Some Questions on Restoration from a Newbie

Malcolm P. · 09-27-2004, 10:40 PM

I have just joined the group and plan on putting together a selection of shootable and collectible Lugers over time. Saw a couple of Lugers this weekend at a gun show that I thought about getting but would need very extensive restoration work. I am sure both will be back at the show.

First is a Russian capture gun that was fairly recently imported. It is a honestly a mismatched collection of parts and has seen A LOT of HEAVY use (Stalingrad?). Thing I REALLY liked about it is that the back strap of the receiver has 3 unit markings. Not sure if slide matches receiver date right now, but it is a 1915 chamber date and DWM toggle. No idea what bore looks like. Assuming willing to get (and definitely would not pay near what dealer was asking) and pay for the restoration:
1) Can the visible numbers be remarked to match?
2) Can proof marks be restored?
3) Are replacement barrels available?
I would probably pay less than $300 for the gun. Would probably be willing to pay $400 for a really good restoration.

Second is a Navy Luger (no idea really whether 1908 or 1914) that has been HORRIBLY REFINISHED - basically ruined. I have seen this gun around at the show for several years. It really looks bad even to me!!! Lot of really massive buffing and polishing. Proof marks look completely obliterated. Most numbers gone. High gloss refinish. I am sure the rebluing was very expensive, but to say that for a Luger it looks horrible is an understatement. I just want it to half way look like a military gun again.
1) Can parts be remarked with numbers?
2) Can proof marks be restored?
3) Are replacement barrels available?
Probably pay less than $900 for this one. Probably willing to pay about $400 for restoration.

Does it make any sense to get either one for restoration to shooter condition.

09-27-2004, 10:40 PM	#1
Malcolm P. User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 57 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Some Questions on Restoration from a Newbie I have just joined the group and plan on putting together a selection of shootable and collectible Lugers over time. Saw a couple of Lugers this weekend at a gun show that I thought about getting but would need very extensive restoration work. I am sure both will be back at the show. First is a Russian capture gun that was fairly recently imported. It is a honestly a mismatched collection of parts and has seen A LOT of HEAVY use (Stalingrad?). Thing I REALLY liked about it is that the back strap of the receiver has 3 unit markings. Not sure if slide matches receiver date right now, but it is a 1915 chamber date and DWM toggle. No idea what bore looks like. Assuming willing to get (and definitely would not pay near what dealer was asking) and pay for the restoration: 1) Can the visible numbers be remarked to match? 2) Can proof marks be restored? 3) Are replacement barrels available? I would probably pay less than $300 for the gun. Would probably be willing to pay $400 for a really good restoration. Second is a Navy Luger (no idea really whether 1908 or 1914) that has been HORRIBLY REFINISHED - basically ruined. I have seen this gun around at the show for several years. It really looks bad even to me!!! Lot of really massive buffing and polishing. Proof marks look completely obliterated. Most numbers gone. High gloss refinish. I am sure the rebluing was very expensive, but to say that for a Luger it looks horrible is an understatement. I just want it to half way look like a military gun again. 1) Can parts be remarked with numbers? 2) Can proof marks be restored? 3) Are replacement barrels available? Probably pay less than $900 for this one. Probably willing to pay about $400 for restoration. Does it make any sense to get either one for restoration to shooter condition.