Just some advice, if you have time.

[chasematthew]

I acquired a 1913 Erfurt produced Luger from my mother/step-father for Christmas. It was owned by my grandfather before he passed. My mother told me that he would read the newspaper with this sitting in his lap, and also said he took it from a dead Nazi, which I doubt. It is marked Germany behind the safety and on the port side of the barrel. The barrel is of the incorrect caliber and length to be original. It is chambered in .30 Luger, and has a 6" barrel. Every component on this pistol has matching numbers, save for the barrel (I get a kick out of the stamps on the grip screws and magazine base pad).


I have fired about 75 rounds through this pistol, and enjoyed it thoroughly. I would like to replace the grips, as they are numbered to the pistol as well, and have the ability to fire this pistol on occasion. I would like to know if it would be possible to have this pistol re-barreled in 9mm Luger. My reasoning being the low cost and high availability of 9mm. Also, the fact that I don't plan on selling this pistol, so any modifications made that could possibly lower the value of the pistol doesn't bother me too much. I am currently paying $30 for old Winchester Western cartridges in the .30 Luger. Take a look at the photos and let me know your thoughts if you have time. Thanks!

[DavidJayUden]

It is possible to re-barrel back to 4" 9mm. There are persons on this forum who can assist you. And yes it will greatly reduce your per shot cost. Replacing the grips is OK, so long as you save/preserve the originals. You should also purchase an aftermarket magazine and save that original.
While I prefer the 6" barrel because of the increased sighting plane, I understand your lack of fondness for .30 Luger.
An interesting old gun.
dju

[SteveM]

Those grip screws are worth a couple hundred bucks if they are in tip top shape.

[Edward Tinker]

Welcome to the forum!
Since the barrel does not match, it is possible that he brought it back from the war.

I would think hard about swapping the barrel out as the 6 inch barrel is a swell one and 30 luger shoots very nice. Of course, the cost savings is true, although figure $150-$200 for uninstall, install of a new barrel and of course, cost of a 4 inch 9mm.

You could look around for an upper already in 9mm and have the best of both worlds

Ed

[chasematthew]

It does shoot very well, indeed. Since I have no intention of selling it, I would like to store the grips and mag. and stick a barrel or new barrel on it. The complete upper is an excellent idea, though my brief search has turned up nothing. The barrels themselves are readily available. My though is that what I would do would be something that could be undone in the future, if needed. Also, I think the long barrel takes away from the fine looks of the Luger.

All the sources I have found indicate that it should be in 9 Luger and have the short barrel. There is an index mark on the receiver, but not on the barrel. In addition, there are no markings on the barrel other than "Germany". If anyone knows of other parts firms or individuals aside from SARCO and Nurmrich, I would appreciate a heads up.

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate it!!

[lugerholsterrepair]

There is an old saying..if it ain't broke..leave it alone. Of course if you shoot this pistol enough to warrant a $2-300 barrel change.. something else is going to break. Like your ejector and or extractor. Just a thought..I have used Ed's idea on 4-5 guns I have around here. Buy a 9MM top cannon..If you shoot much you will eventually learn to appreciate the .30 in a 6 inch barrel.

[Sonofeugene]

Since it was your grandfather's gun and he loved it, I wouldn't make a single change to it. Not one. If you really want a 9mm, there are plenty of good shooter grade guns out there. I have my father's Luger and plan to keep it as is with rainbow colored grips and all.

[CAP Black]

Who's to say that you can't have a 6 inch 9mm barrel? If not just for shooting. Get a top with navy barrel and shoot away and then go back to the old top for looks.
Thanks
Jack

[Lugerdoc]

Matt, It's likely that your pistol was imported into the US after WW1 by either Stoeger or Pacific Arms Corp, who then added the 7.65x150mm barrel at a customer's request. Since this is a know variation of this pistol, I would not have it rebarreled. For about the same cost, you should be able to find a 9x100mm barrelled receiver to use for cheaper shooting, but still have the 6" .30 that is more collectable. TH

[chasematthew]

Originally Posted by Lugerdoc

Matt, It's likely that your pistol was imported into the US after WW1 by either Stoeger or Pacific Arms Corp, who then added the 7.65x150mm barrel at a customer's request. Since this is a know variation of this pistol, I would not have it rebarreled. For about the same cost, you should be able to find a 9x100mm barrelled receiver to use for cheaper shooting, but still have the 6" .30 that is more collectable. TH

Excellent advice, thank you. I have looked around and found several barrels, but no slide (this may be improper nomenclature for these pistols). Do you know of any place to purchase a barreled upper?

[lugerholsterrepair]

Ebay always has some.

[ithacaartist]

$30, BTW, is a screaming deal for Winchester. 30 Luger! Buy 'em out and shoot it up! ...but save that brass because reloaders will gladly buy it.

[lfid]

Chase,
please see pm just sent - I may have a suitable upper to resolve your quest
thanks
Bill