Should I buy?

[SamS]

Commercial 1920, matching. What do you think? I have not been able to see the pistol in person. Cost is $750. Concerned about:

1. aftermarket sight with dings around dovetail
2. barrel pitting?
3. chamber pitting?

[alanint]

This looks like a Marbles sight, which was often substituted for the original. It probably shoots to point of aim and you can always replace it with an original fairly cheaply. A fair bore does not seem to affect accuracy in most people's experience. Chamber pitting may be slightly more of a problem, but would usually not affect overall function.

In 9mm it is worth the $750, although I would push for $650-$700 due to the "poor bore and chamber".

[sheepherder]

Are you sure it is 9mm and not 7.65mm??? Do all numbers match???

Is it a local buy??? From an individual or a dealer??? Online site??? Local taxes, FFL fees, registration fee, shipping can add to the total.

$750 is a fair price for either caliber IMO. Frosty barrel/bore is more or less to be expected. These are old guns.

[Curly1]

Have them see if a number 2 pencil fits in the barrel, if it does then it is a 9MM.

[mrerick]

Here's my photo study on determining .30 Luger versus 9mm Luger barrels:

http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthre...ghlight=pencil

[DavidJayUden]

Looks like a .30 to me...
dju

[SamS]

It is a .30 luger. My question is, does that look like a frosty bore, and rust in chamber? Or is it jacket fouling and dried grease?

[sheepherder]

Is $750 a lot of money to you??? If so, you would be better off buying a Glock or some other low-end handgun...

[alvin]

Originally Posted by postino

Is $750 a lot of money to you??? If so, you would be better off buying a Glock or some other low-end handgun...

I think people who can spend a $500 to buy one pound of "iron" (my spouse's classification) can definitely spend $250 more. That's not a problem. Personally, I like to bargain with seller a little bit as well, and also gives buyer a little bit discount if he asks. Not much though.

====

Once talked to a guy, he joked that if he bought my pistol at the price that I asked, his wife would kill him. At dinner time, I told my wife this story. She said "If you talk again, you should tell him if you sell it at the price that he wanted, I have to kill you" - This is part of the fun in this hobby.

[SamS]

Thanks for your input, I have a bridge to sell you. Gimmeabreak...

[SamS]

I have a lot of firearms, but I shoot all of them

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by SamS

Thanks for your input, I have a bridge to sell you. Gimmeabreak...

... ... A covered bridge???

Originally Posted by SamS

I have a lot of firearms, but I shoot all of them

Lugers are fairly delicate (100+ year old Lugers) and once a numbered part breaks (common occurrence when fired with modern ammunition) the resale price drops dramatically.

Mauser made a series of Lugers back in the 70's that would make good candidates for shooting. They can still be found on GB fairly regularly. And from all accounts they function well with modern ammunition.

I like the 7.65 Lugers (and pretty much any 30 cal handgun) but ammunition availability is sporadic. I reload so that is not a problem, and light loads are kinder to these old handguns than even Wal-Mart White Box/Winchester Target.

I have no problem with frosty bores. I'm for appearance, not accuracy.

[SamS]

Thanks

[rhuff]

In my part of the Country, that price is certainly in the ballpark. I own a 1921 Alphabet Luger in 30 Luger with a worse bore that that one, and it shoots fantastic. It really surprised me with it's accuracy. If this gun looks good everywhere, and you want a shooter, then it should be considered, in my opinion.

[lugersrkewl]

You got any more of them bridges for sale?

[glock30]

750 a steal!

[Dwight Gruber]

$750 is top dollar. Buy it for less if you can.

--Dwight

[SamS]

I have since been able to inspect the pistol in person. The seller has graciously allowed me to consider the purchase for a few more days. Impressions: grip strap bluing worn to perhaps 50%. Chamber not pitted, but does have a rough curcular machining mark 1/2 way down chamber. Front sight has been replaced and base has been peened to retain it by the smith who did it. Toggle lock functional. Magazine original and in good condition. Barrel looks to have slight frosting, but sill might be jacket fouling. Rear sight is slightly dinged on right side of the blade. The raised rear portion of the action has several deeper dings in it. Grips are in ok shape, look original, right side checkering is flattened in places. Grip screws have been turned and right side a bit buggered. Owner says he has not field stripped the pistol to check other numbers.

$750, comes with 90rds of factory .30 Luger. Thoughts?

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by SamS

$750, comes with 90rds of factory .30 Luger. Thoughts?

Private owner? No sales tax?

Have you checked 'Completed Auctions' on GB for similar Lugers, to see if the price is similar? From what I've read here in your last post, it seems like you could do better...

Here's a member of this Forum who sold a 30 cal Luger a few months back for a bit more than your seller -

http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthread.php?t=28873

Compare the two and think if the extra $$$ was worth it...

Check the For Sale forum here; you may find a better deal than your local seller...People here are mostly collectors who are 'trading up' frequently and sell their unneeded Lugers for very reasonable prices...

[alvin]

Originally Posted by SamS

$750, comes with 90rds of factory .30 Luger. Thoughts?

As you can see, how hard it is for him to sell this Luger to you. But when it finally becomes yours,,,,, will you hold it for a long long time? That's an important consideration.