what caliber?
 

I have a 1923 Luger that I acquired recently and bought 9mm ammo for it. But it seems the shell will not load into the chamber all the way. I took the front end of the bullet and tried to insert it into the front end of the barrel and it seems too bit to fit. Does this gun require a different size bullet? puzzled.:mad:

Hi Mike, welcome to the forum, if a standard #2 pencil wont go down the barrel it is most likely a 7.65mm.

Lon

the 1923 designation is an old one - and if going by that, most of those commercial guns were sold and made in 30 luger (7.65mm). The seller should have known that :confused:

Can't you ask the seller? I any case it's quite easy to check the chamber also with a pencil

Thanks for the info guys. Well, the seller passed away about a month ago. He was my first cousin who had quite a collection of guns. I inherited it. So, 7.65 or 30 cal., one of the two are are they the same? Both hard to find. Anyone know online where to look? This gun is Id say 90% or better I think condition. I wonder what its value is?

the pistol serial number is 7178 marked in several places and a proof marking of a crown over an N on the left side. if that helps

30 Luger and 7.65 Para are the same designation of caliber. In the USA, 30 Luger is more prevalent as far as headstamp goes. Go to ammo seek or just Google 30 Luger ammo for sale and you will most likely find some. If this Luger has been stored for a long time, I would break it down for a good cleaning and lubing. Be sure that the bore is clean and unobstructed.

Fiocchi produces the most inexpensive 30 Luger ammo, and it is of good quality. Let us know how things work out for you.