New guy here with a 1939 mauser 42 luger

Doubs · 04-12-2020, 04:12 PM

The numbers inside the side plate were likely put there by factory inspectors.

When the pistols were initially sighted in, the front sight height could be changed to achieve zero at the desired distance. Thus they were made in different heights and marked accordingly.

The change from S/42 to just 42 came in 1939. S/42 production in 1939 was approximately 38,500. The production of 42 Lugers began about serial number 200r and your serial number suffix letter is a W. There were approximately 85,500 Lugers marked 42 produced in 1939. If I had to guess - and that's what I'm doing - I'd say your Luger was made in September, 1939. It could have been late August or even early October but IMO the best guess is September.

04-12-2020, 04:12 PM	#5
Doubs User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Byron, Georgia Posts: 1,736 Thanks: 819 Thanked 1,769 Times in 586 Posts	The numbers inside the side plate were likely put there by factory inspectors. When the pistols were initially sighted in, the front sight height could be changed to achieve zero at the desired distance. Thus they were made in different heights and marked accordingly. The change from S/42 to just 42 came in 1939. S/42 production in 1939 was approximately 38,500. The production of 42 Lugers began about serial number 200r and your serial number suffix letter is a W. There were approximately 85,500 Lugers marked 42 produced in 1939. If I had to guess - and that's what I'm doing - I'd say your Luger was made in September, 1939. It could have been late August or even early October but IMO the best guess is September.