Stainless Steel Lugers

Drachenstein · 10-11-2009, 08:30 PM

I read somewhere that any luger made other than DWM is a cheap copy.

I have a late Stoeger Navy (6 in) that works just fine. Mine prefers 115gr Winchesters and will jam with 124gr Magtechs. I have no problem with disassembly or assembly. Very balanced, accurate, but a little heavy. They seem to be a bit thicker and not quite so ergonomic as a classic Luger, but I do have small hands.
AIMCO actually made both the Stoeger and the Mitchell. There was a problem with the early Mitchell models with the metallurgy. They were too soft and would eventually beat themselves to death. The problem was supposed to have been corrected while still under the Mitchell name. It’s a bit like the 1903 Springfield stigma, which is based on truth, but all 1903’s are considered safe after the problem was corrected. You'll still hear some oldtimer telling you the 03 reciever will blow up in your face.

You can still get replacement parts through Aimco but they are expensive and getting through to them a pain in the butt. The magazines and parts are not interchangeable with other lugers.

As far as their cost, you just don’t see many and that drives the price up. I take mine to the range and it turns heads. It is beautiful. If I had an offer to trade it for a navy DWM ?

It would be gone in a heart beat. Shooting wise I do prefer my S/42 over it,,,,,,,, just feels better. The only preference I have to stainless is my black powder deer rifle,

makes cleaning soooo much easier.

10-11-2009, 08:30 PM	#15
Drachenstein User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Elizabethtown, KY Posts: 78 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I read somewhere that any luger made other than DWM is a cheap copy. I have a late Stoeger Navy (6 in) that works just fine. Mine prefers 115gr Winchesters and will jam with 124gr Magtechs. I have no problem with disassembly or assembly. Very balanced, accurate, but a little heavy. They seem to be a bit thicker and not quite so ergonomic as a classic Luger, but I do have small hands. AIMCO actually made both the Stoeger and the Mitchell. There was a problem with the early Mitchell models with the metallurgy. They were too soft and would eventually beat themselves to death. The problem was supposed to have been corrected while still under the Mitchell name. It’s a bit like the 1903 Springfield stigma, which is based on truth, but all 1903’s are considered safe after the problem was corrected. You'll still hear some oldtimer telling you the 03 reciever will blow up in your face. You can still get replacement parts through Aimco but they are expensive and getting through to them a pain in the butt. The magazines and parts are not interchangeable with other lugers. As far as their cost, you just don’t see many and that drives the price up. I take mine to the range and it turns heads. It is beautiful. If I had an offer to trade it for a navy DWM ? It would be gone in a heart beat. Shooting wise I do prefer my S/42 over it,,,,,,,, just feels better. The only preference I have to stainless is my black powder deer rifle, makes cleaning soooo much easier.