Matching 1936 Luger up for review. pre 98.com too good to be true?
 

Hi guys,

Just Joined this forum! So please excuse me if there are any mistakes.

I purasched a rifle before from pre 98 and it looks great. I was just wondering if this Luger looks ok? It looks a little to new to me? But far from a Luger expert. I know price is really high.. I was hoping to get an 100% original third Reich Luger. I have two books about Lugers, but they don't cover re-bluing well, which is my biggest concern.

Does Pre98 have a good reputation?

Any other sights you guys would recommend for the best authentic Luger?

Here is the link

http://www.pre98.com/shop/our-newest...hing-mag-nice/

Btw I tried to upload the photos here but got all error messages except of one photo.

thanks everyone,
-Danny

Danny, It's difficult to judge the originality of a finish from a photo, but the straw parts mag have been redone and the barrel appears to have a darker blue than the rest of the luger. Perhaps a close up of the serialize bottom portion of the barrel would be helpful. TH

Danny, welcome to the forum - the link shown shows the picture well.

First, you are looking at one of the slightly higher retail places - however, Scotty has a good reputation, he can be a bit cranky but he has a good reputation.

A first luger should not be a high end, unless that is your goal of one luger. That said, this price is not that high. It has an army, matching luger magazine in one of the early nazi era lugers. If me saying it has a matching mag makes you go, thats nice; well, you need to do some reading up on the forum :D

So, although not a rare luger, its not as common as some later ones (but war time lugers sell even higher)

The darker finish on the barrel is not that uncommon either but should be questioned. You find that in bluing that parts, especially in war time, sometimes have a different color of the receiver or extractor. But, sometimes a different color on the barrel equals a new barrel. What to look for?

Witness marks
font on barrel
proper markings on barrel

Other retailers - Simpson, LTD - Legacy Collectibles

Tom, the photo on Scott's site shows good halos around the barrel's serial number.

I took a quick look at the link..thanks, always helpful to have a live link! Scotty has a great feature..let's you look easily. I am no expert but the pistol looks good in photo's. I didn't see any glaring red flags. Has wear and patina. A little rough along the left side around the sideplate. The 1936 is a desirable pistol..a matching magazine isn't easy to find. Deserves some consideration and perhaps an offer. You would know more if you get it in hand and know what to look for.

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone!

I am one of each person...one nice Luger and I am done. I am not really that big into shooting. I am not looking for any ultra rare version. Just a 100% original one.

I much prefer the prewar Lugers, even if more common. I like the fit and finish Or early/pre WWII German firearms.

I was looking at Simpsons, he has some real nice stuff too. May end up going through them. They seem to have a pretty good reputation. Beside a little hick up here and there, but that is expected as we are all human.

I suppose I should even post Simpson's photo just to be a 100% sure. Would you guys mind in the future if I posted before I bought?

Thanks,
-Danny

Post away,
we all like to look at pictures.

You may want to watch a few auctions and learn what others look like and what they sell for-
I'm recommending LOOKING not buying.

For one good luger, I'd buy from one of the guys here, they list nice stuff from time to time, and it will be vetted if you ask.

JMHO.

I consider Pre98 to be one of the more reliable and honest sites, along with Legacy Collectibles and Simpsons. I believe that Scott sponsors this forum, doesn't he? After taking a look at the link you provided...

IMO this gun is not quite 97% (due to all the scratches), but even if it really is, it's priced at the top/high retail value end. It does look completely original to me.

+1 to what Don said - take your time and look around a lot before you buy.

- Geo

Thanks again for the info and help guys!

I have handled a fair share amount of Lugers and have shot one. I know I fair amount, and trust me I do tones of research before I buy anything.

I always like to have second opinions. Idk it gives me piece of mind lol.

I am most likely going to purchase one from Simpson's. In the next few weeks. And will definitely post/link it before!

Once again thanks for helping a somewhat noob on this subject.

-Danny

97%? I would expect the gripstraps to be perfect along with everythng else except for blue loss end of barrel and on the island of the sideplate. I really wish these dealers would explain how they come to their rating of condition. Looking at that one, my 36 has to be 100%.(maybe better)

The straw on safety lever is suspicious. But the seller honors 3-day, the risk is low. If like it, you need to inspect it in hand anyway.

Steve M - I agree with you 100% - was being sarcastic but you made the point better!

- Geo