Why can't I find/buy a $600 shooter; or " What is the value of a parts luger"

[DonVoigt]

"What is a parts/mis-match luger worth?"

This question came up just a couple days ago, and is asked in various ways quite frequently. I decided to "add up" the costs of the individual parts in a luger- to see what a "shooter" could be worth on a sum of the parts basis.

I knew from buying parts and repairing or assembling shooters that some parts are hard to find and all are getting expensive, well expensive to me anyway.

Everyone will have their own idea or opinion on this question, so feel free to state yours- just don't throw rocks at me or others who post- as there is no "correct" answer !

I had and have a shooter for sale, so when an interested member said I don't want to pay that much- I want a $600 or $700 shooter, I decided to do the analysis now.

So, first the list of parts was made and some online searching done. It quickly became evident that there is a WIDE range of prices on any given part- and some parts offered are Junk!

Anyway, first number is using the lowest price found which would include reproduction parts, the second is the "high end" and no repro parts. Neither includes what would amount to a significant costs in postage when buying parts piecemeal! And do note that on any given day, all the parts will not be found for sale.

Low value- $1000
High value- $1589

If you get lucky and buy a complete upper, complete lower, and then add a repro side plate and magazine -

I got lucky value: $850

My conclusion,
a shooter luger- complete and functioning- not rusted to heck-
has a minimum value of $850, and if one were patient in selling or got some "good" parts, could net near $1500.

Moral- if you want a shooter and can find one for under $900, that is probably as good as you can do. Of course there are the exceptions if you buy from an ignorant seller or your Uncle!

PS:
Anyone with "good, cheap parts" please PM me.