s/42 1937 Question
 

Ran into a pistol at a local gun shop. Would like an opinion on it.

I find the barrel rather interesting and the plastic bottom magazine that has been stamped with the serial really interesting. When I was looking at it in person both of these things jumped out at me. Hopefully someone can clear up what is going on here.

The magazine did have an fxo stamp.

I can provide more pictures if necessary.

Thanks!

To my knowledge (far from comprehensive, mind you!), plastic bottom fxo mags were never numbered to match...

"s 42" stamp on barrel indicates that it is an armorer's spare part, manufactured by Mauser during the late 30's. Are there any other unusual stamps on the gun, especially near the firing proofs?

Post some more pics!

Is the serial number on the left side of the receiver followed by a "KU"?

Hi Ty, and welcome to the forum...

Actually, some FXO plastic bottom magazines were numbered.

As George mentions above, these were Lugers not manufactured by Mauser, but made out of Mauser parts. It's thought that they were made at a unit armory level or higher out of parts that were considered excess after the adoption of the P.38.

They will have a distinctive mark on the left side of the receiver. This mark helped identify them as not Mauser's responsibility should they be found defective.

These, and their magazines, are rather rare.

If you don't want this one, let me know where it's being sold! I'd like to find one of these...

Marc

Unfortunately there is no KU beside the s/n. Could there be any markings hidden?

Here are a few more pictures. If the price is right I may pick it up. I am interested in knowing the value of it after you see these new pictures.

Also, nothing weird with the firing proofs. Older style WaA 63.

So... I am actually looking for a Ku marked Luger...

The left grip has the million dollar chip up near the safety lever. That can be repaired.

Looks like the locking lever spring may be broken or missing.

It's likely that the barrel replacement is period, but that would probably make it less valuable than an all matching gun. But, certainly more than a mismatch shooter.

The magazine is properly marked for a Ku gun, and it's matching to this one. That could be more evidence that the Ku guns were made at an armory or higher level repair center.

Finish looks decent. What are they asking for it?

Marc

Pretty nice looking '37 S/42. $1100 or so due to the "million dollar chip". My guess, based on what one like that would go for around here...

I say "buy" if you can get it for a decent price. Would make for a nice shooter! I'm pretty sure a '37 S/42 takes a blued steel mag with an Al bottom, IIRC.

Interesting to learn though that a KU pistol would be correct with a numbered plastic bottom magazine, thank you!