Initial impressions (and one huge question): Mauser Parabellum 06/73

uhlster · 07-12-2018, 08:21 PM

Greetings all!
Finally picked up what I have been wanting for quite some time. A LNIB 9mm 6" Luger!

I have owned a 1914 DWM in the past, so I am familiar with the platform and I consider myself pretty knowledge'd up on the history of wartime/interwar/commercial/postwar etc.
My DWM was like driving a classic car to work everyday. I loved it. It had the history, the charm, the character... but I like to shoot and I was waiting for the day the value would be hurt over something breaking. Plus the trigger was so/so, it had some issues, and really I always wanted a Navy or Artillery variant with a longer barrel... so I eventually sold it (dang things are just worth too much and I've got a family).

Since I could never afford a decent Navy, I jumped on this when it came on Simpson (I think I bought it the day after it was listed). That emotional connection was just there. I was going to get a new P210 with the money (funny how that works). I paid what I felt was market value; steep but fair. From what I gathered, the 9mm German grip styles are swiped up rather fast compared to the Swiss style or .30 Lugers. The gun itself seems as if it was never shot or maybe just test-fired. Original mag but unfortunately that is it (no box, tools, papers). Sadface. Oh well, I can acquire those in time. Compared to the P210, this is a single stack good ol' fashioned hand-made accurate 9... right!?

This one I noticed didn't have the typical Mauser proofs or "Parabellum" on the left side, instead has the Ulm stuff and the left side is blank. Was this for the European market originally? I'm guessing it was made in 1973.

Anyway, one HUGE question.... what can I do about these GRIPS! Ugh! I have a large hand (I can handle a Mark 23 easily) but c'mon, what were they thinking?! I feel that is this iteration's only downside. Lets compare it more to a sharp 2x4! I have read here that some members either cut-down and re-texture, but I'd rather not harm the originals if possible. Seems most here have the Swiss variant. Are there any other options for my 06/73?? Buy some orphans for sale from someone, and cut those down? Any plastic re-po's on eBay ever? Could I make some old VoPos or wood ones work at all?

Thanks for the help. I'll post a more detailed shooting report soon. The trigger and sight radius is amazing compared to my old DWM. Pics below for you. My best-
~Uhlster

07-12-2018, 08:21 PM	#1
uhlster User Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 30 Thanks: 0 Thanked 42 Times in 6 Posts	Initial impressions (and one huge question): Mauser Parabellum 06/73 Greetings all! Finally picked up what I have been wanting for quite some time. A LNIB 9mm 6" Luger! I have owned a 1914 DWM in the past, so I am familiar with the platform and I consider myself pretty knowledge'd up on the history of wartime/interwar/commercial/postwar etc. My DWM was like driving a classic car to work everyday. I loved it. It had the history, the charm, the character... but I like to shoot and I was waiting for the day the value would be hurt over something breaking. Plus the trigger was so/so, it had some issues, and really I always wanted a Navy or Artillery variant with a longer barrel... so I eventually sold it (dang things are just worth too much and I've got a family). Since I could never afford a decent Navy, I jumped on this when it came on Simpson (I think I bought it the day after it was listed). That emotional connection was just there. I was going to get a new P210 with the money (funny how that works). I paid what I felt was market value; steep but fair. From what I gathered, the 9mm German grip styles are swiped up rather fast compared to the Swiss style or .30 Lugers. The gun itself seems as if it was never shot or maybe just test-fired. Original mag but unfortunately that is it (no box, tools, papers). Sadface. Oh well, I can acquire those in time. Compared to the P210, this is a single stack good ol' fashioned hand-made accurate 9... right!? This one I noticed didn't have the typical Mauser proofs or "Parabellum" on the left side, instead has the Ulm stuff and the left side is blank. Was this for the European market originally? I'm guessing it was made in 1973. Anyway, one HUGE question.... what can I do about these GRIPS! Ugh! I have a large hand (I can handle a Mark 23 easily) but c'mon, what were they thinking?! I feel that is this iteration's only downside. Lets compare it more to a sharp 2x4! I have read here that some members either cut-down and re-texture, but I'd rather not harm the originals if possible. Seems most here have the Swiss variant. Are there any other options for my 06/73?? Buy some orphans for sale from someone, and cut those down? Any plastic re-po's on eBay ever? Could I make some old VoPos or wood ones work at all? Thanks for the help. I'll post a more detailed shooting report soon. The trigger and sight radius is amazing compared to my old DWM. Pics below for you. My best- ~Uhlster Attached Thumbnails