1st Luger
 

Hello all! Noob here - first post.

Okay, I've been collecting WWII firearms for about two years and have worked through most if not all of the less expensive arms. P08's have been on my wish list for some time, but the price has kept them out of reach. I ran into one at a gun show that was in my price range and bit.....

I believe it is re-blued. The frame does not match the receiver. However, all numbers for those components match. It is missing the hold open and hold open spring (which I have ordered). So, I now have a shooter - and my first:rockon:

The receiver is S/42 (Mauser) with a 1937 barrel date. The bottom of the barrel has the same serial number as well as something that looks like "0182". Although, the 0 looks more like a symbol than a number. I couldn't get it to photograph well enough to post, but can kept trying if need be.

I bought this before I did much research. I know it does not have a lot of collector value; however, I am interested in figuring out (if possible) when the frame was made. The frame is numbered 3548 with a script "c". I only find 3 marks on the right side of the receiver and no marks on the frame - is that correct? I would have thought there would be proof marks or something on the frame - maybe I don't know where to look.

Are there any land mines I need to be aware of as a first time owner and shooter of these? I am aware of the ammo considerations (no +p, etc) - but is there anything else?

Best regards and thanks!

Give us some side profile photo shots of the rear edges of the frame. I think that I'm seeing the Mauser hump on the back, which would make it 1938-42, but am not certain. Is it stamped "P 08" on the left side?
dju

Looks like decent 1st luger, hopefully price was reasonable.

If talking about under the barrel marking, it could be the serial number, or if closer to the frame but still on barrel, it could be the land to land measurements, which would be. Something like 8,83 or the like.

Welcome to the forum.

Additional Pics
 

I hope these pics will work David. Edward, I'll bet the numbers I see are the land to land measurements - thanks! I've also posted a little better pic of the proof marks on the receiver.

Oh - forgot. I don't see P08 anywhere on the frame.

OK, I'm thinking that the lower frame is about 1938-1940'ish. Others can be a bit more precise.
Looks like a nice gun.
Lots of forum members swear by Winchester "white box" FMJ ammo, and I've always had good luck with Fiochi 115 gr. FMJ.
Look it over and check the bore for obstructions.
Load it one round only for the first few times, then 2. Grip it tightly.
Have fun.
dju

Thanks David - I appreciate the info. Is there a way to determine if the recoil spring is week? I don't want to damage it. I read somewhere else about putting 3 pieces of tape on the toggle. I believe they were claiming that if the tape is damaged then the gun is running too fast (weak spring).

That would be the process of marking or padding where the toggle stops against the very rear of the frame on full opening. I've never done it but it would be a way to measure rear travel and in effect spring tension.
Not a bad idea, but another reason to avoid "hyper" velocity ammo.
dju

I would think that no matter what the tape is going to get 'slapped' by the toggle, just happens.

I just helped a guy out and the 9mm luger spring was too strong - replaced it with a 30 luger spring, but I have not gone shooting yet. Discussion on that here, just recently, click on my name and then postings.

Ed

Firs of al welcome to his Forum.
Yes I think it's quite a nice first Luger, it has the Mauser hump, a magazine with a proper metal bottom (1925 until early 1940), from the pictures the gun looks reblued, in any cany case as I said it's a nice Luger.

Sergio

Yes, buffed and reblued.

I concur, this is a nice gun, but IMHO, it has been refinished.

For your first Luger, I think that you did just fine. It is a refinished, mixed part Luger which makes it perfect as a shooter, and a first luger. You may want to consider an additional mag, and the Mec-Gar aftermarket mags are the best of that breed, and very reasonably priced. I own shooters and utilize them frequently at the range. If you do your part, you will be amazed at their accuracy. Enjoy!!

I think you all are correct on the re-blue. I'm working on a couple mec-gar mags but they seem to sell pretty quick when they're finally in stock. I've learned a lot from poking around this forum and appreciate all of the expertise here.

Greg Cote had them in stock this morning. He has one less now, but may have more. :)

http://www.gregcotellc.com/cart/inde...x&cPath=97_128

Thanks sheepherder! I got there in time.

Well. It can be called custom combat dehorned.:evilgrin:

In all seems to be a pretty decent shooter grade. Enjoy it.:thumbup:

I've noticed that this luger does not have a stamp on the barrel on the right side. No eagle stamp. However, it does appear to be correctly stamped with the serial number on the bottom, witness mark, etc. Is this correct or could it be a replacement barrel? No biggie since it's just a shooter, but I am curious as to why the stamp on the right side is missing.

If you look at the overall level of buffing this pistol has received it would not be too hard to imagine a lightly struck barrel acceptance mark being all but obliterated.

What Alanit said. You may try with a flash light in rasant angle find traces of the stamp.