New to me Interarms Parabellum

[Eugen]

Eric, if you are looking for a set of snap caps to be able to cycle and dry fire your Luger, I would recommend "B's" brand. Dumb name, but the best snap caps I have found...and I think I have owned all the brands out there in various calibers. They are not made of plastic (that I have had break), or have flaking coating on alum (that comes off in the gun) like some of the other popular brands commonly found everywhere. I got mine on Amazon.

[rhuff]

Eric,

If you are comfortable with care and cleaning of 1911s, then you should have no problems with your Luger. They are all machines.....although some are beautiful machines!!

I have a tendency to run all of my handguns fairly well lubed, and because I live in a warm climate, I do use more than just oil on the heavy friction areas(slide/frame, toggle/frame, etc.). I have been pleased with TW25b grease for a number of years now, including on subguns. I use a good quality gun oil on the less heavy friction areas like the toggle train junctions, etc.

I agree with Marc about not doing extensive breakdowns after every range trip. To me, it just isn't necessary. I do keep my guns clean and lubed, but not OCD about it.

I will suggest that if you are going to be shooting your Mauser that you purchase a few Mec-Gar aftermarket mags to use and save the originals. The original mags have a tendency to break the plastic bases when loaded fully. You don't want that to happen.....I assume.

Stick with std. velocity quality ammo in 115-124gr FMJRN, and avoid any +P,+P+, or NATO ammo. Enjoy.

[Eugen]

Originally Posted by rhuff

Eric,

I will suggest that if you are going to be shooting your Mauser that you purchase a few Mec-Gar aftermarket mags to use and save the originals. The original mags have a tendency to break the plastic bases when loaded fully. You don't want that to happen.....I assume.

I agree with rhuff. I also have found the Meg-Gar P.08 mags are sold at https://www.cdnnsports.com on specials that they run frequently for $19. I picked up several and haven't found them priced lower.

[Tango3]

Originally Posted by Eugen

I agree with rhuff. I also have found the Meg-Gar P.08 mags are sold at https://www.cdnnsports.com on specials that they run frequently for $19. I picked up several and haven't found them priced lower.

Eugen,
I got lucky and found CDNN Sports and bought 2 of 'em along with the one Mec-gar at $29 I had previously purchased. When I compared them, they were identical except the CDNNs didn't have "Mec-gar"or "Made in Italy" stamped on it. Sounds like I made a good choice.

Thanks,
Eric

[Eugen]

Originally Posted by Tango3

I'm surprised by the number of you who aren't anal about the meticulous cleaning of these close tolerance weapons.

Eric, I proudly wear the label of being anal, having OCD, etc. about cleaning my Luger and other guns. I do it gently and meticulously and throughly enjoy the time spent caring for my little buddies. Heck, cleaning and caring for them is half the fun.

Originally Posted by Tango3

Eugen,
I got lucky and found CDNN Sports and bought 2 of 'em along with the one Mec-gar at $29 I had previously purchased. When I compared them, they were identical except the CDNNs didn't have "Mec-gar"or "Made in Italy" stamped on it. Sounds like I made a good choice.

Thanks,
Eric

I think Mec-Gar (dumbest name) is the sole manufacturer of all the new P.08 mags. Somebody fact check me on this. I have noticed the same slight variances on the markings on various Mec-Gar P.08 mags. But, they all work just fine. However, I have had occasionally problems with 'fail to load' at the range, if I insert that 8th round in a new mag. Smooth sailing with 7 rounds. Please report your range experience.

[DonVoigt]

Tango3,
As you get more experience with your luger you will answer many of your own questions.

As you have observed they are much different from 1911's, and transferring what is "good" for a 1911 to a luger just is not going to work.

Entirely different mechanisms, and have different needs.
In my experience the luger does not get as "dirty" as a 1911.

Perhaps because they are not fired as much, but maybe due to the close tolerances just not leaving nooks and crannies for dirt?

I'm not sure why you think you can't cc a luger, it certainly has the "capability"- what ever that is.

If you choose the hollow points, they will feed, I've found several that work reliably; but it does depend on the pistol, magazine, and ammo.

Also look at the truncated cone Fiocchi for defense.

I always alternate ball and hp ammo in my carry guns, after thorough testing to be sure they are 100% reliable.

Just enjoy learning the ins and outs of a new platform, they are extremely easy/quick to Field strip; and really no need to go beyond that and oiling; especially starting out with a "new" pistol.

Welcome and have fun.

Bet you can't have just one!

PS.
Do read the posts under the shooting and reloading section of this forum; especially the "shooters" threads. Lots of info and pictures there.

[Tango3]

Don,
Nice to meet another clean freak. And I do, like you, enjoy the cleaning process. Very therapeutic.

Not surprised to hear that new, fully loaded mags might have round feeding issues. Not uncommon with 1911s.

I'll report back on tomorrow's planned range trip.

Eric

[Tango3]

Don V.,
That they are much different than a 1911 is sure an understatement. That's why I'm grateful that so many of you are helping me out.

As for CCing a Luger, you could be right. I guess I thought that finding a modern CC holster for it could be problematic, given its shape and the rarity (I've never known or even heard of anyone doing it) of it being a carry piece. Also, would carrying it Condition 1 be a problem with its protruding firing pin, even with the safety on?

I'll give it some defensive rounds, as you suggested, in the future. I'll also try the truncated cone Fiocchi, too.

ADDICTION ALERT: darn it, Don, I already find myself perusing Lugers for sale on the sell sites many of you have mentioned. And I haven't even fired the thing yet. Crazy! Since I want to shoot them and am not wealthy, I've been looking at the more "shooter grade" weapons. But even at that, these things ain't cheap! Illustration: I'm replacing the two grip screws on my Interarms Parabellum that some ham-handed person buggered up and a replacement factory pair are, gulp, 50 bucks. Even the custom made screws that come in sets of 4 for my 11s aren't that expensive! In this regard, my 1911s, parts-wise in cost, feel more like the cost of replacement parts for my 350Z while the Lugers feel more similar in cost to that of Porsche's. Is it 'cause they're both German perchance?

I'll be sure to take your advice and check out the "shooter/reload" section of the forum, too.

Eric

[Tango3]

Originally Posted by Tango3

Don,
Nice to meet another clean freak. And I do, like you, enjoy the cleaning process. Very therapeutic.

Not surprised to hear that new, fully loaded mags might have round feeding issues. Not uncommon with 1911s.

I'll report back on tomorrow's planned range trip.

Eric

Drat!!

Family matters today prevented the range trip. Rescheduled for Tuesday AND Wednesday unless dementia rears it's ugly head again! Report to come. I'm chomping at the bit!

Eric