[ithacaartist]

I gave it the finishing touches on my lathe after my machinist friend turned the taper and modified the sight block. I had to remove a tiny "step" along the taper's length and give its surface a nice smooth texture. Then I sent it off with the upper to G.T., who installed it and checked for proper head space. I've installed a correct sight blade since the last pic. Of course, the next can of worms to open for this pistol would be rust bluing... Search for posts by me and you'll find one that gives lots more details about this project. This pistol is now the one I like the most to shoot--the longer barrel has actually improved its function.

My meager collection of shooter Lugers has a variety of barrel lengths. Two are 4", one 4 3/4", two 6", and an 8" artillery model. (Four 9mm. and two 7.65) I think they all have great lines, and all are handsome pistols; I'm not sure I have a favorite length, unless it is the original 4 3/4"--but not by much!