Looking for first Luger - many questions

LWaali · 01-10-2013, 12:44 AM

I'm comparatively a newbie here.. but a shooter and a collector piece are really two different animals.. original parts are rather hard to replace because they are all serial numbered and as such, shooting a collector piece could be a $5k shot... literally.

sheepherder · 01-10-2013, 06:22 AM

My advice as to acceptably attractive Luger of WW II vintage that can be shot with some confidence is to look for a VoPo/Russian Capture Luger.

These are Lugers confiscated by the Russians after the war and refurbished by East German armorers. Parts may be 'force matched', the barrels may be replaced (with new), grips may be black bakelite or plastic, and worn or out of spec parts will have been replaced (springs, pins, etc).

Magazines will likely be replacements as well.

The only caveat i can think of is that some were 'dipped' [re-blued] and look quite good; others were 'dunked in roofing tar' and look awful...I have a VoPo/RC P-38 that was 'dipped' and not buffed and looks as good as new (or did when it was re-issued).

You should be able to purchase a VoPo Luger for $800+...And it has the added allure of having been used by the East German VolksPolizei following WW II...

01-10-2013, 06:22 AM	#2
sheepherder Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: ...on the 'ol Erie Canal... Posts: 8,197 Thanks: 1,416 Thanked 4,462 Times in 2,336 Posts	My advice as to acceptably attractive Luger of WW II vintage that can be shot with some confidence is to look for a VoPo/Russian Capture Luger. These are Lugers confiscated by the Russians after the war and refurbished by East German armorers. Parts may be 'force matched', the barrels may be replaced (with new), grips may be black bakelite or plastic, and worn or out of spec parts will have been replaced (springs, pins, etc). Magazines will likely be replacements as well. The only caveat i can think of is that some were 'dipped' [re-blued] and look quite good; others were 'dunked in roofing tar' and look awful...I have a VoPo/RC P-38 that was 'dipped' and not buffed and looks as good as new (or did when it was re-issued). You should be able to purchase a VoPo Luger for $800+...And it has the added allure of having been used by the East German VolksPolizei following WW II... __________________ I like my coffee the way I like my women... ...Cold and bitter...

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01-10-2013, 12:44 AM	#1
LWaali User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Washington State Posts: 99 Thanks: 67 Thanked 20 Times in 9 Posts	I'm comparatively a newbie here.. but a shooter and a collector piece are really two different animals.. original parts are rather hard to replace because they are all serial numbered and as such, shooting a collector piece could be a $5k shot... literally.