comments on my Navy Luger please
 

This is my Navy Luger. I beleive I have a decent gun. I just wish somebody hadn't reblued it. The bluing does appear brighter in the images. It is matching except the mag. I highly value the info and comments I have received on this forum, so please have at it.

Hi Bernard, I'm afraid your photos are very nearly useless. All I can tell is that your gun is probably a refinished and re-barreled 1908 model. Can you show a clear photo of the serial number on the front of the frame, if I'm right it will have a b suffix below it. If not we will need more, and better, photos.
Regards, Norm

Here is a picture of the frame. I will get better pictures as soon as possible. Thank you.

The gun has been buffed noticeably, as well. No suffix that I can see on either barrel or frame.

OK Bernard, Back to square one. Have you checked ALL the serial numbers? Breech block, middle toggle, and rear toggle (the one with the adjustable sight). The side-plate, trigger, and sear bar. Are the hold open and sear bar numbered? And most importantly, can we see a photo of the right rear side of the receiver with the toggle axle removed? We need to know if it's the large flanged type.
Regards, Norm

Here's a picture of the back. The holes aren't oversized. When I get my good camera back, I'll take better pictures. everything except the trigger #91 and grips #28 match. The hold open, firing pin, rear toggle pin, and trigger bar aren't numbered. Can I get an estimate on it's worth? Thank you.

As re-blues go, it isn't as bad as some we see here, not by a long shot. But can we see closeups of the breach block, the front toggle portion, showing the extractor. I'm seeing something(s) that puzzle me.
Thanks, and nice gun.
Ideas on value will follow.
dju

Barrel alignment marks, look messed with, could be a barrel off restoration or just a re barrel job. The serial number on the barrel is not the same font as on the frame.

I dont understand what I am seeing on top of the breachblock?

thanks for posting

Vern

Hi Bernard, As far as I can tell your gun was put together from two different guns, the top half from a 1906, and the bottom from a 1908 Navy. The barrel is a replacement. Anyway, hopefully it's a good shooter.
Regards, Norm

I've never shot it before, but I'll run a mag or two through it soon. Can you give me a value? Thank you, Bernie.

Can we see a top-down photo of the area around the extractor?
Value is tough to determine until other questions are answered, but decent Navy shooters frequently bring around $2k.
dju

So am I completely nuts or am I seeing 2 blanked off screw holes, one on either side of the extractor?
dju

I am pretty sure your breachblock has been damaged and some attempt made at repair.

This is pretty common with barrel replacements & parts guns, the extractor is pushed up to the point that it tears the top of the breachblock open after a few rounds.
So head spacing may be an issue, also too hot of ammunition can do the same as well as a bent ejector.

I will let others jump in as I dont do gunsmithing much anymore but I am pretty sure this is what your dealing with.

Shooting the gun will likely cause more damage--some serious caution is suggested

Vern

Yes, there are two holes in the breech block. One on each side of the extractor. I'll take pictures tomorrow. Have you guys ever seen such a thing?

OK, I'll admit it. I've never seen such a thing.
dju

There is no logical reason to have drilled these holes, unless it is some attempt at a gas relief system. The gun may have been de-milled at some point. Regardless of the reasoning, the breechblock is now significantly weaker than stock.

I agree with those who recommend a very careful approach to firing this gun. Close-up photos of all angles of the breechblock would be helpful.

Interesting gun.

Questions:
Do you own more than 1 Luger? Or know someone else who does? If yes, please photograph the two rear toggle pins side by side. Is one flange larger than the other

Please provide clear focus close up photo of the breechblock from all angles. Approximately what diameter and depth are the two unusual holes? Are they drilled straight down or at an angle? If at an angle please insert and appropriate size pin or drill bit to show the angle and direction.

I have never seen a breechblock modified in this manner and I am perplexed by their purpose.

They seem to be chamfered as well...Or maybe I'm just seeing the angle of the thread...Odd... :confused:

As noted, the buffing isn't really terrible...But even hot-dipping over pits is, er, the pits... :rolleyes:

Hi John, This is definitely a small flange receiver, this is what the countersink for a large flange looks like.
Regards,Norm

Those holes first made me think of scope mount screw holes on top of rifle receivers, when not used are filled with flush-fitting filler screws. Surely no one had some sort of sight or scope mounted there?
dju