) so it would be a nice match.

As far as the condition of the gun...I want it to be in decent shape but I don't care if it shows it's age a bit. I'd like to fine one with a nice bore and a fair amount of original finish left. I would prefer to find one that is numbers matching and hasn't been refinished. I don't know why, but I have always loved the Luger's that say "Gersichert" next to the safety...I think I just like seeing the German wording on the gun.

Anyway, all I want is a standard German sidearm. I don't need anything rare or anything that came from a specific unit. I don't know how much something like this typically costs though. I can tell you that I have almost $700 saved up right now and I'm slowly adding to it. I would like to learn about the guns before I make a purchase so I figured that now is the time to start researching.

There are many lugers both pre and post 1918 that would meet your needs.

Decide what you are after then make a WTB posting here to get your best fair buy.

If you haven't shopped around look a Simpson LTD, this site is high retail so don't be turned off by the prices, you can often do much better, but you may spot exactly what your after on their site.

When you find a good one, please post pictures or a link here for review. You will get an honest evaluation.

Vern

http://www.simpsonltd.com

Camero, Welcome to the club...I would prefer to find one that is numbers matching and hasn't been refinished. This will be a major stumbling block to a reasonable price. For two reasons an all matching pistol might not be good for you. You are a shooter and matching pistols will not be matching long if they are shot. Lugers hava an annoying habit of parts breakage. Might never happen but might happen on the 1st magazine thru it.
If you look for an ALMOST matching pistol the price will be much more in line with a shooter budget. Just make sure it's some small part like the extractor or the holdopen, NOT the sideplate.
Good Luck!
Jerry Burney

That's more what I meant. Basically, I want to look at the gun and see all the same numbers (including the magazine). The internal functioning parts can be changed...I can live with that. I understand that they have a history of breaking parts so I think I phrased my original post poorly.

Also, do the WWII era pistols carry a large premium?

Camaro, Keep adding to your savings! A matching mag is going to cost way more than it will be worth to you as a shooter...You won't use an original mag for shooting. Find a MecGar for the Range or have fellow Forum Member GT, our in residence magazine expert build one for you.
WW2 Lugers have a premium yes. Unsophisticated collectors find the SS & Nazi connection hard to resist and consequently these pistols are falsely valued higher than the more fascinating Imperial era. (keep this under your hat...I don't want the other Members to know I said that, they would pounce on me like white on rice.)
Actually if I wanted a shooter I might choose a WW2 pistol, the metallurgy was somewhat improved.

Jerry Burney

Hmm, maybe I won't worry about a matching magazine then. I'd imagine it wouldn't be a great idea to shoot with one anyway. Ic the mag got damaged it would hurt the value of the gun. I had considered getting a Imperial era one at one time but I find the WWII era historically more interesting. I can't imagine ever owning more than one Luger, so I'd prefer to get a WWII example.

I hadn't thought about the metallurgy being better for the later pistols but that makes sense.

Could consider a DWM commercial made in 1920s? It's the least messed up variation in general (of course, still case by case), and the price is relatively acceptable. The only drawback -- it's 7,65m/m and ammo is not cheap. But if you don't shoot it a lot, that's OK. If you do plan to shoot a lot, Interarms Mauser works well. I would say DWM 1920s being a good starting point, it's well made.

I want a 9mm for sure.

I picked up one, almost accidently. It has at least 5 different serial number in there, a 41 byf. BUT a great shooter! for under $1K.

If you get a matching number gun, you can replace the firing pin, extractor and ejector with repros for shooting purposes since those parts are the most likely ones to break. I do that with the nice ones that I test fire. I have a mismatched Russian rework for shooting fun. Repro parts are available from Numrich Gun Parts Corp as well as maybe from one of our members.

Charlie

I'm thinking than an "almost matching" as suggested before is more for me. I just want a shooter...I'd like it to be fairly original but small details aren't important. Plus, I assume a gun with a couple parts not matching will bring the price down a bit.

I have been checking the gun stores and putting the word out that I like Lugers for the past 4 years. One day I went in a store and found a 1941 byf all matching with bakelite grips and mag. It was a British prof marked and cost $700. The marks are noticeable but the price was great. Keep looking it is fun in it own.

Jerry

Here is the number to one I had listed on GB. It gives you an idea of what is out there in the shooter category. (I closed the auction because I needed the lower to put a re-finished LP08 top on).
129057970
FYI.
DJU