Need some advice

Kernel 36 · 05-04-2003, 11:22 PM

I have the chance to buy a 1938 S/42 luger in all matching condition (mag is also matching).The bore looks pretty good,some pitting,but nothing serious.The rest of the gun is about 80-85% finish overall,with some light rusting on the left side,again,nothing real ugly,but its there.He is asking $699,but I"m going to offer $600 cash,and see if he bites. Too much? Need some advice here! Thanks

Dwight Gruber · 05-05-2003, 03:12 AM

A very conservative view of this Luger, in the shape you describe, is that your offer would be at least $100 too much. Also that the odds of the magazine being a legitimate, authentic match are very low.

That being said, the selling prices of Lugers seem to be excessively high these days, and in your part of the country it may simply not be possible to buy one for less.

Let us know how it goes, and be sure to post pictures if you buy!

--Dwight

Kernel 36 · 05-05-2003, 11:19 AM

Thanks for your thoughts. I already have one Luger dated 1916,but think it was reworked at some point.Prices are kinda high around here,but I really want a decent example of a WW2 model. If I decide to get it,pics will follow.

Edward Tinker · 05-05-2003, 12:12 PM

Do as my Dad always says, WAIT...

That is hard to do, but almost everything will come up for sale eventually at a better price (although the price quoted you is a bit high, not unbelievable, $600 is better, $550 or 500 is best).

Look on-line (get a FFL3 C&R permit), go to gun shows, buy Luger Books, esp Jan Still's on Third Reich Lugers, has many pictures and will answer most questions you might have.

Search this forum, many pictures and info is here.

Decide if you want a shooter or a collectable. If a shooter, than try to buy one that is all matching and rougher shape, it will have a bit more value that way.

Ed

05-04-2003, 11:22 PM	#1
Kernel 36 User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 16 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Need some advice I have the chance to buy a 1938 S/42 luger in all matching condition (mag is also matching).The bore looks pretty good,some pitting,but nothing serious.The rest of the gun is about 80-85% finish overall,with some light rusting on the left side,again,nothing real ugly,but its there.He is asking $699,but I"m going to offer $600 cash,and see if he bites. Too much? Need some advice here! Thanks

05-05-2003, 12:12 PM	#4
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,974 Thanks: 2,072 Thanked 4,607 Times in 2,123 Posts	Do as my Dad always says, WAIT... That is hard to do, but almost everything will come up for sale eventually at a better price (although the price quoted you is a bit high, not unbelievable, $600 is better, $550 or 500 is best). Look on-line (get a FFL3 C&R permit), go to gun shows, buy Luger Books, esp Jan Still's on Third Reich Lugers, has many pictures and will answer most questions you might have. Search this forum, many pictures and info is here. Decide if you want a shooter or a collectable. If a shooter, than try to buy one that is all matching and rougher shape, it will have a bit more value that way. Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

05-05-2003, 03:12 AM	#2
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,908 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,330 Times in 435 Posts	A very conservative view of this Luger, in the shape you describe, is that your offer would be at least $100 too much. Also that the odds of the magazine being a legitimate, authentic match are very low. That being said, the selling prices of Lugers seem to be excessively high these days, and in your part of the country it may simply not be possible to buy one for less. Let us know how it goes, and be sure to post pictures if you buy! --Dwight

05-05-2003, 11:19 AM	#3
Kernel 36 User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 16 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for your thoughts. I already have one Luger dated 1916,but think it was reworked at some point.Prices are kinda high around here,but I really want a decent example of a WW2 model. If I decide to get it,pics will follow.