Question about a Luger
 

Hey guys just joined the forum. I'm looking to acquire my first Luger and my friend has a byf42 that he's asking $900 for. It's not in the best of shape and I'm getting varying opinions on what's its worth so I figured i'd come here and ask the experts. It's all matching numbered except for the grips and the magazine. I'm on my phone and it will only let me upload one photo for some reason so I'll try to upload some more tonight when I get to my computer. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Hi Philip, welcome to the forum, this definitely is the place to come to get an experts opinion, of which I am not even remotely close to being so this is just my two cents worth, this pistol is in pretty rough shape as I'm sure you can tell, especially for that price, but that may be due to improper storage as the wear on the grips seems to be negligible, if they are original to the gun. After you post more photos, as many as you can from all angles I'm certain you will get the answer you are looking for. Good luck. :cheers:

Lon

Thanks Arizona slim. Yeah I'm thinking its pretty rough especially for the price. Here's another pic.

Sorry it's only letting me do pictures one at a time. Sorry I'm such a rookie lol.

Well it certainly looked better from 3 feet than it does from 9 inches...
dju

DavidJayUden yes it defiantly gets worse as you get closer. What would you place the value at? Seems most people I've talk to say $700-$750 tops.

In that condition I would think it would be a hard sell, but not over $350. to $400. tops, if even that. It llooks like those rust pits go pretty deep.

Lon

I'm kind of scared to venture a guess without seeing the rest of it, but personally $700 would be a bit over the top for me, too. Probably worth $500 as a shooter project.
You can bead blast it and satin blue it, probably covering the small stuff with the matt finish, but without extensive metal work you will end up with a pitted shooter.
It would be interesting to see how much our Thor would guestimate a restoration at. It would be time consuming to full the pits, and work them back down before bluing. But if it is a matching BYF it may be worth $1500 plus once done. But it is definitely not easy money...
dju

I might pay up to $500 but the condition does seem pretty rough for $900.

The grips are course checkered reproductions, IMHO. That and the poor finish would also put it under $600 for me. i

Thanks guys I greatly appreciate your input. I think i'm going to pass on it cause all the other groups of people i've ask are telling me the same thing as you guys. I'm probably going to go to a local gun show this weekend and maybe i'll come across a good Luger at a good price there. If I pickup one I will defiantly post it. Thanks!

Not to continue to be a downer here, but the chances of finding a good Luger at a reasonable price at a gun show are pretty remote, IMHO. Start shopping at places like Simpsons, Ltd, Legacy Collectables, etc, and do watch the For Sale column just below. Honest deals are found there.
Watch places like GunBroker.com, but be cautious.
dju

Thanks David. The guy came down to $800. Do you think its worth offering $700 or just pass?

You need to read the situation there.
Even if you were to get it at $700, you'd probably have a $500 gun. So unless you are really fired up, emotionally wrapped up, I believe that I'd tell him that the guys on the Luger Forum say it is a $500 gun, and apologize for wasting his time. But be ready just in case he takes it.
But that decision is yours.
How tight is the budget? Can you swing a bit more for a better example?
Half the fun of the Luger experience is being able to hold a piece of history, admire the craftsmanship and graceful lines. You will not, or at least I would not, get that with a pitted gun.
Keep us posted.
dju

Agreed. Flat out offer him $500, or walk. You will find a MUCH better gun down the line for $800.

Your friend may have been stung when he acquired it and is hoping to recoup his loses. That's not your problem.

Guys I greatly appreciate all the advice and info. I told my friend I would have to pass on the Luger. Thank you all for saving me a lot of heartache and cash. I'll stay on the lookout for one and will let everyone know when i'm come across one.

Don't forget to look in our own "For Sale" section. There are always nice guns at realistic prices.

"... Flat out offer him $500, or walk. You will find a MUCH better gun down the line for $800.
Your friend may have been stung when he acquired it and is hoping to recoup his loses. That's not your problem."


I agree 100% with the above written by Doug, I would tell you to do the same thing.

I'm no expert, but I'd pass on it and find a nicer example.