Refinishing/Restoring 41 byf

GaryV · 11-24-2010, 07:01 PM

Hi All,

I recently purchased my first P08, a 41 byf black widow. It does not have matching numbers (parts from two guns - barrel, receiver, and sear bar all from one gun, everything else from another). The finish has heavy wear, with a small nick in the barrel, but no real rust except a light patina on the backstrap. It's also missing the locking bar spring. The mag appears to be after-market. The bore is in good shape. The price was good and what I really wanted was a shooter.

So, my question is, are there any real drawbacks to having this gun refinished/restored? I assume it doesn't have much value as a collector piece. And if refinishing is a good idea, does anyone have suggestions of who to send it to? Even if the gun isn't worth that much, I'm a bit picky about who works on my toys, and I'd prefer someone who not only can do good finishing work, but who specializes in Lugers.

rivieraranch · 11-24-2010, 07:19 PM

Thor is the one. Do a search on this site and you can get his website link and see some of the things he has done.

GaryV · 11-24-2010, 08:21 PM

Thanks, I'll look him up.

Lugerdoc · 11-25-2010, 10:38 AM

I agree that Thor is the luger restoration specialist, but question putting an additional $500 or so into a mismatched shooter. You may want to check around locally for prices on a hot-dip reblue which may look more like a new S&W than an original luger, but should also be "pretty". TH PS: I have orig quality PO8 TD lever springs available @$25 postpaid. TH

Thor · 11-25-2010, 10:52 AM

11-24-2010, 07:01 PM	#1
GaryV New User Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Refinishing/Restoring 41 byf Hi All, I recently purchased my first P08, a 41 byf black widow. It does not have matching numbers (parts from two guns - barrel, receiver, and sear bar all from one gun, everything else from another). The finish has heavy wear, with a small nick in the barrel, but no real rust except a light patina on the backstrap. It's also missing the locking bar spring. The mag appears to be after-market. The bore is in good shape. The price was good and what I really wanted was a shooter. So, my question is, are there any real drawbacks to having this gun refinished/restored? I assume it doesn't have much value as a collector piece. And if refinishing is a good idea, does anyone have suggestions of who to send it to? Even if the gun isn't worth that much, I'm a bit picky about who works on my toys, and I'd prefer someone who not only can do good finishing work, but who specializes in Lugers.

11-25-2010, 10:38 AM	#4
Lugerdoc Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: POB 398 St.Charles,MO. 63302 Posts: 5,089 Thanks: 6 Thanked 737 Times in 484 Posts	I agree that Thor is the luger restoration specialist, but question putting an additional $500 or so into a mismatched shooter. You may want to check around locally for prices on a hot-dip reblue which may look more like a new S&W than an original luger, but should also be "pretty". TH PS: I have orig quality PO8 TD lever springs available @$25 postpaid. TH __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 lugerdoc@charter.net

11-25-2010, 10:52 AM	#5
Thor User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico Posts: 4,583 Thanks: 958 Thanked 970 Times in 276 Posts	__________________ Thor's Luger Clinic http://members.rennlist.com/lugerman/ Ted Green (Thor Yaller Boots) 725 Western Hills Dr SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 915-526-8925 Email thor340@aol.com ----------------------------------- John3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

11-24-2010, 07:19 PM	#2
rivieraranch User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: South Florida Posts: 101 Thanks: 4 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Thor is the one. Do a search on this site and you can get his website link and see some of the things he has done.

11-24-2010, 08:21 PM	#3
GaryV New User Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks, I'll look him up.