New Luger
 

I just bought a 1938 S/42. In fact this is my first handgun. I bought it with the idea of shooting it at the range a few times a year and picked this one because I have always been intrigued by the Luger and wanted something with some history as well.

I got mixed inputs at the gun shop about actually shooting it because it is in good condition and has matching numbers. Their concern was that by shooting it parts may need to be replaced and it would loose value. I do want one that I can shoot several times a year and at least now feel like loss of value is not a major concern.

My questions are:
1)Should I expect to have to replace parts over the next couple of years?

2) What precautions should I take to minimize damage to it?

3) Are there places that can service the gun and get parts if it malfunctions in most major cities or do I need to learn how to do it myself? If so how do I start?

Hay
Most of the parts that break are numbered with the last two digits of the pistols serial number. If this pistol has a matching magazine and is very nice. You might consider investing in a shooter. Maybe a pistol thats is already mis-matched as far as parts are concerned. In my opinion, You received the correct information, break the parts the value goes down. Good Luck
H

Welcome to the Lugerforum Hay.

In answer to question 3, the availability of gunsmiths that know what they are doing when it comes to Lugers is very limited.

If you should require service of any kind, I would recommend that you bring the problem to the forum and you will be advised at that time on how to handle it... There are several really good lugersmiths that are members of this forum. Not to mention almost a 1000 folks worldwide who are more than just familiar with the Luger who will be glad to bend you ear with advice :)

I also recommend buying a Luger that is already mismatched to shoot if that is your objective. If collecting is not your thing, then sell the gun you have to someone to whom all matching numbers is important and then use the cash to buy what fits your needs... On second thought, I can't think of a single valid reason for selling a Luger once you own it... :D Just save your money and buy another one.

I think that you are mostly right John. I can only think of one valid reason to sell a Luger after buying it and that is if you are stupid enough (hangs head sheepishly) to buy one before the reference books and then, after reading up too late, find out that it's actually an East German reworked monstrosity and not a nice Erfurt as you thought it was.
However, looking on the bright side, I did just turn an MP40 into 5 new Lugers in a rather pleasing deal.
Regards,
John

JohnF,

Did you just get rid of a deactivated MP-40?

We already have Terry Foley's photo essay on the deactivation of a Luger by the government of the UK. I would have loved to see photos of how they deactivated an MP-40... Is it too late?

Whether or not it is too late for the machinepistole... we will be waiting anxiously for the photos of the FIVE lugers you got in trade...

BTW, what is the market value of a deactivated MP-40 in the UK?

If you purchased a Luger as your first handgun with the intention of using it for shooting, you have made a very poor choice, one which may very well turn off your interest in handgun shooting. Aside from the considerations of reducing its value through wear and tear, and very possibly destroying its historical value, you will be quite disappointed in its functioning and reliability. These cranky old weapons are to be collected and admired rather than shot. If you must shoot a Luger, consider getting a shooter quality pistol or a postwar model.

Hi John,
Yes, I'm afraid that it's too late the MP40 is gone. It was a beauty - almost mint. The deactivation was what we call old specification - pre 1995, which meant that it could still be cocked, dry fired and field stripped. Nowadays, they weld them up so they don't **** etc. any more. The value of one like mine is around $3,200 - a welded one about $1200.

I've also sold my MP44 and a bunch of my other dewat pistols, P38, PPK, German Marked Hi-Power etc., to fund my new Luger obsession.

This is, of course, all your fault as Forum Administrator. I had a vague interest in Lugers before I joined the Luger Forum but now I've decided to specialise. My only other remaining firearm collection interest is German vest pocket pistols - cute little things.

I don't have the Lugers yet but I'll post them when I do. They are, BYF 41 "Black Widow", S/42, Simson, Mauser Banner Police, BYF 42.

Here's some pictures of the MP40 - a bit off topic but since you asked:
Cheers,
John
http://boards.rennlist.com/lfupload/MP40LeftSide.JPG
http://boards.rennlist.com/lfupload/MP40RightSide.JPG
http://boards.rennlist.com/lfupload/MP40Front.JPG
http://boards.rennlist.com/lfupload/MP40Back.JPG
http://boards.rennlist.com/lfupload/MP40Marking.JPG

John F,

Thanks kindly for the photos of the MP-40...

Thanks for replies. I will look for another one that might be better for shooting. Do I ask for anything special other than 9mm when buying ammo.

The only ammo that there can be more varieties of over 9mm, has to
be .22 Long Rifle. 9mm ammo maybe labeled 9x19, 9mm Parabellum or
9mm Luger. If you get some and it doesn't function well, don't jump
on the gun right away. I thought mine was terrible when I fired the
first one. Worse than a single shot, as I had to clear a jam before
each shot! I read that getting a good magazine would make a big
difference, especially one of the Swiss magazines. It was wonderful
when I got one. The gun worked! Mine hated 124gr FMJ Federal, but
yours may work well with it. I'm convinced that cleaning the crud
out of the action is a worthwhile operation. I was amazed how much
came out of the action. Enjoy if you get one...

Hay,

I don't know where you live, but if you are in the US try Wallmart. Many of us shoot their bulk pack Winchester ammo, a box of 100 for about $10.95. It works great in my 3 Lugers. Above all, don't shoot Russian steel case ammo in a Luger, we've had some bad experience with this stuff.

I agree with AGE. The bulk Winchester is good ammo and it's inexpensive. I'm in the same boat as Hay with my 41 byf. It's matching, it's nice, I shoot it. Not a lot, but damn it it's a gun. I might as well live in the UK if I refuse to shoot it at all. Clean it, lube it, take care of it and feed it with bullets occasionally. I suppose if mine was worth $4,000 I would shoot it a lot less, but if I can't afford to break it, I can't afford to keep it. How else is everyone else's going to get more valuable? :) I would like to buy a shooter though for routine and pass around use. And a Swiss Luger, and an artillery, and a stock, and a snail drum magazine, and ......

All the things you want now will NEVER be any cheaper than they are now!
Lonnie

Lonnie,
Boy, have you got that right! I probably ought to frame that and hang it on the wall.

Lonnie,
No doubt, those things are not really unreasonable compared to their availability. It is the comparison with available funds that I hope changes in the future.