Simpsons for Lugers??
 

I bought my Walther P4 from Simpsons and they were very good to deal with. Gun was a bit better than even they described it, service excellent and I loved the pen with the bore light!

Wondering how you folks feel about them for Lugers. Spoke with Floyd, one of their sales guys, and he said they don't do "shooter" grade guns, just "collectables."

But he also suggested the best bet for a shooter from him would be war years Mausers (42, s/41 or byF) and under $1500 to avoid buying someone else's problems.

They have a couple in that price range (which fits in my budget) and even though I've yet to do my required reading (books are on the way).....I wondering if this is a good place to "shop."

I'd like to buy from a member here...just because I've purchased pistols from members on other forums and it's nice doing business with fellow enthusiasts....but as I had a good experience with them before I'd be confident going back for a Luger.

Comments? Suggestions? Advice?

simpsons is a bit overpriced but their stuff is usually as advertised and legit

I like Bob Simpson and his company. I have bought a few guns from him, and the service was excellent. He was excellent to deal with.

He can be priced pretty high on some things. Always ask when you think something is worth less.

His son Brad is publishing the book I worked on with Mauro and Gerben, and he is the publisher of the red version of Geoff Sturgess' TBALP Luger masterpiece book set.

Bob is also preparing to publish "Training Rifles of the Third Reich". He let me have a look at some of the galleys and his personal collection when I was out there last time, and it's a real masterpiece too...

I have only bought a few things from them but I'm prejudiced they published three of my books. :D And I've gone out to dinner with them and I've had drinks with them and they're just really nice people

I have done literal tons of import business with the Galesburg Simpsons. They are top notch, even if not quite as much fun as their umpteenth cousins from Springfield.

Simpson carries many guns. Buy one. No need to focus on price only at the beginning. I will be very honest on this -- at the beginning, it's impossible for you to "ambush" or "steal buy" any item in the wild world anyway. Buy from a relatively reliable source is a sound way. Within a budget range.

IMO there are two basic ways to buy a first Luger:
1. For those with the time and patience, explore the two Luger forums, buy a few books (such as "Lugers at Random" to start), and search the WTS sections and learn/study internet auction sites like Gunbroker. visit gun shows to get a 'feel' for the pistols (IMO most gun shows have poor selection and high prices, but there is always the chance of a pleasant surprise). Will likely take weeks or even a couple months to find a nice shooter in the $900-$1,200 range.
2. For those without this combination of time and patience, be prepared to incur some risk. The more you pay the more you risk. IMO dealers decrease risk but do not eliminate it.

I bought my 'collectible' M1900 Luger from Simpsons, from Floyd actually. He was friendly, helpful, and went into the safe and got out the Luger I was interested in and spent 5 or 10 minutes looking at it and answering my questions. I bought it. :)

Floyd was quite truthful about several of my concerns (bore condition - fair; overall finish - patina all over). There was one minor issue but only a detailed disassembly would have uncovered it.

The price, as mentioned, was above 'GB' prices (sometimes!) but it was available, I didn't have to wait, and they accepted credit cards. I was satisfied with the transaction.

BTW: Simpsons will entertain offers. :rolleyes:

Just a note. If you buy from them via a credit card and return it there is a restocking fee. Been there done that. Cost me $115 to return an over rated Swiss. Bill

Bill:
Couldn't you have challenged that fee? Seems like if you show it was not accurately described the credit card issuer would back you up.
dju

Thats why I buy in house first !! Eric

Thanks to all for the advice, it is much appreciated.

4 Scale kinda confirmed what I was thinking, either learn how to spot a "bargain" or buy from a reputable dealer. I'm figuring it's worth a hundred or so extra to go with a dealer I can trust and folks here confirmed what I pretty much knew, Simpsons is a reputable dealer and can be trusted not to rip folks off....

There's an S/42, 1938 with "Swiss-style" grips, 70% bluing, and safety switch that's a bit loose...for $1200 that seems like a decent gun and is priced about where I thought it would be.

Now, if I can just negotiate financing with my banker (my wife) I might bite next week.

Again, many thanks.

Its nice to put a face to a seller!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbdk0K35h0w

Very few women have interest in guns. If you need her approval, good luck.

Very few, but not none though. I just sold a conehammer to a lady two weeks ago. I was so surprised.

my buddy's sister took college graduation pictures with her 357 haha

Debby got her concealed weapons permit and bought a pink 45!!! I hid her ammo!

I help coach a high school girl's trap team, and at graduation time it is amazing how much trap has played a huge part in their lives. I walk into a graduation party and it is like a shrine to trap shooting.
dju

They have ten trigger fingers!

Since I live close to Simpsons, I visit their store quite often. It's fun just browsing thru their inventory. Not only do they have firearms but also a lot of WW2 memorabilia. They will take firearms on consignment too.

Being new to Lugers, I bought one from Checkpoint charlies, One from
the Luger Gunboard, and the third is coming tomorrow from Legacy. I have been
happy so far. Bought cheap the first two and a little more on the third. Checkpoint
had three really good deals and I started to buy from there again, but didn't and
they were gone quick. If you figure what you want ,and the price you want to pay
you can do pretty good. I spent a weekend looking at all the ones at Simpson and
got so confused , I didn't buy anything. We use to sell puppies in the 70's. If you
showed people two at once they would never buy one. If you showed them one they
always did. Guess its the same with Lugers. Don't think your going to spend 1 to 2
grand on one and these people here are going to tell you, that you found the most
rare luger made, and man you got a deal. Most of the people that have/sell lugers
know exactly what they have. JMHO

Paul