need a gunsmith in NJ shore area

Georgesd · 05-23-2011, 07:40 PM

Recently bought a 1939 42 code Luger. Can anyone recommend a good gunsmith near the New Jersey shore to inspect my Luger before I fire it?
Also I have heard that you should not shoot a Luger with original grips but rather replace them with reproductions. Is this recommended?
I appreciate any help you can give.
Thanks,
George

John Sabato · 05-24-2011, 08:33 AM

George,

The recommendation of grip replacement is a valid one. Remember that the wood used in the grips is much more subject to deterioration than the metal. The grips are 70+ years old and likely very dry and brittle. Even if they are okay on firing, an accidental drop could be fatal to the grips. I recommend buying some reproduction grips for shooting.

As far as a a gunsmith in NJ, I wish I could help you, but I personally don't know any there. Perhaps one of our members from NJ might see your post, and offer to check it out for you.

If you could post some good quality photographs and tell us a little about the gun's ownership history, we might be able to determine whether or not the gun is safe to fire. For instance, if the gun has been in the possession of the soldier who brought it back as a trophy after WW2 and has not been modified, then the gun is likely just fine...

I invite you to post photos and tell us about all the markings on the gun. That may help.

Georgesd · 05-24-2011, 12:40 PM

Thanks John,
I will post photos but have been having difficulty uploading. Not sure if the problem is with me or the site. I'll keep trying.
George

Georgesd · 05-25-2011, 06:39 PM

Thanks all. I have what appears to be a good reference from 2 local pistol ranges.
George

05-23-2011, 07:40 PM	#1
Georgesd User Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 34 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	need a gunsmith in NJ shore area Recently bought a 1939 42 code Luger. Can anyone recommend a good gunsmith near the New Jersey shore to inspect my Luger before I fire it? Also I have heard that you should not shoot a Luger with original grips but rather replace them with reproductions. Is this recommended? I appreciate any help you can give. Thanks, George

05-24-2011, 08:33 AM	#2
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,153 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	George, The recommendation of grip replacement is a valid one. Remember that the wood used in the grips is much more subject to deterioration than the metal. The grips are 70+ years old and likely very dry and brittle. Even if they are okay on firing, an accidental drop could be fatal to the grips. I recommend buying some reproduction grips for shooting. As far as a a gunsmith in NJ, I wish I could help you, but I personally don't know any there. Perhaps one of our members from NJ might see your post, and offer to check it out for you. If you could post some good quality photographs and tell us a little about the gun's ownership history, we might be able to determine whether or not the gun is safe to fire. For instance, if the gun has been in the possession of the soldier who brought it back as a trophy after WW2 and has not been modified, then the gun is likely just fine... I invite you to post photos and tell us about all the markings on the gun. That may help. __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

05-25-2011, 06:39 PM	#4
Georgesd User Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 34 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	need a gunsmith in NJ shore area Thanks all. I have what appears to be a good reference from 2 local pistol ranges. George

05-24-2011, 12:40 PM	#3
Georgesd User Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 34 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Thanks John, I will post photos but have been having difficulty uploading. Not sure if the problem is with me or the site. I'll keep trying. George