new guy to the forum
 

Hello Gents,

Just wanted to introduce myself because Im the new guy here. I will be purchasing a Luger sometime this week.

Im obviously a novice to the Luger World, so I didn't know what I should be looking for on my first Luger? I enjoy going to the range, so should my first Luger be a collector or a shooter?

Anyone else on here in Kansas City?

Welcome aboard.
I'm in Omaha but not certain if we have anyone from KC.
I noticed that you said you will be buying this week. Have something in mind? If not, take a few weeks or months to learn what is out there and also to decide what era/ model of Luger will get the motor running. There is a lot to learn.
dju

I agree with David, unless you are getting a great deal, wait until you know more.

If your plan is to shoot, then damaging a collector piece would be a shame (everytime you shoot, you can damage a gun), so if wanting a shooter, I would buy a low end collector :)

Ed

I appreciate the info guys. Well I just may just wait then.

Is there any era in particular thats better than others?

I plan to own more than one Luger for sure. Ive always wanted at Nazi proof marked Luger. I've been putting out feelers on trying to find a Luger and not much luck, I just see a ton of them on gunbroker.

Welcome to the forum Craig.

Hi luminox64,

tons of info here on the forum - try the search with "byf" "s/42" "Mauser" and also see many samples at Simpson LTD http://www.simpsonltd.com/

also dont forget to look at the Interarms 1970s Lugers - esp if you like shiny blue steel

I like Ed's suggestion to try to find a low end collector - perhaps excellent mechanically but with more blue wear than most collectors like, and seems like non-original grips decrease value a lot as does the dreaded import mark etc

mixed serials also drive down the value a LOT - but look for all matching upper on a mismatching lower frame asy - the all match within the upper asy is good idea since that is area of chamber headspace concerns

Im in Wichita now and actually thinking of thinning the herd a bit - but take some time to study and see how that turns out.

Good luck in the quest !!!

thanks
Bill

I found this Luger locally, and the gentlemen's bottom dollar is $1350... what are your thoughts on this? It supposedly all matches except the magazine.

I also know the guy is a collector (obvious from the pics) trying to squeeze every penny out. My offer was $1200 and he wouldn't drop any further than $1,350.

Also sorry for the huge pics, tinypics didn't shrink them.

http://i39.tinypic.com/13z7rc5.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/14r05l.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/2nw31f.jpg

If you are looking for a shooter you can probably do better than this. There are a couple down below in the trader area.

I'm afraid it's probably worth just over half of what he is asking.

The grips are not original to the pistol. The checkering should leave pointed areas, not flats. Is it really in 9mm?

Marc

He claims its original other than the magazine. Also said it is 9mm, unless there is a way to mill out the chamber from the 7.65 to a 9mm?

His note says "mostly matching". Other than a mismatched magazine, that is like being "a little bit pregnant".
No easy mod. from .30 to 9mm. Rebarrel is the usual solution because it's not just a chamber issue but also a bore issue. Not sure if places like the Broomcloset would resleeve it to 9mm.
Looks like a numbering issue on the left side receiver, but I can't make it out clearly.
Yes, sadly this one is about 100% over priced.
dju

Well that makes sense. Well that's why Im glad I was able to run it by a group of pros who know exactly what they're looking at.

Its not rare, but guys notice it has a sear safety, so his comment about police was right. Very few 7.65mm police out there, so it likely is 9mm. However, sear safety is missing, and instead of a cut out for the sideplate, I see a hole?

Again, many older collectors think of the 1920's as parts guns or reworks.

Not period grips, big deal.....

Mismatched bolt, sure, but what is mismatched and what isn't?

Ask, is it 9mm? Are you sure?

But his pricing is too high if more than grips and mag is mismatched, way too high....

I agree with all of the above remarks. I think that this luger is way overpriced for what I see, and his comment of "mostly matching numbers". You can do way better than that for that amount of money.

is it usual to see a suffix letter on the side of the receiver with the sn's ? i ask as i do not know.