Inherited Dads Luger/ Identify

[mrerick]

Dean,

There are a variety of opinions about firing all matching collector grade Lugers (which, I believe you have there).

There are parts on Lugers that are more prone to breakage than others. They are well made pistols, with generally fine metallurgy, but they can and do break. Break a part on an all matching Luger and you've damaged it's value both historically and financially. 60% is typical after the cost of procuring a replacement non-matching part and having it fitted.

Some people buy separate "shooter" grade pistols that wouldn't lose further value if a part was broken. Others buy the most likely parts and swap them in.

Extractor, ejector, breech block and rear receiver finish damage is the most common. The firing pin was fluted after your pistol was manufactured to prevent gas pressure damage in a primer blow out.

I personally resist the temptation to fire them and one especially used for shooting.

BTW, I too thought the three digit numbering was unusual. Back to the reference books...

Marc