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Unread 02-07-2003, 08:10 PM   #5
Dwight Gruber
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Barr,

It would be good to know how "mixed" the gun is. Look at the serial number on the front of the frame, on the left side of the receiver, and under the barrel. Do any match, or not? Is the mismatch just a part or two, or is it a "made up" gun, cobbled together out of a lot of different parts? This will affect its value, as well as its potential as a shooter.

Estimated production of 1915 LP-08s was only 15,000 pieces, the second-least production of any of the Artillery years. Even though a mismatch, a "mostly" matching gun will retain more value than a parts gun.

As far as the finish is concerned, and "were these guns reworked in Germany," nearly anything can and has been done to these guns during their 90-year life, particularly if is is a serious mismatch. The takedown lever is properly not blued.

It is nearly impossible, and patently unfair, to assay a particular Luger without personally examining it. Failing that, pictures area a crucial but useful substitute.

In my opinion, $800 is right at the top of the worth scale for any mismatched, reblued LP-08, despite the fact that retail prices for collection-quality Artilleries is skyrocketing. Strictly by way of example, I recently picked up a 1918 LP-08 at a pawn shop--70% blue, 5% straw, mismatched barrel, defaced toggle tail--for $600. Considering that your interest is shooting, you might entertain the idea of making an offer of $600, and guage the response.

You might also want to make the exchange contingent on satisfactory operation of the gun. If so, you should get a newly-made magazine for the test (I recommend Mec-Gar). Worn-out original Luger magazines are one of the most common causes of failure to function, and make an unfair test of a Luger's shooting capability. If you are going to make a practice of shooting your Luger you will want some of these magazines anyway, so it is in investment in your hobby.

If you do pick this up, we will all be excited to know the details of your new Luger, including pictures if you can.

Good luck, and enjoy.

--Dwight
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