Luger 1939 for review.

[Dannyjunkfish]

Hi guys,

So just joined this great forum!

I was looking through Simpson's LTD Lugers. I was wondering if you guys would mind voicing your opinions on this particular one.

I just want to purchase one good one. Then I will be all set!

The magazine serial number looks a little off to me? Not sure though.

Here is the link:
http://www.simpsonltd.com/product_in...ducts_id=39403

Also since I am posting, I am pretty sure everything on this P38 looks ok. But always like second opinions! If not appropriate to post this please let me know.

Here's the link for the p38:
http://www.simpsonltd.com/product_in...ducts_id=44970

I have done a lot research, by means of books and a lot of info from the net. I feel like it is time to get my first two German handguns.. I just like second opinions when purchasing something for a lot of $$.

Once again I really do appreciate the help!
-Danny

[tharpo]

The Luger magazine has a "42" on the top of the base which indicates it is a replacement magazine that has been numbered to the gun. Original magazines would also have the gun's letter suffix stamped on them.

Tom

[Dannyjunkfish]

Thanks Tom! But beside that it looks good!

-Danny

[alvin]

This is a S/42 with forced matching magazine. The gun looks good, but for $2495, this condition is not enough in today's market IMO. As you can see, condition is a relative concept in a domain. Price is also a relative concept. Condition vs price is the key for most C&R guns. Suggest finding a better one for this money.

[4 Scale]

I agree the numbering on the magazine does not look similar to originally number magazine examples. Given that observation and the comments so far in the thread I personally would be uncomfortable that this magazine "matches" as that term is normally used by collectors. I've purchased from Simpsons and have found their descriptions to be accurate, so I'm a bit puzzled and disappointed they say this magazine is "matching" without pointing out what Tom said.

If you call Simpsons to discuss the gun, they will retrieve it from inventory and handle it as they discuss its specifics with you. If you have your heart set on this one perhaps you can discuss the magazine with them. However, overall the rig seems overpriced. Simpson's is high retail but I think there are better values for a new collector on their site.

Like you I am considering adding a P38 to my stash and have done some basic research, and from that novice perspective I also noted this gun on the Simpson site as being a good candidate for first purchase. I'm looking at several other P38s right now but if those fall through and this particular pistol is still available I would consider, as a novice P38 buyer, that this pistol is a good first P38.

When you say "it is time" for you to buy, I say be careful. If that makes you a buyer who is motivated to close a transaction, you have placed yourself at a disadvantage in the Luger Universe. I have found patience is everything in evaluating potential Lugers and any feeling of wanting to just go ahead and get one, tends to result in an overpay at least for me. As far as buying a nice one and then being all set, that's exactly how I felt before my first one; I found it impossible to resist further purchases. Best of luck to you and welcome.

[Sergio Natali]

Danny

I don't know what to say, except that if you were in my country I would have told you to leave that Luger alone, it's only a Mauser and not really one of the most rare, in my modest opinion a very good condition alone doesn't justify so much money.
IMHO.

Best.

[Dannyjunkfish]

Thanks for the great feedback guys!

Truly appreciate all the help!

I think I will pass on this one.

Trust me when I say I am a once of each. I truly am.

I hate to do this again, but would you guys mine voicing your opinion. On this particular one?

http://www.simpsonltd.com/product_in...ducts_id=42016

I like the look and something about the 1939 date makes me like it.

BTW can I make a donation to this forum? You guys have helped so much and I would love to return the favor somehow!

Thanks,
-Danny

[alvin]

See, even on same site, you have better choice. This 2nd one is better. The matching magazine looks genuine on this one.

[4 Scale]

The best donation you can make to the forum is to share your experiences and comments about Lugers.

As a relatively new collector my comments on this other pistol:

-The numbering on the magazine looks a little too nice to my eye, so at a minimum I would carefully discuss with Simpson's before purchasing. I am not saying it is wrong, I am saying I would have questions. Hopefully more experienced collectors will comment.

-Why pay a big premium for a matching magazine on your first Luger? IMO new Luger collectors are best served by buying a shooter ($900-$1.200) or collectible that is all or mostly matching except for the magazine ($1,000-$1,700). Why not get

http://www.simpsonltd.com/product_in...ducts_id=34994

A very nice example with an original magazine that is correct for the period. While import marked, Simpson's has a laser system that makes an extremely unobtrusive marking on the very bottom of the frame near the magazine insertion opening; before purchasing I'd verify the size and location of the import mark. Import marks are normally considered a negative by collectors, but the Simpson laser mark is so insignificant that I personally would consider such a pistol.

[alvin]

The main plus was on that matching magazine. For it's correctness, need confirmation from Luger specialists for sure.

In Luger world, magazine being matching or not is part of gun condition. And, it's a troublesome area, definitely need help from domain collector.

[wlyon]

I for one would be very cautious on any matching mag. I find it very interesting how many matching mags there are today. When I started collecting 50 years ago ( and lugers were plentiful) matching mags were rare. Buyer beware. Personally I would go for the S-42 instead of the 42. The S42 code is more uncommon. But only after they reduce the price due to the terribly matched mag. If Simpsons does not agree that this is a forced mag they have some serious in house problems. Bill

[4 Scale]

Good point bill. As a relative newbie to Lugers I come at it from a different perspective but I think reach the same point. I have handled several dozen Luger magazines claimed as original, and looked at many more pictures. I have handled less than a dozen Lugers with claimed matching magazines. Of these alleged matching magazines, all but one struck me as fake (numbers too deep, fonts not correct, numbers too perfect, mag bottom shows evidence of polish, etc. etc.). My conclusion: most Luger magazines claimed as matches are fake. Personally I would never pay a premium for a Luger with a matching magazine unless an independent expert collector had first declared the match genuine.

[Dannyjunkfish]

I like that 1941 dated one. But I rather have pre-early war one. I watched their video about their import markings, they are much nicer than a lot of the billboard ones you see today. But I would still always try to buy a gun with out them.

I know you guys prob think I am crazy going right to the 10th floor of collecting lugers, with out taking the first flight of stairs. But I just want to get one good 100% matched one. Then I would be all set.

Thanks for the input!
-Danny

[4 Scale]

One of the pleasures of collecting is that you are allowed to satisfy your own tastes, so no I don't think you are crazy at all. Your stated goal simply carries some extra risk. Actually, if you want to start at the high end I think it is a good strategy to go with a reputable outfit like Simpson Ltd. or some of the others like Legacy, Checkpoint Charlies and others you can find via search. My first "nice" Luger was from Simpson, I still have it and am very happy with it. Just like you I wanted a nice pre-war Mauser and ended up with what I still think is a nice '36.

My own view is that it's ok for you ask and start as many threads as you want about any specific pistol(s). I personally learn by looking at pictures, venturing my thoughts and comparing my views to what others say. So the more threads you start the better as far as I'm concerned. There are true experts on this board who are generous in giving help to newer collectors and I particularly enjoy reading their comments. Good luck in your search.

[Dannyjunkfish]

A mismatched mag seems rather rather common. So I will move past that. Will look for one that is 100% matching, minus the mag. Not the end of the world, I mean I have a matching 1938 K98K minus the cleaning rod. So same idea.

I was killing time on Simpson's, talk about a lot of choices! I was looking at these three lugers.

Would you guys mind voicing your ideas on these ones? 1 being being my fav, then 2, then 3.

1.) http://www.simpsonltd.com/product_in...ducts_id=25503

2.) http://www.simpsonltd.com/product_in...oducts_id=4679

3.)http://www.simpsonltd.com/product_in...ducts_id=11105


Thanks for everyone's patience!
-Danny

[alvin]

OK. So, you're scared on matching magazine. That's fine.

These three look good to me. Pretend I am a searcher, I will skip 3) first, too much wear on the grip. A little bit wear is normal, but this one lost a lot. Not saying it's abnormal, but I am paying $2700 greenback for an exceptional sample.

1) and 3) are roughly comparable. I'm not sure why 2) is $200 higher. But you know, seller's price partially comes from his cost, whatever cost times 130% for example. Since these guns came from different direction, their incoming price varies. So outgoing price does not have to match their relative condition strictly, especially when they are in comparable condition.

[4 Scale]

As far as the three go, #2 at 97% blue is high condition and comes the closest of the three to market. The other two, while very handsome seem especially overpriced given their lower condition.

From your choices, it seems you are interested in a 1939 or earlier Mauser, all matching, original but non-matching magazine, good or better bore, 85% or better bluing, and overall good or better cosmetic condition. Pistols meeting those criteria can be found for $1,300 to $1,700 or so with effort over time (aka work and patience) by looking at a variety of sources. Gun broker, pawn shops, the two Luger forums, and reputable dealers all produce at times, at least for me. All the guns you've flagged are solid examples, very handsome and no bargain. I guess it boils down to how much time you have to look and what your patience is. I fully appreciate it can be challenging to spend time looking for the first one or several, part of the reason shooters/lower cost specimens are advised for new collectors.

[Sergio Natali]

Confirming what Bill rightly said, also here in Europe genuine matching masgs are almost impossible to find!.

[alanint]

All the above taken into consideration, I find that the 42 Code 1939 has a legitimate, matched magazine. There is no sign of scrubbing, the font and letter suffix are identical to the pistols. The only thing I can't confirm is the whether the acceptance stamp is the same as the guns, but guys who know which blocks they correspond to would be able to confirm. I would be comfortable with that pistol as "matching".

[Dannyjunkfish]

Thanks for the feedback guys!

I am leaning towards number 1. (Of the post of three)

-Danny