Hello All! First time Luger owner
 

Hello,

I just purchased this Luger today after putting it on layaway about a week ago. Ive read up on a few forums and other sites about condition, what it is etc, but I figured it would be best to find a knowledgeable group of guys passionate about these.

Basically, my only solid knowledge is it is a 1914 Erfurt, it is all matching except for the magazine, and thats pretty much it. It appears to be reblued, and the bore is in immaculate condition; it looks as though it has been fired very little or never at all.

Thoughts?

Thank you all!

-Alex

Hi Alex,

Welcome to the forum! You indeed have an Erfurt Luger that has been rather unkindly buffed and reblued. The grips are either replacements or were so worn that somebody decided to sand them down smooth, (look for matching numbers on the inside to see if they are the gun's original grips). It should make an excellent shooter and if purchased for the right price, (give or take $650-$700), I would be happy to own this gun.

A re-checkering of the grips by one of the site's artisans would do wonders for this gun's overall "look".

Welcome aboard, nice gun, and congratulations.
I'll disagree with Alan on the buffing issue. I see some rounded edges but it is not nearly as overly-buffed as many that we see.
But regardless, have fun and enjoy.
Let us know how she shoots.
dju

Thank you both! I will have to take a few other pictures to better help the analysis. If buffed, how many tool marks should remain in areas that would have the circular marks of milling?

I do tend to forget that Erfurts were never as crisp and fine-edged as DWMs. The markings on this gun were generally respected. Erfurts will exhibit more tool marks than a DWM, but that is part of their character.
As to the circular tool marks, that all depends on how much buffing took place in that immediate area.

From the photos I believe it was surely reblued and fixed new wood grips.
Anyway it's quite a nice Luger, congratulations.

Buffing can be tough to spot, and even subject to strenuous debate.
On your Erfurt I noticed the sides of the forward toggle assembly being rounded as compared to the rails of the barrel extension directly to their right and left sides. Around the extractor. And generally the straight edges down the sides will be ever-so-slightly rounded compared to an original finish gun.
Look at photos of original guns and you will see subtle differences.
In theory a fellow could probably restore that gun with a bit of metal work and correct refinish. But it will never be original again and money spent on restoration would probably not be a good investment. Especially if you want a shooter.
Anyway, enjoy.

If you can take pictures of this again, do it in natural shaded sunlight, and don't use a flash. Use a digital camera with a closeup setting, a tripod and the self timer (to eliminate camera shake and get crisp focus).

I really cannot judge the finish of your new Luger from the photos. Some of the re-blued and buffed appearance may, in fact, be related to lighting.

Congradulations, You lost your luger virginity! Eric

Lol :rockon: Thank you Eric and the rest of you guys. I will surely be looking to add another to my collection in the future, more than likely one that is an unrestored original.

I plan take a few more pictures over the next couple of days that will offer more clarity to inspect it.

-Alex

I also neglected to say that I paid $850 for it. Its a bit on the high side for what it is from what I have researched, but I think it is worth every bit of it, considering what seems to be a steady rise in luger prices local to me (northwest Indiana)

Nice lookin' Erfurt, do you plan on shooting her? Looks like it has the notch for an artillery sight, perhaps it once had the 8 inch barrel in its lifetime?

didnt all the erfurts get notched regardless?

Artillery cut started in late 1916 and continued through production on almost all.

I took some pictures outside as suggested, and I can take more if need be. I hope these provide more of a clear picture to the finish.

Im hoping to take it out this week to shoot, so I am looking forward to that immensely.

-Alex

You have a very handsome shooter Luger. Just stay away from +P,+P+, and NATO ammo.....too hot!! Standard 9mm is just fine. Let us know how things come out at the range.

Definitely has been reblued. The straw parts were blued also. You might think of removing the blueing on these parts (trigger,takedown lever safety ,mag release) and restraw. Happy shooting. Should make a great shooter. Bill

New ERFURT...
 

IMHO you Definitely have a Good Lucking Luger…..its a "Keeper" in my book…..but if you ever decide to "throw it away"…Im sure the guys would stand in line for it………You Did Good !!!