Family History, Which Luger would be best....
 

I'm interested in finding my first Luger, and I have some family history that I would like to expound on in hopes of finding the best Luger to honor some of my family members.

My Great Uncle and Grandfather on my mother's side both fought for the Germans during WWII. My Great Uncle was part of the advancing party that went into Russia. He was captured at Stalingrad, put into a POW camp, and managed to survive. He passed away about 6 years ago and never would talk about the war. After reading history books, I can understand why he didn't.

My grandfather was sent to the base of the Swiss Alps towards the end of the war and eventually surrendered to Americans. He had two false front teeth, because he got into a fight with an Allied soldier and the allied soldier busted them out with the butt of his rifle..

Today, I serve as an officer in the US Navy, and I often reflect back on the few stories I heard from my mom about my grandfather and uncle. I would like to track down a nice Luger as a commemorative relic of them since they have both passed away in the past decade. It would be something great to pass down to my kids and share with them the stories of my family.

My knowledge is pretty limited in knowing which pistol would be best to represent the era that both my grandfather and great uncle were in. I welcome any advice and direction on my research. Thank you for you help.

Any military Luger made in 1935 to 1941 could have been used up to and including the battle of Stalingrad. Generally, the later the year and the worse condition, the less the cost will be. A P38 pistol will be just as representative, but it too should be dated no earlier than 1941. However, early P38s can be pretty expensive.

I've read something about commercial lugers and military lugers. How do you distinguish between the two? Secondly, what are the time periods for the different markings (i.e. byf, S/42, 42, DWM, Erfurt)?

The German VIth Army under von Paulus was surrounded and surrendered at Stalingrad, along with all their weapons and materiel. I think a "Russian Capture" Luger or P38 would be an appropriate choice for you. These weapons are generally not too expensive. Regards, Norm

Hello Slim,
I have only been hooked on luger's for about 3 years now and i only own one luger, it's a 1936 -S42. There are many here that know far more then me and im sure you will hear from them soon.
That's quite a family history you have.
im sure many luger's made before ww1 and ww2 were used during ww2, But if it were me i would be looking for a nazi era [33-45] luger. but that's JMHO.
And thank's for serving.

here's a thread on Mauser military variations... http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthread.php?t=22742

Thanks Eric, I was thinking, damn, thats a lot of ground to cover.

Read through various posts and threads here, perhaps buy a book or two. "Technically" any luger made before 1945 could be correct.


Why I say that...

1. Many WW1 lugers served in WW2
2. Many Commericial guns were bought by officers and the police (and sometimes military) and used in WW2
3. Many Weimar lugers served in WW2
4. Many Americans heard the call of the fatherland and returned, some brining their lugers.

But, I'd say that "most correct" would be a 1935-194x luger made by Mauser


Ed

Thanks for all the posts. They are driving me in the right direction of what I'm looking for.

I have a question about a Luger that is classified as a "Russian Capture." This seems like something I would be very interested in. Can someone expound on this? Secondly, what method is best to acquire such a pistol like this. Thanks for all the inputs.

Russian Capture is just that. However, be careful you don't buy an east german gun, because thats different.

"Usually" a russian capture will have certain grips and also many times have a "X" on the left by the serial number (not always); they are literally guns brought back by the russian from germany and also from captured stock and soldier guns and then stored in Russia.


Ed

I hope this is not the wrong place to do this but slim had already contacted me about a pistol I had for sale here that I believe I already have sold to another forum member. I have a nice 42 code mauser with a 1940 chamber date that is a Russian rework. It has all matching parts except for the side plate. Pistol has repo grips and mag and has a good bore and is 9mm. I was not planning on selling this one right now but as it fits the parameters that slim is looking for I thought I would offer it to him at the same price I sold the other two for $675 shipped. If this was improper mods please by all means remove my post. Thanks c
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