Introducing myself
 

Hello all,

My name's Charles and I will in a few short (actually long and agonizing) months be turning 21. Ever since I was 18, I've set out to collect at least one representative firearm from every major combatant in WWII, overlapping with WWI wherever possible (example: the Type 38 Arisaka or the Lee Enfield No.1 Mk.III). I have a youtube channel where I review these firearms and present them in a format where someone who has never before known about a Kar98k, Lee Enfield, can watch my video and learn all the basics.

As you might have guessed, I wish to do the same when it comes to handguns. I've agonized for a long time over whether a P38 or a P08 Luger would be the best choice and I've decided to get both. My policy when it comes to collecting WWII era firearms, is when it comes to collecting German stuff, compromise elsewhere. Heck, I even want a C96, might have to get all three before venturing elsewhere.

So my hunt for a P08 Luger has landed me here. I've got a rough idea of what I want: a decent shooter grade (Russian Capture, mismatch, reblued, etc.) since I'm a college kid without a whole ton of cash. I figured 700-900 dollars is the going rate for these right? Are there any sources other than private listings for these class of Lugers?

For those of you wondering, here's a video of my small collection that I have so far. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmQ2MdYxg9s

Great to meet you. You made the first hurdle, to ask questions. Buy lugers were like purchasing you carbines. Some people buy first and later regrets! Read everything you can find! You are entering a new firearm chapter in your life. Judging sofar with your collection you are commited to your mission! It will be exciting. Its like christmas more than once a year!! Ps Your rifles are BEAUTIFUL!! Eric, Esq.

Charles, welcome to the forum!

Great to meet another historian :)

If you look around, you can find a decent WW2 era luger for less than $900 and a russian capture or even better a east german Vopo can be found for $600-$800

Ed

Hi Charles, and welcome to the forum.

Keep your eye on the "for sale" ads here. Shooter grade Lugers (and some very nice ones) come up for sale every so often.

Import marked RC Lugers can be found at or below your price point. Very nice mis-match shooter grade pistols (not dipped or import marked) can also be had at around your price point.

Buying from a private individual will have a lower acquisition cost than a retail dealer, but - of course - less support. Look for a 3 day non-firing inspection period.

If you don't already have it, apply for a Class 03 (Curio and Relic) FFL from the ATF. It's the very best way to go with collecting historic firearms. You'll save the $30 (for 3 year) license fee by getting dealer prices from most online firearm supplies companies like Midway and Brownells.

Where are you located?

Marc

I'm located in Southern Connecticut, near New Haven.

*Edit* And thank you all for the warm welcome! I had heard that Luger collector's breathe rarefied air, but after snooping around, I cannot see any evidence of that.

There are most likely members in the general area you live in. Many of us are on the East coast (I'm now in the mid-south).

There are a large number of variations in Lugers. Several manufacturers and innumerable subtle differences between periods.

Most of us are interested in them because of the history, unique design and manufacured quality associated with Lugers.

As one gets a taste for them, things can become more rarefied, especially as the unique nature of very rare variations drives prices high. Because of that, there is always the risk of a very rare Luger being faked. It happens all the time.

Your best approach is to do what you can to attend "Luger University". That includes getting the reference books you can afford, and studying them.

Marc

When you do find something you might purchase take pictures and ask questions on here. Could save you money and headaches. Welcome to the Forum. Bill