WWII Russian Capture vs. Numbers Matching P08

CamaroDMD · 02-13-2013, 10:38 AM

The other day I made a post referring to Russian capture Lugers as being "cobbled together" and I was quickly explained that this is untrue. I had been previously told that they were low quality and to be avoided...so this new information somewhat changes my perspective and creates new questions.

As I have said in other posts, I am in the market for my first Luger. Although I have several vintage military guns, I don't consider myself a "collector" in the sense that I seek out rare or special pieces. I love history, and I love owning and shooting firearms that I consider "historical."

That is why I have always wanted a Luger, specifically a WWII Luger. I find the history of that period very interesting.

What I have always wanted was a WWII issue Luger...my guess would be something like a 41 byf or 42 byf. I'm not sure if those best fit my needs...but they are Lugers I'm familiar with. On top of that, I want one in nice shooting condition with a reasonable amount of original finish remaining.

Originally, I had wanted a numbers matching gun (or nearly so) because I wanted something fairly original and I was under the impression that the Russian captures were "cobbled together." I have recently been informed that they were assembled from parts by very good armors and issued to police following the war.

With this new information, I am wondering if a RC gun is best for me...or should I look for something numbers matching (or nearly so)? Can you find 41 byf or 42 byf RCs with decent original finish and good shooters? I don't want to make a unnecessary investment into a numbers matching gun just to go out and shoot it and hurt the collector value...since the collector value doesn't mean much to me.

What would (or should) the difference in price be here?

I know this is a lot of rambling questions...but I want to decide what is best for me before I actually go out and try and buy one.

Thanks.

02-13-2013, 10:38 AM	#1
CamaroDMD User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Oregon Posts: 19 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	WWII Russian Capture vs. Numbers Matching P08 The other day I made a post referring to Russian capture Lugers as being "cobbled together" and I was quickly explained that this is untrue. I had been previously told that they were low quality and to be avoided...so this new information somewhat changes my perspective and creates new questions. As I have said in other posts, I am in the market for my first Luger. Although I have several vintage military guns, I don't consider myself a "collector" in the sense that I seek out rare or special pieces. I love history, and I love owning and shooting firearms that I consider "historical." That is why I have always wanted a Luger, specifically a WWII Luger. I find the history of that period very interesting. What I have always wanted was a WWII issue Luger...my guess would be something like a 41 byf or 42 byf. I'm not sure if those best fit my needs...but they are Lugers I'm familiar with. On top of that, I want one in nice shooting condition with a reasonable amount of original finish remaining. Originally, I had wanted a numbers matching gun (or nearly so) because I wanted something fairly original and I was under the impression that the Russian captures were "cobbled together." I have recently been informed that they were assembled from parts by very good armors and issued to police following the war. With this new information, I am wondering if a RC gun is best for me...or should I look for something numbers matching (or nearly so)? Can you find 41 byf or 42 byf RCs with decent original finish and good shooters? I don't want to make a unnecessary investment into a numbers matching gun just to go out and shoot it and hurt the collector value...since the collector value doesn't mean much to me. What would (or should) the difference in price be here? I know this is a lot of rambling questions...but I want to decide what is best for me before I actually go out and try and buy one. Thanks.