questions

mrerick · 10-31-2011, 07:35 PM

Finding an all matching Luger including the magazine, with all in the original finish is rather rare. That's why collectors pay more for them.

Some of this depends on condition. To be collectible it should have over 85% of it's original finish intact.

Post some pictures taken without flash in indirect light (shaded outdoors) and we may be able to help you judge the finish on your Luger.

I personally would not shoot it. It's not worth the risk or breaking a numbered part. It does happen, and while not common, it's certainly not worth the risk. It's less expensive to get one that is a mismatch, or refinished and shoot that one.

I think it's a bit like collecting fine vintage wines. Some cost thousands per bottle. What good is wine unless you drink it? Well, some of those bottles are a real delight when opened. Some have turned to vinegar... Which ones will be a "loss".... You can't tell without tasting it. But tasting it destroys it's collector value...

Marc

SlayerK98 · 10-31-2011, 09:50 PM

Looks like I'm alone in my opinion, however I would still at least test fire it. Maybe not shoot it often, as others stated I would have a "shooter" Luger for most trips to the range, but I would still have to put a mag through it once in a while. I don't buy any gun that I either can't shoot or would be afraid to shoot. I am diligent about ammo quality, careful in transporting/storing, and spend a lot of time cleaning after a range trip.

If you do decide to shoot your '39, definitely don't use old, possibly corrosive ammo. I would not use new production cheap steel case stuff either. Recommend S&B 9mm. Their 8mm Mauser 196gr FMJ is also excellent, as well as boxer-primed if you reload.

-Eric

10-31-2011, 07:35 PM	#1
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,920 Thanks: 1,377 Thanked 3,135 Times in 1,518 Posts	Finding an all matching Luger including the magazine, with all in the original finish is rather rare. That's why collectors pay more for them. Some of this depends on condition. To be collectible it should have over 85% of it's original finish intact. Post some pictures taken without flash in indirect light (shaded outdoors) and we may be able to help you judge the finish on your Luger. I personally would not shoot it. It's not worth the risk or breaking a numbered part. It does happen, and while not common, it's certainly not worth the risk. It's less expensive to get one that is a mismatch, or refinished and shoot that one. I think it's a bit like collecting fine vintage wines. Some cost thousands per bottle. What good is wine unless you drink it? Well, some of those bottles are a real delight when opened. Some have turned to vinegar... Which ones will be a "loss".... You can't tell without tasting it. But tasting it destroys it's collector value... Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

10-31-2011, 09:50 PM	#2
SlayerK98 User Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 32 Thanks: 1 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Looks like I'm alone in my opinion, however I would still at least test fire it. Maybe not shoot it often, as others stated I would have a "shooter" Luger for most trips to the range, but I would still have to put a mag through it once in a while. I don't buy any gun that I either can't shoot or would be afraid to shoot. I am diligent about ammo quality, careful in transporting/storing, and spend a lot of time cleaning after a range trip. If you do decide to shoot your '39, definitely don't use old, possibly corrosive ammo. I would not use new production cheap steel case stuff either. Recommend S&B 9mm. Their 8mm Mauser 196gr FMJ is also excellent, as well as boxer-primed if you reload. -Eric