import junk?

[BradW]

A local shop has a S/42 1937 dated import marked pistol, that has a frame I'm curious about, serial number 56273 (front of frame under barrel)that looks parkerized along with the trigger and take down lever (rest is blued). I'm certainly not real sharp when it comes to Lugers but I'm wondering about the frame, any info would be appreciated. The wood grips and wood bottom mag are pretty nice original, it's 9mm and import marked under the barrel $400. Thank you.
Brad

[Ron Smith]

Brad, It sounds like a Russian or VOPO rework.
Is there an X stamped on it, usually above the Ser# on the left side. If so, it is Russian.
$400 is a decent price, if it's in good condition. Now, they are considered shooter grade. However eventually they may become collectable in their own right.
The Russians "dipped" the captured Lugers. An expedient way to reblue and preserve them for storage. This often left a parkerized appearance.
Are there any X'd out numbers or marks? Another Russian practice.
Ron

[BradW]

Ron, Thank you for the response,Yes there is a X on the side and I think some hash marks where you would normally see proof marks on the other side.

[Lugerdoc]

Ron, If the 56,000 range serial on the frame that you mentioned is original, it would fall in the 1906 DWM range an have no stock lug, vise what you would expect on a 1937 PO8 and may be cut for a grip safety under the left grip. TH

[Dwight Gruber]

Brad,

Lugerdoc is corect, and the implication is that this pistol may have a P-08 upper on a 1906 receiver. Check to see if the barrel and receiver serial number match the frame, and if you can remove the left grip plate--very carefully--to see if there is evidence of a mounting point for a grip safety spring, and other evidence of a former grip safety.

If you do manage to check these things, please let us know--this is an interesting pistol, and potentially a good data point for my commercial serial range survey.

--Dwight

[BradW]

Dwight, I'll check the grip area today, I don't remember if it has the stock lug or not. I thought the frame may have been some after market thing. May be a fun shooter.

[BradW]

Hi Guys, O.K. I checked the grip and frame area, I was wrong about the serial number but not by much it's 56973 and that is the only marking on the frame other than "gesichert" for the safety. There is no stock lug. I took off the grips and could not tell if it's cut for a grip safety what do I look for?
Brad

[Dwight Gruber]

Here is a comparison of a Luger frame without grip safety (left) and with one (right).

--Dwight

[BradW]

Thanks Dwight, I'll check Monday or Tues.
Brad

[BradW]

Well, I checked again today and it looks like the 1908 commercial pictured above. Since the whole upper is S/42 and the frame is numbered 56973 (not matching the upper parts) what is it? a commercial frame with a military upper half? is the frame any good for parts/restoration? I suppose finding a S/42 frame would be pretty hard? Thank you for any info.
Brad

[Dwight Gruber]

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by BradW:
<strong>...what is it? a commercial frame with a military upper half? is the frame any good for parts/restoration? I suppose finding a S/42 frame would be pretty hard?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Yep, a commercial frame with a military upper half.

What are your intentions concerning Lugers? Do you intend to collect, shoot,..?? I would suggest that at $400 this is a decent deal for a Luger to shoot, explain what you have learned here and see if you can pick it up for $350.

Parting this gun out, or trying to make a whole S/42 out of it, is a waste of money. Save the bucks you would spend on some kind of mismatched parts restoration on a real collection quality Luger. In the meantime, you will have one to shoot so you will be less inclined to shoot a collection quality gun.

Or, if shooting is not in your interest, pass on this one altogether, be $400 ahead for your first collection gun.

--Dwight

[BradW]

Thanks Dwight,
I think I'll get it for the mag and to shoot. Down the road I can sell it.
Brad

[Lugerdoc]

As I recall, There is another Forum member looking for a M1906 frame (he had to return a renumbered one). Perhaps he would be willing to trade you a PO8 frame with stock lug and a bit of cash for your trouble. TH