New Luger admirer with dumb question

[mollydodger]

I am just learning about these firearms and keep seeing some for sale that state: "blank chamber". Does this mean they will only fire blank rounds or does it have something to do with the date on the top? Thanks for helping a nubie!!

[wlyon]

It would mean a blank unmarked chamber top. Normally this is seen on Commercial lugers. An early WW2 luger had an unmarked top. Some of us older collectors still refer to it as a Sneak. Do not worry about questions and a "nubie". We were all there once and still feel like it sometimes. Welcome to the crazy addictive world of lugers and welcome. Bill

[mollydodger]

Bill, Thank you for your reply. Would such a pistol shoot OK assuming it is mechanically sound and round nose FMJ ammo were used?

[DavidJayUden]

If I'm getting your original post correct, you are referrring to there being no date engraved over the chamber. That has absolutely no bearing on its worthiness to shoot.
Standard 9mm ammo, FMJ is perfect, no +p or +p+. And I am again assuming that your gun is chambered for 9mm, because many commercial guns were .30 cal.
Welcome aboard, and with photos we will try to tell you more about the gun and maybe assess its fitness to shoot.
dju

[mollydodger]

Thanks for the help! I am looking at bidding on a shooter grade at RIA and was curious about the "blank chamber" designation. Here is a link to the auction. http://www.gunauctiononline.com/view...d/2003/lid/441

[ithacaartist]

Good luck bidding, Dennis. Don't forget, those auction fees and premiums add up quickly. I recommend bidding via RIA site rather than Proxibid, etc., to save 3%, Then, if you win a lot, pay by other than credit card to save more. The projected range for hammer price is usually low compared to what they wind up really selling for, and $6-800 is more realistic for what this might bring.

[DavidJayUden]

You'd be way better off buying from our trader board that thru an on-line auction. IMHO.
dju

[ithacaartist]

Originally Posted by DavidJayUden

You'd be way better off buying from our trader board that thru an on-line auction. IMHO.
dju

Yes, generally so. RIA's descriptions can have flaws, and it's a crap shoot whether these mistakes work in favor of the buyer or seller. Basically, you never know. My purchases there turned out OK--not great, but not regretful. Calculate the price you're willing to pay (based on what is specifically revealed in the listing, NOT what you HOPE is there), including all fees. Put that into RIA website proxy system, and stick to the bid. Your results will be satisfactory.

The forum's WTS section will likely be best, as no extra fees, and priced fairly due to the rather open aspect of the process. You'll have the best chance to pay a fair price, and maybe get a bit of a deal because it's collector oriented, rather than just about mankin' money.

[DavidJayUden]

And with the forum trader section you should ask for and get a 3 day non-firing inspection period.
To me you had better really know what you are doing, understand the fees and costs, and be VERY LUCKY to play that on-line auction game.
dju