Complete Restoration of Luger Carbine

[Conny]

Gentlemen, I'm a Newbie on this site and after 40 years of collecting handguns, have bought my first Luger. Although it is only a Luger Carbine frame, I'm exceedingly proud to own it. I need to know who is the "BEST in the USA" for restoring the Luger Carbine model to correct specifications.

I know most of you have seen the frame I speak of on GunsAmerica. You have seen the condition and know what must be done for complete restoration. I need a pistolsmith who can bring the frame up to standard and build the Carbine to functionality, fire ability and beauty from buttstock to muzzle. I understand that numbers will not match and reproduction parts will be used but in truth, it's the only way to bring this Luger back to life.

Any leads or links to an excellent pistolsmith would be most appreciated. Thank you for your time.

[AGE]

Try Thor (Ted) at http://members.rennlist.com/lugerman/

He has redone Lugers for many Forum members including me. I think he is the best (not cheapest).

[Conny]

Thank you for the response Mr. Eggers. Cost is of no concern as long as it is restored to its former condition. There are many gunsmiths out there but I only want the best pistolsmith with Lugers. Results are more important than cost. I'm not rich. I will have to sell my perfect North Hollywood .44 Automag to pay for restoration. To me, it's worth the sacrifice for a Luger Carbine. Thanks again. I'll send him an email after the Holidays.

[Edward Tinker]

Duane, welcome to the forum... Having a frame is very important, but I think finding the barrel and some of the other parts is going to be fairly hard to do?


ed

[lugerholsterrepair]

Duane, Ed brings to light the salient point. This project would not be the sole pervue of one man. I would suspect you will need many people involved and while you say the cost is not an issue, I don't believe the sale of a perfect North Hollywood .44 Automag would come near to covering what you contemplate.
In fact, I suspect this might be akin to building a new car from parts. It might ultimately cost more than a complete Luger Carbine would cost.
They type of craftsmanship required for a proper restoration of a Luger Carbine is very rare indeed. Parts might take years to locate. Certainly a reblue and metal restoration might take years. I have talked to folks who say Ted has had their pistol for going on two years.
The wooden forend and stock will have to be addressed by someone else.
The only man I know of who could possibly do most of a project like this is John Martz. I know even he has someone else do some of the wood.
I hope you are a patient man...Jerry Burney

[Conny]

I am quite patient Mr. Burney. If I die (possible) before it's completed, my sons will inherit the final result. After restoring muscle cars with no reproduction parts available, I understand the pain in the butt it is to find parts. But they are out there. Does Mr. Martz have a website or contact number? I am willing to suffer the associated costs and sell other collector handguns if needed. I contemplate 10K. In truth, I am quite capable of purchasing a Carbine outright but want to bring this one to life. I will accept any and all help to complete this project. Thank you

[Edward Tinker]

John Martz can do wonders, and would be able to, but I have heard he is accepting very little work, as he is in his 80's and working little.


He lives in California and I know several folks on the forum probably have contact info on his. Another man, Mike Krause has built 45 lugers from original specifications, he might be someone else to contact. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Im...e_Krause_1.jpg

He has a shop and I know that several folks know how to contact them. Send a PM or email to members Pete Ebbinks or drbuster you can do a search, upper right corner of this forum, put their name in the block and hit search. drbuster has been to Mike's shop many times and will be glad to point you to the right direction.

Ed

[Navy]

Gale Morgan is generally considered to be in the top 3 restoration specialists in the USA; I do not, however, have contact info.

Tom A

[Lugerdoc]

If time and money are no problem, Gale Morgan is your man. TH

[Conny]

Gentlemen, other than the obvious differences between the Carbine and standard PO8 (barrel, sights, stock, etc), are the internals the same. If so, I need to start looking for parts now. I'm glad you have a parts list posted. Is there a source for these parts or is it all eBay, Gunbroker, GunsAmerica and world-wide searching? Are there still NOS parts available?

I have heard the names of Mike Krause, John Martz and Gale Morgan before. Don't remember where or when but the names are familiar.

I have 2 photos of Carbine frames. The front slotted extension are of different lengths. Is there a reason for this? Is it possible to discern a date of possible manufacture from this or serial #55029?

Please be patient and understanding of my ignorance and stupid questions. I joined this sight to learn from the knowledgable and the experts. Thank you.

I have used Gale Morgan to restore a carbine and think highly of him and his work. He is not cheap, but is very, very good. His phone number is 916-645-1720.

[lugerholsterrepair]

Duane, I viewed this pistol frame for the first time on another thread...Do you have it in hand yet? It appears to have been in a fire. Maybe it's just the photo..Jerry Burney

[Conny]

Mr. Burney, it's being shipped. I was told it came from a box of old gunsmith "stuff" in Mexico. I'm hoping that it is surface rust as the seller explained. It is coming from Adams Guns in New Mexico. Damn, now I'm starting to worry.