Want a hunting Luger....
 

I like the .30 Luger cartridge for general purpose pistol varmint hunting. So far I've used a BHP and Ruger P89 w/switch barrel in the caliber. But after shooting a friend's Commercial 1923 I've decided to get a Luger platform to use.

Would it be best to get an old shooter of no particular value and have it rebarreled or pick up an Interarms Mauser import to use? I'm leaning towards the Interarms gun (Swiss version) as it has a bit longer barrel for balance and ballistics, plus I won't be ruining a historical piece. Open to all thoughts and opinions.

Don't be too certain about that, the post war Parabellums are getting more collectible as well.

It shouldn't be too difficult to pick up a decent pistol in .30 luger. The caliber is not very popular with shooters because of the ammunition prices.

Hi Tom,

Welcome to the forum. I built my own .30 shooter. I've had a couple of the Interarms guns, neither was very reliable or accurate. If I wanted one off the shelf, I would go with a DWM Alphabet Commercial (AKA "1920 Commercial"). They are available from several on-line dealers as well as Gun Broker. Most will have the standard 3 7/8" barrel, but occasionally a 6" barreled one will show up. Vlim is right, these are also usually cheaper than the Interarms guns.

Or, get an Alphabet Commercial and have a 6" after market barrel installed. We have a couple of members who could do it for you at a reasonable price.

Here's an example at Simpson Ltd. Prices will run from $600 to $1000+, often cheaper at local shops and gunshows.

http://www.simpsonltd.com/product_in...b5fe525a23bd73

Ron

Coincidentally, one of our other members posted a pic of a varmint Luger just last week...and it was relatively inexpensive... :)

http://www.employees.org/~beetle/guns/ugh.jpg

Thanks for all the suggestions. A local shop has a 1920 Commercial in clean shape with an excellent barrel for $750. I'll most likely pick it up tomorrow. Will post shooting results when I find out what she'll do.

Good Deal ! Let us know. Some of the import houses back in the 20's put Marble's Gold Bead sights on the commercials after import. They work great for what you will be using it for. They're impossible to find now days, maybe this Luger will have one.

Did you get it??? Post some pics!!! :)

Sorry guys, but I blew the deal by being a bit late. I work nights and sleep days so I didn't get back to the shop until late afternoon. Someone had walked in off the street and bought the piece about an hour before my arrival. The hunt continues!

dfm,
I may be able to help you out. email me at hhclark@wildblue.net