New to Lugers, may have a DWM on my hands?

[ithacaartist]

Originally Posted by 09cs

Yes, I believe Ed mentioned something of that as well. Something about a lot of people doing it in the 60's out of fear of something.

That "something" would be prosecution by the BATFE for owning an unregistered Short-Barreled Rifle" (SBR), risking a ten year prison sentence and/or hefty fine. The Gun Control Act of 1968 was interpreted erroneously by some, and stock lugs were ground off to avoid running afoul of the law. It is actually OK to own a Luger with a stock lug. What is illegal is to own both a Luger NOT originally destined to have one, and a shoulder stock--which is taken as evidence of "constructive intent."

Lugers originally accompanied with a shoulder stock when purchased or issued, including the Navy, Artillery, and Carbine models, can be used with a stock--but only the proper style of original or reproduction stock they would have had when new, e.g Navy gun with Navy stock, Carbine with carbine stock, etc. These are exempted in a list maintained by the BATFE.

Is the receiver slightly proud (in front of) the frame in the front of the pistol near the serial number?

Marc
Do you mind elaborating on the bold parts of the quote? Not exactly sure what they are/mean.

Around 1906, production of the "New Model" Parabellum was phased in. A New Model's grip frame is about 0.10" shorter than an Old Model frame. This change in dimension takes place in the area of the chamber of the receiver. One can notice the difference in a glance at the curve on the front, bottom of the grip frame under the barrel, through which the takedown lever is installed. An Old Model will have symmetrical dimensions ahead of and below the hole for the take-down lever. A New Model has an obviously shorter dimension in front of the lever.

Marc's question concerns possible "proudness" or protrusion of the face of the barrel extension beyond the face of the grip frame. This happens when a mix-master is created by assembling a longer, Old Model receiver atop the shorter, New Model grip frame, a situation where that tenth of an inch really shows up! Yours looks OK to me, though.