WW1 vs WW2 Lugers

trias10 · 07-16-2008, 11:49 AM

I am interested in purchasing a nice shooter/semi-collector Luger (9mm, 4" barrel), but mainly for target shooting at distances of no more than 50 feet. And maybe even use it as a backup home defense gun.

I've looked up some nice pieces on gunbroker, and I already have a WW1 DWM artillery luger that I use mainly for shooting, so I'm familiar with the WW1 construction, but not so much with the quality of the WW2 models (like the 1939 S/42 Mauser version, or the byf41, for example).

My question is, is there a practical quality and/or accuracy difference between the WW1 lugers, and the WW2 era lugers? A luger collector who works at the gun store I frequent mentioned that he believes the WW1 lugers were manufactured to a higher standard, and are thus more accurate and more reliable than the WW2 era Lugers. Is this largely true? I don't mind paying more money for a WW1 luger to use as a shooter if there is a noticeable and significant improvement in build quality, reliability, and/or accuracy.

Thanks.

07-16-2008, 11:49 AM	#1
trias10 User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Chicago Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	WW1 vs WW2 Lugers I am interested in purchasing a nice shooter/semi-collector Luger (9mm, 4" barrel), but mainly for target shooting at distances of no more than 50 feet. And maybe even use it as a backup home defense gun. I've looked up some nice pieces on gunbroker, and I already have a WW1 DWM artillery luger that I use mainly for shooting, so I'm familiar with the WW1 construction, but not so much with the quality of the WW2 models (like the 1939 S/42 Mauser version, or the byf41, for example). My question is, is there a practical quality and/or accuracy difference between the WW1 lugers, and the WW2 era lugers? A luger collector who works at the gun store I frequent mentioned that he believes the WW1 lugers were manufactured to a higher standard, and are thus more accurate and more reliable than the WW2 era Lugers. Is this largely true? I don't mind paying more money for a WW1 luger to use as a shooter if there is a noticeable and significant improvement in build quality, reliability, and/or accuracy. Thanks.