Which one would you buy????

[DaveinTN]

Dear Forum:

Well, my due diligence is apparently starting to pay off as I continue looking for my first â??shooter.â?� I now find myself having to choose between two pistols. The first is a â??42 BYF. The second is a 1917 DWM.

Both guns are similarly priced ($795 - $825) and from what I can tell are in generally similar condition which is to say 25-30% blue and no straw to speak of. Aside from differences in color, the grips appear to be in about the same condition. Although each seller describes their respective bore as â??good,â?� I know the term, â??goodâ?� is very subjective. Finally, each of the sellers has inferred that all the serial numbers match (with the exception of the magazines).

This Saturday Iâ??ll be taking a look at the â??42 BYF. And late next week Iâ??ll probably get a chance to inspect the 1917 DWM.

The first thing Iâ??m going to look at is the bore (Iâ??m even bringing my own 9mm rod and cleaning solution so I can get the crud out). Iâ??m also going to check for pitting on any exposed metal parts and see if the hold-open works. Finally, if theyâ??ll let me take the gun apart, Iâ??ll try to see how many serial numbers actually match.

Keeping in mind that that which ever Luger I buy will be given a complete make-over, which gun would be your first choice to purchase and why? (Assume that there are no major differences in condition between the guns).

Finally, what other pointers should I keep in mind when I inspect the guns? Are there any peculiarities specific to either pistol that I need to know about?

As always, thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

Dave in TN.

Eventually, Iâ??ll post pictures of which ever gun I buy so you can all say, â??Boy, did the new guy ever get ripped off!â?�