S/42 Question

wfischon · 10-24-2008, 03:28 PM

I have recently inherited an S/42 luger from my Father. I am trying to determine if it is wise to shoot this gun or if I should just store it. I remember shooting the pistol when I was very young but my Dad had put it away and did not shoot for the last 30 + years. I never asked why and actually forgot he had it.

What I do and do not know about the gun.

Year made?
Stamped numbers on all pieces match, either 4969 or 69
Magazine is also stamped 4969 on the bottom.
Wood handle and bluing all seem to be in good to very good shape. % ?
S/42 is stamped on the top of the action.
The name GESICHERT is stamped under the safety.
MAD E IN AUSTRIA is stamped on the bottom of the barrel.
The magazine is stamped with P.08 and also has fxo and 37 stamped on the left side.

Any help in figuring out what this is would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much

John Sabato · 10-24-2008, 04:48 PM

Welcome to the Lugerforum!

The area over the chamber should have the date, if it does not, then the date has been ground off, or the upper receiver may be from a commercial gun which would not likely have a year stamp.

S/42 is the mfg code for Mauser. They used that code in the mid to late 1930's.

Gesichert is the German word for Safe...
The marking that the barrel is made in Austria means that the barrel was replaced post-WW2... It should be a very nice barrel.. the Austrian's made some great ones.

This is obviously a shooter class Luger with "mostly" matching parts...and you can shoot it to your hearts content...

wfischon · 10-24-2008, 06:11 PM

Thank you John, I remember really enjoying shooting this gun. It will be fun to take it to the range with me.

10-24-2008, 03:28 PM	#1
wfischon New User Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	S/42 Question I have recently inherited an S/42 luger from my Father. I am trying to determine if it is wise to shoot this gun or if I should just store it. I remember shooting the pistol when I was very young but my Dad had put it away and did not shoot for the last 30 + years. I never asked why and actually forgot he had it. What I do and do not know about the gun. Year made? Stamped numbers on all pieces match, either 4969 or 69 Magazine is also stamped 4969 on the bottom. Wood handle and bluing all seem to be in good to very good shape. % ? S/42 is stamped on the top of the action. The name GESICHERT is stamped under the safety. MAD E IN AUSTRIA is stamped on the bottom of the barrel. The magazine is stamped with P.08 and also has fxo and 37 stamped on the left side. Any help in figuring out what this is would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much

10-24-2008, 04:48 PM	#2
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,156 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,308 Times in 1,098 Posts	Welcome to the Lugerforum! The area over the chamber should have the date, if it does not, then the date has been ground off, or the upper receiver may be from a commercial gun which would not likely have a year stamp. S/42 is the mfg code for Mauser. They used that code in the mid to late 1930's. Gesichert is the German word for Safe... The marking that the barrel is made in Austria means that the barrel was replaced post-WW2... It should be a very nice barrel.. the Austrian's made some great ones. This is obviously a shooter class Luger with "mostly" matching parts...and you can shoot it to your hearts content... __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

10-24-2008, 06:11 PM	#3
wfischon New User Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thank you John, I remember really enjoying shooting this gun. It will be fun to take it to the range with me.