First Two of My Horses in a Race

[ithacaartist]

My Luger-itis was complicated a couple of years ago by my interest in the Luger-looking guns made by Erma_Werke from the 60s to the late 80s. To make a long story shot, I acquired several frames and basket cases this last year, and have restored them to function. I have recently cast them into the melee that is Gunbroker.com

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=384086496 and http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=384247638

I've posted plenty about such guns on this forum, so will not repeat info that can be obtained by a wee search, but bottom line is that some people like them, some don't. They tend to be finicky about ammo and mag sensitive, but it is possible to tweak them to make improvements. For those who want to try out a gun that makes up for the challenges it may present by looking and feeling pretty cool, and being quite accurate, you might try one. I can add that, for these offerings, I'll admit to making the grips much nicer than original.

Otherwise, tell me what you think...

Thanks,

David Parker

[Maestro]

sweet gun David
i'm posting some of the pictures here
and description:

This Erma-Werke La.22, serial number 11977. This would be an early production example of the model, due to the relatively low serial number. It is mechanically complete, and has been successfully test-fired, and functions best with 40 gr. bullet with muzzle velocity available from standard velocity loads up to the 1235 fps of CCI Mini-Mags (best to avoid higher velocities). There is a bit of holster damage, as shown in the pics, including some freckling on the outermost sides of the upper frame, some thin finish on the typical front high points and edges, and an area of finish on the rear back strap that matches the shape of the holster's retention strap. If you're interested in an Erma .22, this one is one of their classic Luger look-alikes. This model has the same weight and overall dimensions as an original P.08. However the firing system is standard blow-back design, in addition to the trigger/sear system which differs greatly from that of the Parabelum pistol. These are quite accurate, too. This model, offered first in the early 60s, is constructed of cast Zamak, an alloy of Zinc, Aluminum, Magnesium, and Copper--except for the barrel's steel lining, the steel breech block, and many of the small, internal parts. This one has checkered walnut grips that look way better than those usually encountered. It is accompanied by two original factory 10-shot mags.

[ithacaartist]

Thanks, Darius,

Here are some more pics that didn't fit on the listing.

[rhuff]

Good luck with the auction. As you know, I am one of those that likes them, but mine were new, and had not been "fixed" by "bubba".

[ithacaartist]

Originally Posted by rhuff

Good luck with the auction. As you know, I am one of those that likes them, but mine were new, and had not been "fixed" by "bubba".

In some cases, I've been overcoming the work of previous "bubbas". I've found that it is the rare, non-NIB Erma that has not been screwed with in some way. For example, many, many left grip scales have been gouged out in the backside in the area of the trigger bar/sear release, presumably to keep the components of the system from binding during operation. However, this 'fix" will produce exactly a deleterious effect, allowing the mating ends of the parts to slip past each other even more when under tension. Rationally, they should move smoothly in-line, within the space designed for them--behind the grip scale and in front of the surface of the frame, established in this area at a level to do this. Filling in the damage restores better trigger function.

Bubba, as I understand him, is a heavy-handed technician. Sort of like a bull in china shop. He has little knowledge of or aptitude for mechanical function or acceptable practices for working with materials. His experience with a specific gun with which he is working approaches nil, and he has absolutely no sense of aesthetics.

Human nature leads us each to think our capabilities are greater than objective assessment would bear out. I'm wondering if you consider my rehabilitation of a handful of cheap, cranky pistols "bubba work".

[Edward Tinker]

David, you want me to move this to the For Sale section?

Its ok with me, if anyone objects they can email me

[ithacaartist]

Originally Posted by Edward Tinker

David, you want me to move this to the For Sale section?

Its ok with me, if anyone objects they can email me

I hesitated to put it there, as it did not fit with the section's rule about a clear and specific price. I have no problem with moving it, but the thread seems to have some interest and activity where it is. I'll be happy either way, so up to you!

[ithacaartist]

As of this writing, I've just checked my G.B. auctions. With 2-3 days to go in their first week up, there are 4 "watchers" for one and 5 for the other. If I equate this with my own auction "behavior", it means there is at least some interest in them. I hope that someone is waiting to pounce on them at the last minute. I will be happy with the start price for each, but it would be great if two interested parties for each start duking it out towards the end!

[Edward Tinker]

gunbroker and ebay can be maddening! I will have 12 watchers and no bids, or 2 watchers and get six bids the last few minutes...

[ithacaartist]

Right on, Ed. This my first time ever selling a pistol--now that I think of it, I've never sold any gun. But Ive certainly watched my share over the last several years, and actually have had some strategies when I've bid.

For buying on eBay, I've found auctionsniper.com a handy tool. In case you don't know about it, it's a max-bid proxy setup that submits your max bid to eBay in the last seconds. I'm still outbid plenty, by higher max bids already in the eBay proxy system, but I find it really handy in sticking to a set budget. In setting things up ahead of time, it's way less likely to become embroiled in the last minute frenzy. And operating on the notion that refraining from early automatic bidding can help keep the hammer price down, I don't need to remember to go online near the end of each auction--particularly when the ol' lady has dragged me off somewhere--to do it myself.

[rhuff]

David,

I don't consider what you have done with these Ermas as "bubba" fixes. You understand the mechanics of these handguns, and study what is right, and what may well be wrong.....no "bull in china closet" moves. It can be difficult at times to repair something that has been grossly screwed up by someone else. I have had my share of "challenges" in the past, and being stubborn to a fault, I can't admit defeat easily on them. One old Spanish .380 auto took me forever to finally tune that thing to where it works correctly. My Alphabet Luger was another challenge, especially because I wanted it to fire 30 Luger and 9mm from the same frame. Things just take me so much longer than they used to!!

[ithacaartist]

Thanks. As you know, it's about the challenge. The main part of it is that the design of the darned things presents what I believe is a very narrow set of criteria for spring balance. Despite being mass-produced, it seems to me that individual examples present different degrees of friction in their mechanisms. And different individual springs provide slightly different tension/resistance. It takes a bit of detective work to methodically go through different combinations to optimize dependability of function--which still may not be 100%. Another enthusiast I encountered in my quest for sound replacement parts told me that he'd tamed a Sterling .22, finally through ammo selection, so I know I'm not the only guy out there exploring this stuff. Our Lugerdoc is another who's worked with them for a while, and stocks some of the parts. And I believe some of the experience is very adaptable to diagnosis of Luger functional antics, so not a total loss if I eventually tire of putzing with the Ermas. Well, the early ones, anyway.

I just looked, and I've lost a watcher. No bids yet.

[ithacaartist]

The ET-22 and LA-22 are both sold--each toward the end of its acution, each for the start price (one bidder).

I've listed two EP-22s, as of yesterday, here http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=385892832 and here http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=385887857

Both, as the first two, have grips that I repaired (gouged out area on back side of left grips filled with epoxy and re-leveled), refreshed (to allow any character in the wood to show), and extended the factory checkering pattern all the way to the edges, then finish coated with two light coats of Danish oil.

Starting prices are a few bucks more than the LA-22 sold, because they are a bit later in mfgr, and in better condition.