what luger should i get first?
 

I am new to this site and please excuse me if this question as been ask before but i am planning on getting my first luger either a 1940 coded 42 with all matching serials proof marks 655including mag with 96% finish or a 1937 luger with no matching serials finish unknown still for $500 or a 1914 luger with cleaning rod extra mag that matches with all matching serials on the pistol for $2400 I am leaning on the 1940 but i dont know how much the dealer will sell it to me because it is a consigment piece can some please help me any advise is appreciated.
thanks;)

well, what do you want?

A shooter?

A collector?

A 4 inch or a 8 inch?

WW1 or WW2?

If its just a luger, then buy a shooter and enjoy it and figure it out.

If looking for a collectible, then read here, and buy a bunch of books and learn from them first :)

Read the reviews on books first before buying the first ones, many inexpensive books are not the best ones to learn from.

Ed

Do you have photos of any of these pieces? We appreciate your desire for an opinion, but with the information you have provided, it is virtually impossible to make a recommendation. Depending on condition, the 1914 with two matching magazines and a "cleaning rod" could be a treasure or assembled junk. The range between $500 and $2400 is far too much to suggest an answer.

Agreed. Do some soul searching and decide why you want a Luger. To shoot at the range regularly? As a place to park some investment money for a while? Something to occasionally fondle and point at that hideous picture on the wall? Or do like me and have one by the computer and when I need diversion I snap off a couple of empty clicks at the local squirrels. ( I work from home and don't really dry fire them, well not all the time...).
But my point is that once you come to terms as to Why you want one, then the search can be narrowed.
Welcome aboard.
dju

Welcome to the Forum. You have been given good advise. Caution and time could save you money and grief. Bill

I did order the Mauser parabellum book 1930-1946 for reference and on this site for everyone's expertise and advise.I will have some photos soon when I get them but I would like to have a shooter so I can take to the range maybe once or twice and that is it t but also it will be at the same a investment so like I said I am leaning on that 1949 code 42 with proof marks 655 all matching serials but also I like the 1914 Luger but I am more into the nazi ww2 era luger
14

Is it the 40 code 42 model that is $2400? Seems very pricey to me unless it is a super-duper rig. Don't start throwing money at it just yet. Focus on the one you want then give us some more info.
dju

No it the 1914 Luger the 1940 is a consigment piece which I am waiting on a price as all matching serials it was a bring back from a gi I will post some pics soon but it is in very good condition the finish about 95% Maybe the 1914 Luger is a better investment?;)

Here are some pics on 1940 Luger
 

Does anyone know any history on this luger and what do you think of the condition and its worth? thanks

its a 1940 (year) 42 (Mauser), a hundred + thousand were made.

NO valuation can be made without knowing more? I assume this is the all matching. Does this include all small parts and internals (they should have the last two of the serial number.

See the FAQ for some info on these and what should be marked.

Do a search of 1942 40

Do a search on gunbroker and see what like items have SOLD for

Do a search at Simpson's LTD but deduct 40% off since they are a high end, but with good reputation company, and being retail more expensive.

Tom Whiteman has a couple of lugers on 'June" sale right now at
www.legacy-collectables.com


Ed

Hi Hector, The photos of the 1940 42 you posted look very nice. As far as I can tell the finish is original and all the serial numbers I can see match. Assuming the firing pin and hold-open match as well (many 1940 Mausers have un-numbered grips) I would value this gun at about $2,000.00. I hope this helps. Regards, Norm

thank you Ed & Norm for you input i will do some research now if the guy doesn't over charge me it is a consigment piece i would like to know more about the history?

I am finally going get this Luger as all the paper work is done through the dealer i am this particular for $1200 is that a good price I am thinking this going to be my first collectable not a shooter. Like mention before all serials match including mag. Is the finish about in the 90%?
Thanks

History is subjective without documentation, I try to buy the gun, it will tell you something about it's past.

Harry

Thanks Harry for the reply , yes I am un the process on getting this Luger by my previous post with pic it is a really nice Luger with all matching serials including matching mag just waiting to collect a little bit more money to buy it.
Thanks again

sounds like a great buy. Remember many magazines have had their number faked over the years (an all matching is worth so much more), good pictures of it when you get it would be good.

But sounds like you did just fine.


Ed

Thanks Ed I will take some more pics when I get this Luger hopefully it is not a fake serial on the mag I would be very disappointed but from what I saw it look like the original but I am not an expert that's why I ask for everyones expertise.
Thanks again Ed