Million Dollar Chip
 

I have read about the $1M chip , but I remain unclear. I did a search ; the wide ranging return I got was not very helpful.

If someone would post a photo of that fault I would appreciate it.

Thank you , 'Ski

FAQ has this - you have downloaded the FAQ? ;) http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthread.php?t=13121

I do not have a picture right now, but it is a common occurance...

If you look at photos of pistols on say Simpson Ltd. or search Rock Island Auction for current or past photos of Lugers, you'll encounter examples.

Simpsonsltd has a lot of such defects on their lugers and they point out the defect.

Major -

Checking Simpson's was an excellent suggestion. The site has a very specific search function (unlike Gunbroker , but I digress...) - I searched for "chip" and came up with numerous examples , some of which still command a very high price despite the flaw... interesting.

I think it is in my interest to find a pair of aftermarket grips prior to shooting my Luger.

Thank you. 'Ski

Here you go, Ski.
Norm

It appears that "defects" in grips are forgiven much more easily/frequently and of less importance than problems with metal.:confused: JMHO

If one so desires, the "chip" is easily repaired, with near un-detectable results by a couple members of this forum.:thumbup:

I have had a couple of Lugers that arrived with this defect.

As Don says, the problem is relatively easy to repair. I have even done one of these repairs myself. This allows you to retain the original numbered grips on an otherwise matching pistol.

The repair work usually involves cutting the broken grip surface back along one of the lines of the surface cuts that form the diamond grip pattern. A replacement piece is fitted and permanently attached, then re-contoured and re-surface cut to match the rest of the grip. With proper stain and finish it can be very difficult to see where the repair was done.

I just added Norm's photo to the FAQ document. Thanks, Norm!

How common is the practice of using 'expendable" grips for shooting , as opposed to originals , in the interest of preservation and avoidance of The Chip?

Every time you remove and re-install grips you risk chipping them if you are not careful.

Dropping a Luger on a wood part would likely damage it.

I expect many people change out parts including the grips to take them out to the range and shoot them.

But, I think a better approach is to have a Luger that you just use for shooting that already has lost it's collector value. I have a matching Mauser 1937 "42" code Luger with holster rash (pitting) on one side that I regularly shoot.

Well , I have but 1 luger at this point ... and I'd like to take it to the range.

Since starting this thread I did a close inspection of the area in question - I think I may have a repaired chip. Have a look ---

A peep at the back side might tell us more, but the area does appear as though it might have been worked on.

My notion of the cause of many such chips is more akin to shrinkage or wear that lets the panel slide forward when a shot is taken. This tends to bring the area in question up against the safety lever's shaft with a sharp, significant force. Make certain wood grips fit snugly and take measures to stabilize them if they are loose. When fitting the left grip, I also recommend shaving out just a touch of clearance between the wood and the rear of the safety lever.

When the chip falls off during the grip scale's, It is my opinion that many of them are already broken, as above...then the loose chip merely released from captivity when the grip is removed from the frame.

That's not to say that one ought to abandon caution when removing the left grip!

I believe you do also.

Anytime I fire a Luger with left grip that is matching or otherwise seems original to the pistol I substitute a grip that can risk losing a chip by the safety. I've broken this chip before via recoil and believe as Ithacaartist does, that recoil is the primary culprit.

I'm sold. If the left grip is repaired - which looks likely - it is nicely done , and the grips are original to the gun. I can hold off on shooting my Luger until I find a repro set.

Replacement grips typically require fitting with files and sandpaper, sometimes a little sometimes a lot.

If the left grip fit is snug with no movement at all around the safety lever, you are probably OK to test fire few rounds. But check the grip for The Chip before you leave the range...

Chip on New-in-Box Luger
 

I just bought a post-war Mauser Parabellum in 30 Luger. It looks to be unfired, except for the obvious test-firing at the factory in Oberndorf in Dec 1970. But it came with the left grip chipped.

So, while I realize that one theory on how these grips get chipped is from firing, I have to believe that, in my case, it was from handling, by some previous person or persons unknown. It's easy to snag the grip on the safety lever when removing unless you are really careful.

Note from the photo that the chip on this grip is slightly different others I have seen. The back edge of the grip is not missing, but a piece off the top outside surface is chipped off.

Another piece of data for the million-dollar chip

The left grip is snug , no movement. However - my logic is that , since I appear to have a repaired chip , it happened once and therefor can happen again. Now , I have no way of knowing if the Chip occurred as a result of shooting or bad handling , but given the fact that the grips are original to the gun , and the repair is nicely done , I am unwilling to risk it. I'd hate to undo the work of whoever it was that took the time and trouble to do that repair.

And , for what it's worth , I am happy that the Chip is repaired rather than broken and with a (small) void. I don't know if that flies in the face of conventional thinking , but it looks pretty darned good , and my hat is off the the Chip repair guy , whoever and whenever that was.

The grips on the 1970's Mausers are not held in place the same way as the originals; and the safety lever is a different shape.

I agree your chip likely has another cause than recoil.