New luger
 

Hello, I am a new owner of a Luger P-08 and would like to know if you could help me with any information on what I feel is a really clean handgun.
Thank you.

Looks like a nice, unmolested 1942 German military Mauser (BYF) Luger, one of the latter ones made prior to the switch to the P-38. (Others can tell you better just how close to the end it is.) From what I can see it is all matching except the magazine, which is very common. A very nice gun and certainly a "keeper".
I'm giving you the general stuff. Anything specific you want to know?
Also, a light lube will help on the freckling.
dju

Thanks, just picked up today and took pictures before I disassembled and cleaned.

Moved this to its own thread

It appears to be in very nice condition. When you break it down for cleaning and lube, you will be able to check all of the numbers "inside". Be VERY careful with removing the LEFT grip.....refer to the sticky. Enjoy!!

Thanks, had a chance to do a good clean job and found all numbers matching, grips seem dry, gun was in a storage locker for more than 30 years before I bought it. Any suggestions on wood grips? Leave as is or is there something I can use to rehydrate without changing value?

I sometimes use a very diluted mixture of boiled lindseed oil and paint thinner to freshen up grips and re-hydrate wood. A drop of Japan Dryer can't hurt. But again, a lot of thinner to a little oil. Use a toothbrush over the checkering.
dju

Hi Phil, and welcome to the forum. Congratulations on your Luger. It's a nice example of one of the last ones made at Mauser during the war.

Dilute BLO is the way to go to freshen grips. Be prepared to slowly rub it in using something soft like a cotton T-Shirt. BLO will seal the wood, but it has to enter the pores. I typically use 50% Boiled Linseed Oil to 50% paint thinner, but you may want to dilute it more and apply it in several thin coats, rubbing it in each time prior to drying. BLO needs to be pressed into the pores of wood, and when it's dilute with a carrier that evaporates it can go easier. Just need more coats.

These should not end up shiny. The finish should be a bright deep matte finish.

It can help if the BLO mixture is a little warm, but no open flames. Perhaps some time in the sun prior to application.

Be careful to completely wash a used toothbrush prior to application. Toothpaste is a grit abrasive, even though it is a fine one.

Many thanks for those tips on re-hydration. I will refer to them from time to time.
Thanks
Jack

Thanks David and Mrerick, you both have given me an excellent way to rejuvenate my grips.
Phil

And wash it again when you're finished. BLO tastes terrible. :thumbup:

Welcome aboard, Gramps!

Gunny John

Thanks plan on using a new brush just for this project!