1911 Luger--What Do I Need to Know?
 

I'm very new to Luger collecting and in need of immediate help.

My goal as a gun collector is probably a little peculiar in that I'm looking to obtain one of each of the major service pieces used in WWI and WWII, rather than a hundred variations of a single gun (if I have enough years and funds left;) ).

Having secured my 1911, 1911A1 and Garand, an opportunity has arisen to obtain a 1911 Luger from a close friend's father. He has recently decided to sell a number of guns and is broadcasting that fact far and wide, so I'm afraid I don't have the time to do the research I normally would on the topic as the Luger wasn't quite on my radar yet.

The seller states it's a 1911 Luger with a holster and that I need to come see it to answer any other questions. So,......can anyone give me a "down and dirty" list of things (markings, etc.) to check to ballpark the gun's value on the fly?

It has a magazine (don't know if its number or any other of the others match) and a holster. He's asking $1500. Is there a fairly simple way I can tell if the gun is over (or under) priced once I get there?

(I guess this is all silly newbie stuff, but I feel pressed for time as I don't want someone to swoop it and buy a hidden gem out from under me!)

Thanks for any help.

Eric, generally speaking condition and matching are the most important aspects of collecting Lugers. If you have never looked over a Luger than it can be a bit overwhelming with all the numbers that should match up. That said $1500 may be a great deal ,a fair deal or a bad deal and the only way forum members can help you is with pictures of it. Of course if you know somebody that has knowledge of them take him with you to look it over. Curt

Feeling rushed is a sure way to get screwed on any deal. $1500 is no bargain, but it may be reasonable, just depends. But it is not a screaming good deal. Don't let greed push you into making a fast deal. If it is an honest gun the seller won't mind letting you take a couple of good photos for our review.
dju

$1500 is no bargain..Well it COULD be! That said $1500 may be a great deal ,a fair deal or a bad deal If the holster were exceptional..$250-400 then the pistol is $11-1200 but then it would have to be exceptional too..No magic information you can take with you except common sense.

Don't let greed push you into making a fast deal. Too true!

Be sure and also look at the front gripstrap for unit markings. If it has any, the value can appreciate.

You've gotten good advice.

With that many unknowns, and time pressure involved you can't make a rational decision.

I might offer someone a shooter price for one that includes a right to inspection and return with full refund.

Otherwise, I'd let this Gem go to someone that can judge it's value, or that is willing to take an unreasonable risk.

Marc

Thanks a lot to all for the advice. I've since gotten over my "buck fever" (or would it be "Luger fever") that was clouding my judgement surrounding this gun. I'm supposed to go take a look at it Wednesday. If he sells it before then, so be it.

Assuming he'll let me take pictures, you guys don't mind looking them over? I hate being a pain-in-the-butt newbie!

Ask away!!! That's what this Forum is about. Bill

I being a pain-in-the-butt newbie! Hey..Bill was a a pain-in-the-butt newbie too but that was how long ago Bill? Come to think of it I was too!

Ok, guys. Thanks for making me feel welcome. I'll be back on Wednesday with pictures.

Bring it on, Eric!

I'm almost afraid to ask what a "Poke Doc" does...

Does it have something to do with Olympus Scopes?

These doctors always have such a soothing manner...

Marc

I'd wait until a cheaper one turns up and put the money you saved towards your next gun purchase. If you're going beyond just German and American guns, you have a lot of buying ahead of you! Good luck!

Thanks for asking but it's not particularly colorful. "Pokedoc" is just a tribute to my beloved Oklahoma State Cowboys or the "Pokes" as they are known in certain parts.......

Thanks for the advice,zom. I'm interested in US and German guns right now, but could envision getting into Russian or even Japanese in the future. On the other hand, I just might get into more Lugers......the more I investigate, the more I like them!

If the gun in question doesn't pan out, where would you suggest I look for a cheaper alternative with which to start? A quick look online indicates most are over $1000.

Welcome to the forum hopefully you can get pics.

There's collector grade and then there's "shooter" grade. Shooters don't have matching numbers and they have some kind of flaw. BUT... you can shoot them!
If you go in the "wanted to buy" section and say you're looking for a shooter, you'll probably get a few bites. Price is subjective, but you can usually get a safe luger to shoot for $600-800. Also, check gun stores in your area because they pop up occasionally. I just got a shooter for $725 at a gun store in Maine.
Of course, this all depends on if you want a display gun or one you can play around with. I shoot all my guns, and there's nothing like shooting a few rounds from a piece of history!
So rather than spend $1500 on that original one you were talking about, get a shooter luger for $750 and track down a Japanese Nambu for $750! :)

Thanks for the sage advise, zombeer. Now that I've calmed down, I think I will let this one go and get a shooter as you suggest. What ammunition do you use in your Luger?

Winchester White Box 115gr is the choice of most luger shooters.

Sellier&Bellot works well in the Lugers.

I've had good luck with CCI Blazer and the Winchester White Box mentioned above.

Hopefully you can find some 9mm in your area. Pretty much all of New England is wiped out of ammo.