Show us your "shooter" lugers!

[ithacaartist]

Thanks, Don, for the most interesting info so far, and the reminder about the rear toggle pics. Here we go. I took these inside... It was a choice between taking them outside, or using the last bit of pre-sunset light to shoot a couple of mags. So...

The first pic also shows that the rear toggle axle is correctly numbered. The rear link definitely appears to have had some work done to it. My hypothesis is that some weld was built up in the area, and worked down into a typical P.08 rear sight notch. And it would also appear that creating a nice, flat surface was not much of a priority--judging from the obvious file marks. The retaining pin for the joint has been re-installed, to include a lick with a file to make it flush (also leaving a file mark on the top of the knob). This was all finished over in rust blue.

Now, my question is whether this is the second replacement barrel? Its salt blue finish attests to its post-1937/8 treatment. But the font on the barrel is not what impresses me as typically Mauser, since it is not the more squared style one sees on the WWII pistols, but the tops to its "5"s are even curvier than the ones on the rest of the gun. I know that font variation occurs "naturally" to some extent, and nothing definitive can necessarily be concluded, based on them. Don's call about the depot-level rework is a likely explanation... that the facility was using older or non-standard number dies. Perhaps they spiffed up/processed a barrel in this manner/order if it was supplied in the white?

In addition, the surface of the barrel is telling me that it was smoothed off in a lathe after the s.n., bore measurement, and the eagles were stamped, and then blued. There is no displacement of the metal around any of them, and there's significant "fade" to all the impressions.

The other thing I'm puzzled about is that pistols for the government weren't allowed with the 8" length such as those of LP.08s. If it was property marked in the Weimar days, wouldn't the barrel have been changed out then, as well? Since the rear toggle is rust blued, I'm thinking its conversion was done in the 20's, when it was property stamped?

[DonVoigt]

Dave,
You could start a thread on your piece in another thread, maybe in the Weimar area.

Yes, this could and likely is the second barrel. Long P 08s were used by the police for a couple years or more and then the barrels shortened or replaced, and by the Navy. This one was clearly worked over again in "Nazi" times.

The rear sight is unusual, I've not seen or read about one "added" or built up. But it could be and looks the part. The govt. arsenals in Weimar or Nazi times, would have had plenty of rear toggles and not needed to build a sight-IMO.

Might get more eyes on it in another spot in its own thread- but I'm glad you posted it here first!

Where do I send the $400 check?

[ithacaartist]

Originally Posted by DonVoigt

Dave,
You could start a thread on your piece in another thread, maybe in the Weimar area.

That's an idea, might transfer the salient questions and answers to one there.

Yes, this could and likely is the second barrel. Long P 08s were used by the police for a couple years or more and then the barrels shortened or replaced, and by the Navy. This one was clearly worked over again in "Nazi" times.

OK, if the "or more" could incorporate almost two decades between early twenties and late thirties...

The rear sight is unusual, I've not seen or read about one "added" or built up. But it could be and looks the part. The govt. arsenals in Weimar or Nazi times, would have had plenty of rear toggles and not needed to build a sight-IMO.

Availability of spare toggles at depots is a good point. Confusing, for sure.

Might get more eyes on it in another spot in its own thread- but I'm glad you posted it here first!

Where do I send the $400 check?

I'll forward my address, so you can send that check and a couple more! $750 at RIAC, "apparaised" at $3k!--which might be a tad high...

[DonVoigt]

If the "apparaiser" will get anywhere close to $3k, I'd let him have the pistol,
and buy two or three more!

And yes, IMO, easily 15-20 years between re-barreling.

[Caferacer]

My shooter to be is getting closer

[DonVoigt]

Alvin,
I asked for "pictures" of your shooter lugers- not analysis or advice!

Show us your shooter(s)! Broomhandles are welcome!

My only potential shooter Broom is a Bolo, out to Redman's for reline at present!
Chamber was so pitted, would not extract a fired cartridge case.
Matching except bolt, lanyard ring and boss removed.

Originally Posted by alvin

If you have many, pick up a few relatively lower ones and shoot it occasionally is not very guilty. It does not have to be a very low grade gun. And, it's still a collectible if it does not break. Of course, there is a chance it could break... on guns that I played, I found that's rare situation because they were in great shape to begin with. Did break small parts on a couple of them though.... but I did build up confidence on them -- their behavior in clean range condition is not lower than modern Glock. In dirty environment, God knows, I don't want to test that

[DonVoigt]

I thought he copied the T 14 Nambu, the Ruger .22 bolt is a near ringer!

Originally Posted by mrerick

Bill Ruger duplicated the Luger grip angle on his Mark series .22 semi-autos. On his .22-45 series, they duplicated the M1911a1 grip angle.

I have the Mark-I and Mark-III pistols, and use them for introductory classes. They are very well made and hold up well over years of shooting. It's a good accurate pistol, but a pain to completely strip for cleaning (which I never do). Just a quick cleaning with a boresnake is generally enough. They eat just about any .22LR ammo and have a magazine safety.

The list price of the blued target version is $500, so you're looking at retail or close to it.

http://www.ruger.com/products/markIIITarget/models.html