Quality of Stoeger American Eagle SS Lugers

Vboy · 06-19-2004, 11:41 AM

I have read mixed reviews of these 9MM pistols. Some have ssid that they have bad triggers, jam frequently, and are made of soft steel that wears rapidly. Others have indicated that they are fun to shoot and accurate. Has quality varied over the years; is quality hit or miss? These handguns are not cheap but would fun to have if they are well-made.

Thanks,

Vboy

Thor · 06-19-2004, 02:07 PM

I fixed the trigger on one that had trigger reset problems.

Dean · 06-19-2004, 07:25 PM

I have a 9mm Stoeger with 6 inch barrel. I think the quality is pretty good. Considering how much more complex these guns are compared to a modern automatic, I think they are reasonably priced.

I have not shot many rounds through my gun, but I have not had any problems.

I can remember hearing complaints about the earlier (pre-Stoeger) stainless Lugers. Maybe someone else out there can chime in on this.

Johnny C. Kitchens · 06-19-2004, 08:43 PM

Where did you see the bad reviews??? I've read several reviews in magazines, they may not be the best source, and none have had anything bad to say. Even the pre-Stoeger (Mitchell) get good reviews...

Vboy · 06-19-2004, 09:52 PM

I have seen negative comments on the Net, probably including The Firing Line and Rec.Guns. The criticisms include jamming and having parts made of soft metal. Do a Google search for stainless lugers or Stoeger luger.

Vboy

Lugerdoc · 06-20-2004, 09:49 AM

I too have heard all of the above comments on the new stainless lugers. Personally, I would perfer a mismatched military PO8, if not abused, as a shooter. If something does go wrong over the years, at least there are still plenty of original and new repro parts for these from various sources, and you're not locked into having to get your non-interchangable stainless parts from Orimar. TH

Steve Richards · 06-20-2004, 07:04 PM

Lugerdoc: I love your new avitar!

I have two of the stainless guns and like them. I did have some trouble and had Orimar replace the extractor on the 9mm. Since then, it hasbeen great. Ammo seems to be an issue with them, but that is the case with most Lugers.

Steve

LarryT · 07-06-2004, 04:54 PM

Hello Gentlemen,
Some time ago I tried to follow your suggestions about fixing my trigger-not-reseting problem on my Mitchell SS luger but I didn't get to first base myself. No one at Orimar would answer any emails. That was last year. Finally this year, I received an answer and was asked to send it in for an estimate, which I did on June 17th. I had also asked if they would include a couple of SS magazines. Today I got a letter saying the repairs are $114.75 and each magazine is $75.00.
Well, if it is fixed, I have a nice shooter, but I think I will get out my file and see if I can make some of the less expensive magazines from Triple K and others work. Right now, none of the other magazines will lock. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
LarryT

John Sabato · 07-06-2004, 05:06 PM

LarryT,

If your gun is a Mitchell as you stated above, and not a later production Stoeger, then unless I am mistaken, the standard P-08 magazines should work in your Stainless Steel Luger... because they were made before the magazine design change...

I would personally recommend the Mec-Gar type over the Triple-K brand for new commercial aftermarket magazines... but original magazines should also work IMHO. The FXO extruded steel type is the best in it's class.

You mentioned that the "other" types of magazines don't currently lock into the pistol? Can you tell why if you remove the grips?

It may only require that you enlarge the latch notch somewhat in order to get the newer type mags to work. Can you post side by side photos of the magazine that does work, and one that currently doesn't lock? It might be a good idea to include a finely marked ruler in the photo for measurement purposes...

LarryT · 07-06-2004, 05:39 PM

John,

When I get the SS back from OFM I will try this. In the interim, I got out my 1916 and my 1940 and both the Mec-Gars work fine (not that I'm going to fire them anyway). Also, I have an unidentified, brushed satin-finish steel one that works fine in both guns. The Triple K I have won't work in either gun. In the 1940 if I push in the mag release, I can push it up til it locks. In the 1916 it feels like its a 10 shot magazine. Won't go anywhere near locking and I certainly didn't force it. I will try taking off the grips on the SS when I get it back and seeing how close the latch notches are.

Thanks for the suggestions.
LarryT

Steve Richards · 07-07-2004, 01:18 AM

If the stainless magazines have flat sides, you can only use Orimar magazines. If they have a rib like the vintage ones, you can use any Luger magazine.

06-19-2004, 11:41 AM	#1
Vboy User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Tennessee Posts: 35 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Quality of Stoeger American Eagle SS Lugers I have read mixed reviews of these 9MM pistols. Some have ssid that they have bad triggers, jam frequently, and are made of soft steel that wears rapidly. Others have indicated that they are fun to shoot and accurate. Has quality varied over the years; is quality hit or miss? These handguns are not cheap but would fun to have if they are well-made. Thanks, Vboy

06-19-2004, 02:07 PM	#2
Thor User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico Posts: 4,583 Thanks: 958 Thanked 970 Times in 276 Posts	I fixed the trigger on one that had trigger reset problems. __________________ Thor's Luger Clinic http://members.rennlist.com/lugerman/ Ted Green (Thor Yaller Boots) 725 Western Hills Dr SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 915-526-8925 Email thor340@aol.com ----------------------------------- John3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

06-19-2004, 07:25 PM	#3
Dean User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: PA Posts: 132 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I have a 9mm Stoeger with 6 inch barrel. I think the quality is pretty good. Considering how much more complex these guns are compared to a modern automatic, I think they are reasonably priced. I have not shot many rounds through my gun, but I have not had any problems. I can remember hearing complaints about the earlier (pre-Stoeger) stainless Lugers. Maybe someone else out there can chime in on this. __________________ Carpe Diem, Parabellum

06-19-2004, 08:43 PM	#4
Johnny C. Kitchens User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Arlington, Texas Posts: 518 Thanks: 0 Thanked 20 Times in 8 Posts	Where did you see the bad reviews??? I've read several reviews in magazines, they may not be the best source, and none have had anything bad to say. Even the pre-Stoeger (Mitchell) get good reviews... __________________ Johnny C. Kitchens

06-20-2004, 09:49 AM	#6
Lugerdoc Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: POB 398 St.Charles,MO. 63302 Posts: 5,089 Thanks: 6 Thanked 736 Times in 483 Posts	I too have heard all of the above comments on the new stainless lugers. Personally, I would perfer a mismatched military PO8, if not abused, as a shooter. If something does go wrong over the years, at least there are still plenty of original and new repro parts for these from various sources, and you're not locked into having to get your non-interchangable stainless parts from Orimar. TH __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 lugerdoc@charter.net

06-19-2004, 09:52 PM	#5
Vboy User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Tennessee Posts: 35 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I have seen negative comments on the Net, probably including The Firing Line and Rec.Guns. The criticisms include jamming and having parts made of soft metal. Do a Google search for stainless lugers or Stoeger luger. Vboy

06-20-2004, 07:04 PM	#7
Steve Richards User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Beaverton, Oregon Posts: 487 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Lugerdoc: I love your new avitar! I have two of the stainless guns and like them. I did have some trouble and had Orimar replace the extractor on the 9mm. Since then, it hasbeen great. Ammo seems to be an issue with them, but that is the case with most Lugers. Steve

07-06-2004, 04:54 PM	#8
LarryT User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 50 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hello Gentlemen, Some time ago I tried to follow your suggestions about fixing my trigger-not-reseting problem on my Mitchell SS luger but I didn't get to first base myself. No one at Orimar would answer any emails. That was last year. Finally this year, I received an answer and was asked to send it in for an estimate, which I did on June 17th. I had also asked if they would include a couple of SS magazines. Today I got a letter saying the repairs are $114.75 and each magazine is $75.00. Well, if it is fixed, I have a nice shooter, but I think I will get out my file and see if I can make some of the less expensive magazines from Triple K and others work. Right now, none of the other magazines will lock. Any suggestions would be appreciated. LarryT

07-06-2004, 05:06 PM	#9
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,150 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	LarryT, If your gun is a Mitchell as you stated above, and not a later production Stoeger, then unless I am mistaken, the standard P-08 magazines should work in your Stainless Steel Luger... because they were made before the magazine design change... I would personally recommend the Mec-Gar type over the Triple-K brand for new commercial aftermarket magazines... but original magazines should also work IMHO. The FXO extruded steel type is the best in it's class. You mentioned that the "other" types of magazines don't currently lock into the pistol? Can you tell why if you remove the grips? It may only require that you enlarge the latch notch somewhat in order to get the newer type mags to work. Can you post side by side photos of the magazine that does work, and one that currently doesn't lock? It might be a good idea to include a finely marked ruler in the photo for measurement purposes... __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

07-06-2004, 05:39 PM	#10
LarryT User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 50 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	John, When I get the SS back from OFM I will try this. In the interim, I got out my 1916 and my 1940 and both the Mec-Gars work fine (not that I'm going to fire them anyway). Also, I have an unidentified, brushed satin-finish steel one that works fine in both guns. The Triple K I have won't work in either gun. In the 1940 if I push in the mag release, I can push it up til it locks. In the 1916 it feels like its a 10 shot magazine. Won't go anywhere near locking and I certainly didn't force it. I will try taking off the grips on the SS when I get it back and seeing how close the latch notches are. Thanks for the suggestions. LarryT

07-07-2004, 01:18 AM	#11
Steve Richards User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Beaverton, Oregon Posts: 487 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	If the stainless magazines have flat sides, you can only use Orimar magazines. If they have a rib like the vintage ones, you can use any Luger magazine.