New toy, 1917 DWM LP-08

[DavidJayUden]

I just drug home another Artillery Luger. Sort of interesting story. Talking to the ex-owner on the phone he indicated that his dad brought it back from France in the first World War. As the conversation progressed he went on to say that either he or his brother (I knew problems here coming now) got some old ammo, and that there were "a couple" of bullets in the barrel. I knew that one could be pushed out, but that more than one meant trouble. He admitted that the barrel was bulged. Still, I had to go see it.
Upon arrival he produced, from his bedroom drawer, 1917 DWM Artillery Luger serial #302. It was in a very nice brown FFischer 1916 holster that also had ink stamping RA IV, but lacked all of the straps and stock. The barrel was indeed plugged and ringed in 2 places in about the middle barely visible but perceptable to the touch. All numbers matched excepting the un-numbered wood bottom blued magazine. Condition was excellent with bluing wear on the muzzle, but none on the grip straps. Not perfect but very nice.
Not being one to leave something alone, I bought it, got it home and tore into it. The bullets were pretty close to the muzzle so I was able to center punch a dimple in the nose of the front bullet, then slowly and carefully drilled a hole thru the bullets. After making an adequate drift, I drove three (!) bullets forward and out the barrel. Pushing a tight patch thru the bore you can feel reduced drag as it passes the bulge.
Now it was range time, and against my better judgement and all survival instincts, I armored up and let 'er rip. A bit anticlimactic I might add, because it works like a charm and puts them where it is pointed.
Now I've got to figure out what to do with it.
Anyway here a a few photos.
Thanks for looking.
DJU