1937 S/42 Drilled barrel ... why?

[ChrisLL]

Hi folks,

A few years ago after my uncle died, I was given this Luger as my Uncle (knowing I love guns) "wanted me to have it".

I take it out every now and again and look at it, oil it, etc. these are cool guns. I don't know the history behind the gun. It is worn in terms of bluing and has some pitting on the barrel. The serial numbers all match, and inside the gun seems fine (admittedly I am no Luger expert or gunsmith). But near the chamber end of the barrel about 1/2" in front of the flare/threaded portion it was drilled across the barrel horizontally (about 1/8" hole) clear through both side of the barrel.

I brought it to a gunsmith yesterday, but turns out he doesn't know much about Lugers. Of course in a gun shop when you bring in an old gun a group gathers around and everyone has an opinion (usually), and no one knew why a barrel would be drilled like this, or had ever seen this. One person felt that the gun had been "demilitarized" in this fashion.

For the most part the gun is complete, firing pin is there, etc. The two parts that are missing: mainspring and mainspring guide (maybe that helps solve the mystery?).

What do I want to do with the gun?
1) Would like to know if possible why the barrel is drilled.
2) If I could have the barrel replaced and shoot a few rounds from it, that would be awesome.
3) If it is not in (after barrel replacement) fire-able condition that would be OK (though not my preference); it's a piece that belonged to my uncle which I would want to keep, and my son has said he would love it some day as well (shootable or not).
4) Not looking to sell it, or for that matter restore it.

Any thoughts about this would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris