1937 S/42 Navy ( kinda!!)

[Ron Smith]

Once upon a time. Somebody decided to take the barrel off of a really nice 1937 S/42 first variation with strawed small parts. Ser# 1004q. And build a Third Reich Fat barrel Navy. The frame and receiver are approx. 97%. The grips are nearly mint. The straw is 80%. It's all matched. Including barrel(forced). Who ever the gunsmith was that did this was pretty good. Note the FT Artillery front sight. The Navy sight is original. I bought this Luger from forum member, Richie "the gunman". I now have a Navy shooter at awhole lot less money. And it's unique.
Enjoy! Ron

[the gunman]

Hi Ron glad you enjoy the gun. quite an interesting
item.

[Ron Smith]

Richie, Thanks! Just sent you an e-mail. I do like it.
Ron

[John Sabato]

A very interesting specimen for sure... but I don't think the Navy rear sight could have been original in 1937? I suspect it was also "forced" matched. Does it appear that the barrel was a "Navy" that was modified to accept the Fine Tune Artillery front sight? or was the barrel made from and artillery barrel? What do you think of it's origin?

[Ron Smith]

John, The navy rear toggle is original. However, I would'nt doubt that it is forced. The 4 is a slightly different configuration than the others stamped on the pistol. All in all it's a nice well done piece. Something just for fun. And as I said I think it's kind of unique. One thing is for certain. Nobodies going to pass it off as origianl. The barrel appears to be turned down from a blank.

Ron

[Ron Wood]

Nice job and very nice looking gun. Should be a ball to shoot.

[Ron Smith]

Ron, This is why I asked the question about Navys having FT sights, the other day. Hoping to find out how it shoots,either tomorrow or the next day.

Thanks! The other Ron

[Frank H.]

Ron, that's a FUN looking acquisition!

I'd take the cork out of my lunch for that as well...

Nice grab, do let us know how she shoots!

Frank H. in L.A.

[Ron Smith]

Frank, It shoots great. Very stiff spring. It likes a firm grip and stiff wrist. Otherwise, the hold-open will engage about once or twice in every magazine. With a two handed Weaver hold, it's flawless. I'm going to try S&B 124gr or some hand loads. I'm happy with it.
Ron

[Dwight Gruber]

Ron,

How's the holdopen spring on this gun?

--Dwight

[Frank H.]

Ron, I swear, I was 'with you' as you described popping off a few rounds, (great description), I must admit I'm a bit enclined as well towards 6" (or more) barrels, maybe it's a holdover from 6" S&W revolvers that I've found to be so accurate...

Not directly related to any of this, YEE HAWW, I've talked "the wife unit" into moving to Oregon and getting some acreage and a place to shoot beyond this neighborhood little plot we are living at, YIPEEEE.... (You already know the score on that, Ron and Dwight, the better scene above Kalifornia...)

I work for myself (though I still feel like asking the boss for a raise) so I'm not worried about "work", so what the heck, we're going to pick up some acreage outside of Mcminnville Oregon, and be able to breath deap of some non-snakebit-polluted air, better gun laws, whewwwwwww...........

In a few months after the obligated family trips etc, I'll be able to sign off from "Oregun", not "Kalifornia", wow, hey, and I'll be closer to the next Reno event.

A sincere thanks to all who have helped me here, and I'll be back in a few months -

Frank H.

"From L.A.", soon to be known as "from Oregun....."

[Ron Smith]

Dwight, The hold-open spring seems to be OK. The main spring feels like a 50 pounder though. Stiff as hell. I guess it could have been replaced at some point. Like I said, if I maintain a ridgid grip it works great.
Frank
I've always liked the old S&W 6" M&Ps. They just balance better. Lugers are the same. They tend to be butt heavy, so the 6" barrel balances better. McMinnville is a nice town. You'll like it.

Ron