Pimpin out a luger

[4 Scale]

I'm not sure if this qualifies as 'pimpin' a Luger, but it certainly has been messed with.

When I got it: 1938 frame and receiver and attached parts (mostly) matched, replacement toggle marked DWM, firing pin un-numbered, left grip un-numbered (and significantly lighter in color than the original right grip), barrel an unnumbered e/135 Mauser-proofed replacement, marred receiver from the re-barrel, side plate was a non-matching Mauser part with the raised portion buffed to a soft and shiny blob, MecGar mag.

The barrel is near mint, which I like and therefore decided to put a little money into partially restoring (pimpin?) the pistol. Since I've had it I have changed the following:

1. The buffed non-matching Mauser side plate was swapped for an aftermarket side plate, then Charles Danner refinished the aftermarket plate with rust blue;
2. Significant marring on receiver from re-barrel mostly repaired by Charles, and entire receiver/barrel reblued w/rust blue.
3. Hugh Clark re-checkered both grips and repaired $1M chip on left grip.
4. Replica aluminum bottom added to mag by G.T.

The frame remains in its original salt blue finish, which is over 90%.

Here's the result, a partially restored shooter that is a mix of parts and a rust-blued upper, sitting on a salt-blued original finish lower. I wish I had 'before' pictures, because with the marring, filthy and worn grips and buffed side plate it had a sad-Luger look to it. That rust blue and salt blue finishes are mixed is probably the major factor in my claim that the pistol has been subjected to "pimpin" by its owner, although under most conditions it is very hard to tell any color difference.

[G.T.]

I really enjoy shooters like this one! Sideplate came out great..... I'll bet it works good to.... Looks nice, best to you Greg, til...lat'r...GT.....