Shoot or not to shoot.

leesherman · 11-15-2013, 01:31 AM

OK, I'm brand new to Luger pistols. I purchased one for my firearm collection. It is in great condition, all #'s matching, no import marks, and has a receiver stamp of 1917. Basically a garden variety Luger as far as I know. I have not fired it as yet. I would like too just for the record. Another Luger collector told me that when he shot his, the extractor broke. His extractor was number matching and he was'nt happy. I was thinking about installing an aftermarket extractor, and then shooting the pistol. If the new extractor broke, then not so bad, as I would still have my #'s matching part. What about proper ammo selection? I would certainly appreciate any comments from persons who know more about Lugers than I. Thanks in advance. LS

ithacaartist · 11-15-2013, 02:09 AM

Welcome to the forum, Lee.

You pose the age-old question. If yours is original, you could swap out the most commonly broken parts for others to save them the possibility of breakage. The Luger is a sturdy, robust pistol by design, meant to be shot. However, messing up a collectible is sad, and expensive when you consider that some damage can reduce the value by half.

So, here's what you do: Post pics of your weapon. There's a sticky or FAQ around here somewhere about how best to do it--outdoors in the shade or on a cloudy day, tripod, white balance adjusted, close-up setting on the camera, highest res that will fit on the site (another sticky about how to post), etc. Show full left, right, top, bottom/front under barrel, rear, and closeups of all proofs and other stampings. The "community" will take a look at what you have, discuss most every aspect that needs be, and you can make your decision from as thoroughly informed a position as possible.

Your pistol might be refinished, albeit well, but this would remove strict collector status, making it a more-handsome-than-average shooter, and it can still have a relatively high value. If it turns out to be collectible, you may want to preserve it intact, take no chances with it, and simply buy another as a shooter.

Winchester white box form WalMart, 115gr FMJ is the go-to ammo (I just picked up a box today.). No P, +P, or NATO rounds! There are other manufacturers of ammo whose stuff might work as well in your gun, but WWB is the basic starting point.

Sorry to tell ya, Bud, but the Parabellum pistol is the potato chip gun--can't eat just one.

Sounds as if you have a 1917 P.08, likely military. We shall see...

alvin · 11-15-2013, 04:33 AM

If you keep shooting it, some parts will finally break.

I could not hold my curiosity, so I fired 20 rounds from my 1897 conehammer. It worked perfectly, I am very satisfied. That's it, no more shooting is needed on this one anymore. Consider that being "Test Fire".

Sellers usually do NOT allow test firing. But if it's yours, you can test fire a few rounds. Be honest, I was a little bit nervous while firing this one,,,,, even extractor is special on this variation, if it's broken, I would not be able to find a replacement. Fortunately, nothing negative happened.

[Edit] Another collector has 3 or 4 genuine Shansei C96s in his collection. Never fired any. Worrying break parts is a very legitimate reason. So, up to this day, I still don't know those genuine .45ACP working or not

mrerick · 11-15-2013, 06:44 AM

I don't shoot collectable firearms. The potential historical and financial value loss is too great. Get one that you can shoot without anxiety (an import marked one; a refinish, a mismatch, or one in poor finish).

Another way to look at it is if you break yours, it increases the value of other collectables because there is one less...

Marc

kurusu · 11-15-2013, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alvin

If you keep shooting it, some parts will finally break.

I could not hold my curiosity, so I fired 20 rounds from my 1897 conehammer. It worked perfectly, I am very satisfied. That's it, no more shooting is needed on this one anymore. Consider that being "Test Fire".

Sellers usually do NOT allow test firing. But if it's yours, you can test fire a few rounds. Be honest, I was a little bit nervous while firing this one,,,,, even extractor is special on this variation, if it's broken, I would not be able to find a replacement. Fortunately, nothing negative happened.

[Edit] Another collector has 3 or 4 genuine Shansei C96s in his collection. Never fired any. Worrying break parts is a very legitimate reason. So, up to this day, I still don't know those genuine .45ACP working or not

That's one sweet C96. Congrats.

alvin · 11-15-2013, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leesherman

I was thinking about installing an aftermarket extractor, and then shooting the pistol.

If cannot hold curiosity, just shoot 8 rounds from it as is. You don't know which part will break. It could be firing pin on yours, the toggle could crack,,,,,you don't know. What if something indeed breaks?? Looking from this angle -- if it cannot even withstand 8 rounds.... you need another instance anyway.

But if it does not break (supposedly), you have a gem. The key is test firing, not sports firing, so just 8 rounds of Winchester White Box. If you keep shooting it, something will break sooner or later.

leesherman · 11-15-2013, 12:35 PM

You guys answered many questions for me. I truly appreciate the effort. I basically purchased it just to hold and admire from time to time. As an investment goes, that was only secondary. If old man Luger only knew eh?! So many guns, so little time. Thanks, LS

ithacaartist · 11-15-2013, 12:45 PM

I just had this thought...that if one changes out enough parts to protect the original ones, at what point would it not even be the "same gun"?

It would be sorta like that if an entirely different upper were installed to protect parts for trying it out...

Geo99 · 11-15-2013, 11:54 PM

David,

I actually thought about doing just that. I fll upper would cost as much as buying a shooter so that would be a waste of time.

All you would need is a complete breechblock/firing pin and the rest of the toggle train. You could just swap that out to shoot with, and about the only other thing you might break is the ejector (flat spring that is not normally marked, at least on DWMs)...
But then I realized there could still be headspace issues so you would need some 9mm headspace gauges. All in all, I figured I might as well just buy a shooter because you're right - it would not be the same gun.

- Geo

Geo99 · 11-16-2013, 12:02 AM

Lee,

Welcome to the club and to the forum.

IMO there is no such thing as a "garden variety Luger" (well, maybe a 1920s 7.65 commercial). Imperial Army Lugers are quite unique and collectable, having almost every part numbered. A nice 1917 is a real treasure to keep.

Let's see some pics,

- Geo

Curly1 · 11-16-2013, 12:13 AM

Welcome to the forum

I fired a box thru mine when I got it and that was it.

Got a shooter to take to the range.

leesherman · 11-16-2013, 01:17 PM

I'll try to submit pix. Never have done it before. Probably no real reason to bring the ole' girl outa' retirement after all these years. I'll see what I can do with some good help. Thanks again guys. LS

Sergio Natali · 11-16-2013, 02:37 PM

Welcome to this Forum made by Luger enthusiasts, I'm afraid it's an old topic; actually I'm one of the many that DO NOT shoot any "collectible", neither Lugers, nor others like C-96 or Pythons or Sig just to name a few.
BUT as I always say it's just a matter of personal choice, if you are ready to take a risk to ruin probably for ever a collectible item, do it, but to me would be a real shame.

11-15-2013, 01:31 AM	#1
leesherman New User Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Shoot or not to shoot. OK, I'm brand new to Luger pistols. I purchased one for my firearm collection. It is in great condition, all #'s matching, no import marks, and has a receiver stamp of 1917. Basically a garden variety Luger as far as I know. I have not fired it as yet. I would like too just for the record. Another Luger collector told me that when he shot his, the extractor broke. His extractor was number matching and he was'nt happy. I was thinking about installing an aftermarket extractor, and then shooting the pistol. If the new extractor broke, then not so bad, as I would still have my #'s matching part. What about proper ammo selection? I would certainly appreciate any comments from persons who know more about Lugers than I. Thanks in advance. LS

11-15-2013, 02:09 AM	#2
ithacaartist Twice a Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atop the highest hill in Schuyler County NY Posts: 3,282 Thanks: 7,007 Thanked 2,476 Times in 1,319 Posts	Welcome to the forum, Lee. You pose the age-old question. If yours is original, you could swap out the most commonly broken parts for others to save them the possibility of breakage. The Luger is a sturdy, robust pistol by design, meant to be shot. However, messing up a collectible is sad, and expensive when you consider that some damage can reduce the value by half. So, here's what you do: Post pics of your weapon. There's a sticky or FAQ around here somewhere about how best to do it--outdoors in the shade or on a cloudy day, tripod, white balance adjusted, close-up setting on the camera, highest res that will fit on the site (another sticky about how to post), etc. Show full left, right, top, bottom/front under barrel, rear, and closeups of all proofs and other stampings. The "community" will take a look at what you have, discuss most every aspect that needs be, and you can make your decision from as thoroughly informed a position as possible. Your pistol might be refinished, albeit well, but this would remove strict collector status, making it a more-handsome-than-average shooter, and it can still have a relatively high value. If it turns out to be collectible, you may want to preserve it intact, take no chances with it, and simply buy another as a shooter. Winchester white box form WalMart, 115gr FMJ is the go-to ammo (I just picked up a box today.). No P, +P, or NATO rounds! There are other manufacturers of ammo whose stuff might work as well in your gun, but WWB is the basic starting point. Sorry to tell ya, Bud, but the Parabellum pistol is the potato chip gun--can't eat just one. Sounds as if you have a 1917 P.08, likely military. We shall see... __________________ "... Liberty is the seed and soil, the air and light, the dew and rain of progress, love and joy."-- Robert Greene Ingersoll 1894

11-15-2013, 04:33 AM	#3
alvin User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: US Posts: 3,843 Thanks: 132 Thanked 729 Times in 438 Posts	If you keep shooting it, some parts will finally break. I could not hold my curiosity, so I fired 20 rounds from my 1897 conehammer. It worked perfectly, I am very satisfied. That's it, no more shooting is needed on this one anymore. Consider that being "Test Fire". Sellers usually do NOT allow test firing. But if it's yours, you can test fire a few rounds. Be honest, I was a little bit nervous while firing this one,,,,, even extractor is special on this variation, if it's broken, I would not be able to find a replacement. Fortunately, nothing negative happened. [Edit] Another collector has 3 or 4 genuine Shansei C96s in his collection. Never fired any. Worrying break parts is a very legitimate reason. So, up to this day, I still don't know those genuine .45ACP working or not Attached Thumbnails

11-15-2013, 06:44 AM	#4
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,900 Thanks: 1,370 Thanked 3,094 Times in 1,503 Posts	I don't shoot collectable firearms. The potential historical and financial value loss is too great. Get one that you can shoot without anxiety (an import marked one; a refinish, a mismatch, or one in poor finish). Another way to look at it is if you break yours, it increases the value of other collectables because there is one less... Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

11-15-2013, 12:45 PM	#8
ithacaartist Twice a Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atop the highest hill in Schuyler County NY Posts: 3,282 Thanks: 7,007 Thanked 2,476 Times in 1,319 Posts	I just had this thought...that if one changes out enough parts to protect the original ones, at what point would it not even be the "same gun"? It would be sorta like that if an entirely different upper were installed to protect parts for trying it out... __________________ "... Liberty is the seed and soil, the air and light, the dew and rain of progress, love and joy."-- Robert Greene Ingersoll 1894

11-15-2013, 12:35 PM	#7
leesherman New User Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	You guys answered many questions for me. I truly appreciate the effort. I basically purchased it just to hold and admire from time to time. As an investment goes, that was only secondary. If old man Luger only knew eh?! So many guns, so little time. Thanks, LS

11-15-2013, 11:54 PM	#9
Geo99 User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Whidbey Island WA Posts: 396 Thanks: 100 Thanked 125 Times in 74 Posts	David, I actually thought about doing just that. I fll upper would cost as much as buying a shooter so that would be a waste of time. All you would need is a complete breechblock/firing pin and the rest of the toggle train. You could just swap that out to shoot with, and about the only other thing you might break is the ejector (flat spring that is not normally marked, at least on DWMs)... But then I realized there could still be headspace issues so you would need some 9mm headspace gauges. All in all, I figured I might as well just buy a shooter because you're right - it would not be the same gun. - Geo __________________ "Diplomacy is the art of saying nice doggie, until you can find a rock." - Will Rogers

11-16-2013, 12:02 AM	#10
Geo99 User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Whidbey Island WA Posts: 396 Thanks: 100 Thanked 125 Times in 74 Posts	Lee, Welcome to the club and to the forum. IMO there is no such thing as a "garden variety Luger" (well, maybe a 1920s 7.65 commercial). Imperial Army Lugers are quite unique and collectable, having almost every part numbered. A nice 1917 is a real treasure to keep. Let's see some pics, - Geo __________________ "Diplomacy is the art of saying nice doggie, until you can find a rock." - Will Rogers

11-16-2013, 12:13 AM	#11
Curly1 User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 1,228 Thanks: 111 Thanked 702 Times in 364 Posts	Welcome to the forum I fired a box thru mine when I got it and that was it. Got a shooter to take to the range. __________________ Laugh hard and often. Gary

11-16-2013, 01:17 PM	#12
leesherman New User Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I'll try to submit pix. Never have done it before. Probably no real reason to bring the ole' girl outa' retirement after all these years. I'll see what I can do with some good help. Thanks again guys. LS

11-16-2013, 02:37 PM	#13
Sergio Natali User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Somewhere in Northern Italy Posts: 2,646 Thanks: 1,082 Thanked 1,783 Times in 1,007 Posts	Welcome to this Forum made by Luger enthusiasts, I'm afraid it's an old topic; actually I'm one of the many that DO NOT shoot any "collectible", neither Lugers, nor others like C-96 or Pythons or Sig just to name a few. BUT as I always say it's just a matter of personal choice, if you are ready to take a risk to ruin probably for ever a collectible item, do it, but to me would be a real shame. __________________ "Originality can't be restored and should be at the top of any collector's priority list.