Suggestions for a reliable shooter?

TNSTAAFL · 08-17-2020, 10:28 AM

New member here - and thanks in advance for any guidance! I've always liked the look and operational aspects of the Luger pistols - my "experiment" with a couple of Stoeger Lugers in 22LR was disappointing - my two had feeding and reliability problems - constant headaches - but I still like Lugers, so I'm looking for a "real" shooter Luger, if I can find one that'll meet my criteria:

I want a reliable shooter - I'm not interested in a collectible pistol that'd best be kept in the safe
I'm not at all focused on Nazi markings or wartime memorabilia - in fact, I'd prefer one without those markings
Magazines - since one of the many problems I had with the Stoegers was magazine related, I want at least 2-3 original magazines, unless there are after-market, recently manufactured RELIABLE mags available
it'll shoot modern 9mm ammo - I don't want to have to get into an additional caliber at this point
parts probably won't be cheap, but they should at least be available

Looking forward to your thoughts, and thanks again !

HerrKaiser · 08-17-2020, 12:00 PM

If you want a reliable shooter, then you're likely looking for a refinished or nickled/chromed military gun that is still all matching parts. Commercials in 9mm are relatively uncommon and usually not in "shooter" condition. Something like this one for sale is probably up your alley (on the other Luger forum).

https://luger.gunboards.com/showthre...romed-1917-DWM

If the above does not tickle your fancy, hang around the forum as members regularly post Lugers for sale, including shooters.

As for magazines, it is not recommended that you use originals. They have collector value in their own right, and the wood bottom mags from an imperial or Weimar gun after 90+ years may fail/break as they have aged and gotten more brittle. Most of us here recommend Mec-Gar magazines. They are reliable and I use three of them for my own shooting purposes.

Happy hunting and welcome to the forum!

Dwight Gruber · 08-17-2020, 12:10 PM

You may need to ease up on your criterion #2. The easiest available 9mm shooters will be WWII military Lugers.

I recommend staying away from chrome- or nickel-plated pistols. In practical shooting they are hard on the eye.

--Dwight

George Anderson · 08-17-2020, 02:20 PM

Best bet is an East German rework.

Edward Tinker · 08-17-2020, 02:50 PM

Unless you have spare parts, then any luger might have problems that is not matching (even then), ask them if they have shot it, as most mismatched or under $1,000 will get the moniker of 'shooter'.

I have had perfectly nice DWM and Erfurts that were great shooters, all pre-WW2 - many folks like the 'newer' Mauser made lugers, supposed better made / supposed better metrology - I personally don't think there is a huge difference.

TNSTAAFL · 08-17-2020, 02:51 PM

Thanks for the guidance! I'm happy to hear that magazines are available from MecGar ! Say I focus on an East German re-work gun - are parts readily available for these guns?

rhuff · 08-17-2020, 02:53 PM

You might also look into a post WW ll Mauser (1970s version). They make good shooters, and are "fairly" new.

G.T. · 08-17-2020, 02:58 PM

Hi Joe, If you can locate a frame in good condition, we / I, in conjunction with your desires and input, can build you a nice 9MM or .30 Cal. shooter! It can be made from all sorts of Luger spare parts, of which I have most all?.. I would be inclined to help you out on this project as I have most of the stuff, and would like to share in the fun! Let me know, I have several references from this forum and feel capable of doing the job correctly... if so interested, email me at: gctomeks@msn.com Best to all, til.....lat'r.....GT

Ron Wood · 08-17-2020, 03:43 PM

Joe,
G.T. is an excellent go to guy and a good friend. You can't go wrong with him, and it will shoot well.
On another note, I thought it was TANSTAAFL (first A = "Ain't")
Ron

CptCurl · 08-17-2020, 04:48 PM

My suggestion for a shooter is to find a good 1920 commercial. They are priced quite reasonably. It's going to be in 7.65mm, but under normal circumstances that ammo is readily available in the U.S.

Instead of a "parts gun" it will be a DWM commercial product. While they aren't quite as spiffy as a pre-WW1 DWM commercial Luger, they aren't shabby. I had one that was my shooter until a friend talked me out of it.

My current shooter is an East German or Russian re-work. It's mostly matching, it's 9mm, and it functions perfectly. In the hand it feels the same as a $7,500 "rare" Luger. Mine cost me about $1,000. Some people report getting one of these for less - I always over-pay.

Finally, G.T. has made you a solid offer that would be hard to turn away from.

You have some good choices. Let us know how this sorts out.

Curl

P.S. Ammo has gone crazy once again. None of the distributors have any 9mm or .45ACP at present. Midway is out also. Late last week I did find a quantity of 7.65mm and lassoed it. I am a fan of the 7.65mm.

TNSTAAFL · 08-17-2020, 06:52 PM

"I would be inclined to help you out on this project as I have most of the stuff, and would like to share in the fun!" - WOW, GT, that's quite an offer !!! What a nice guy !!! I will reach out to ya and discuss specifics of what I need to do to get started. WOW - thanks very much!!!

TNSTAAFL · 08-17-2020, 06:53 PM

Ron Wood - "I thought it was TANSTAAFL (first A = "Ain't")" - yeah, I think you're right, but I didn't know that when I first adopted that handle, and I guess I'm stuck with it now - for me, TNSTAAFL embodies many, many truths about life.

G.T. · 08-17-2020, 07:00 PM

Hi Joe, Happy to help out! It's not my first rodeo, and I have had similar experience with other new Luger enthusiasts and forum members? Actually you really learn a lot about Lugers every time you take on a challenge like we are about to! And, you don't buy a bunch of century old problems.. As we will correct or replace anything that is not up to par! So, the journey begins... Chapter one, "The search for a frame!" Best to all, til.....lat'r.....GT

HerrKaiser · 08-17-2020, 09:37 PM

Joe,

GT sold me my first shooter and I still have it, so far it has had zero issues, functioning as well as my modern handguns with a variety of ammo put through them all at the range. He also has helped to fix a rough magazine I acquired as well as helped me to modify two more to make them extra durable for shooting purposes. You cannot go wrong with him, he is a great guy and an excellent Luger mechanic to boot!

Sergio Natali · 08-18-2020, 03:50 AM

I agree with using a good 1920 commercial in 7.65mm as a shooter, unfortunately this caliber is generally pretty expensive and a bit more difficult if you reload. Several years ago the only Luger I used as a shooter was a Russian capture 1942 Mauser in cal. 9x21 IMI (only because here the cal. 9 Parabellum is not allowed to the civilian market).

DonVoigt · 08-18-2020, 09:44 AM

All sound advice.
If you can be a little patient, just watch the trader forum for a offer of a
complete, already test fired and "certified" shooter by a member here.

Several members have offered/sold in the past slightly "ugly" but entirely shootable lugers at a good price,
AND they have shot them and know that they will shoot.

I've sold several, but don't have one I want to let go just now.
Ed may be able to come up with one occasionally also.

TNSTAAFL · 08-18-2020, 10:18 AM

LOL, you guys must really 1) love these old guns, and 2) really like helping people! I gotta say, this is one of the friendliest gun forums I've been on! I had a great chat with GT already!

And by the way, if anyone has or notices for sale here one of those "complete, already test fired and "certified" shooter" pistols, please let me know in case I miss it.

rhuff · 08-18-2020, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TNSTAAFL

LOL, you guys must really 1) love these old guns.

You will find that Lugers can be quite addicting!!

TNSTAAFL · 08-20-2020, 04:12 PM

I exchanged a few emails and had a couple of phone conversations with G.T. - WOW, what a nice guy! This Luger adventure is gonna be fun !

G.T. · 08-29-2020, 10:06 PM

Well, hi to all! So far, We got a stripped frame coming from a member on the other forum! Pretty nice and reasonably priced to boot! I traded some magazine work for a safety lever, and I got a parts kit off of Ebay that will round out most of the frame necessities? The top end will be a 1920 commercial, with a new 4" 9MM barrel, marked, "MADE IN GERMANY" The toggle assembly will be a real Mongrel dog! E.G. new breechblock with a Swiss firing pin, 70's Mauser mid toggle link, and an E.G. rear toggle ... I've got plenty of Mec-Gar mags, so we'll work one of those over with a new bottom and spring! A nice set of grips are the next order of business! I'd like to find a nice set of Finnish import grips which are like Black Widow grips in outwards appearance, but way different on the back side... and, they are not true Bakelite as well? Anyway, if anyone has a set let me know...

....we press on! Best to all, til....lat'r....GT

08-17-2020, 10:28 AM	#1
TNSTAAFL User Join Date: Aug 2020 Posts: 11 Thanks: 0 Thanked 23 Times in 6 Posts	Suggestions for a reliable shooter? New member here - and thanks in advance for any guidance! I've always liked the look and operational aspects of the Luger pistols - my "experiment" with a couple of Stoeger Lugers in 22LR was disappointing - my two had feeding and reliability problems - constant headaches - but I still like Lugers, so I'm looking for a "real" shooter Luger, if I can find one that'll meet my criteria: I want a reliable shooter - I'm not interested in a collectible pistol that'd best be kept in the safe I'm not at all focused on Nazi markings or wartime memorabilia - in fact, I'd prefer one without those markings Magazines - since one of the many problems I had with the Stoegers was magazine related, I want at least 2-3 original magazines, unless there are after-market, recently manufactured RELIABLE mags available it'll shoot modern 9mm ammo - I don't want to have to get into an additional caliber at this point parts probably won't be cheap, but they should at least be available Looking forward to your thoughts, and thanks again !

08-17-2020, 02:53 PM	#7
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,270 Thanks: 2,686 Thanked 958 Times in 704 Posts	You might also look into a post WW ll Mauser (1970s version). They make good shooters, and are "fairly" new. __________________ Need DWM breechblock #21

08-17-2020, 02:58 PM	#8
G.T. Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Chandler Arizona Posts: 3,485 Thanks: 1,283 Thanked 3,581 Times in 989 Posts	Mongrel dog shooter! Hi Joe, If you can locate a frame in good condition, we / I, in conjunction with your desires and input, can build you a nice 9MM or .30 Cal. shooter! It can be made from all sorts of Luger spare parts, of which I have most all?.. I would be inclined to help you out on this project as I have most of the stuff, and would like to share in the fun! Let me know, I have several references from this forum and feel capable of doing the job correctly... if so interested, email me at: gctomeks@msn.com Best to all, til.....lat'r.....GT

08-17-2020, 03:43 PM	#9
Ron Wood Moderator 2010 LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Santa Teresa New Mexico just outside of the West Texas town of El Paso Posts: 6,986 Thanks: 1,065 Thanked 5,088 Times in 1,674 Posts	Joe, G.T. is an excellent go to guy and a good friend. You can't go wrong with him, and it will shoot well. On another note, I thought it was TANSTAAFL (first A = "Ain't") Ron __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

08-17-2020, 07:00 PM	#13
G.T. Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Chandler Arizona Posts: 3,485 Thanks: 1,283 Thanked 3,581 Times in 989 Posts	shooter build! Hi Joe, Happy to help out! It's not my first rodeo, and I have had similar experience with other new Luger enthusiasts and forum members? Actually you really learn a lot about Lugers every time you take on a challenge like we are about to! And, you don't buy a bunch of century old problems.. As we will correct or replace anything that is not up to par! So, the journey begins... Chapter one, "The search for a frame!" Best to all, til.....lat'r.....GT

08-17-2020, 12:00 PM	#2
HerrKaiser User Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: South Carolina Posts: 800 Thanks: 750 Thanked 793 Times in 376 Posts	If you want a reliable shooter, then you're likely looking for a refinished or nickled/chromed military gun that is still all matching parts. Commercials in 9mm are relatively uncommon and usually not in "shooter" condition. Something like this one for sale is probably up your alley (on the other Luger forum). https://luger.gunboards.com/showthre...romed-1917-DWM If the above does not tickle your fancy, hang around the forum as members regularly post Lugers for sale, including shooters. As for magazines, it is not recommended that you use originals. They have collector value in their own right, and the wood bottom mags from an imperial or Weimar gun after 90+ years may fail/break as they have aged and gotten more brittle. Most of us here recommend Mec-Gar magazines. They are reliable and I use three of them for my own shooting purposes. Happy hunting and welcome to the forum! __________________ -QM Looking for Mauser S/42 toggle train #22

08-17-2020, 12:10 PM	#3
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,889 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,281 Times in 423 Posts	You may need to ease up on your criterion #2. The easiest available 9mm shooters will be WWII military Lugers. I recommend staying away from chrome- or nickel-plated pistols. In practical shooting they are hard on the eye. --Dwight

08-17-2020, 02:20 PM	#4
George Anderson Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: VA Posts: 3,592 Thanks: 1,769 Thanked 2,527 Times in 786 Posts	Best bet is an East German rework.

08-17-2020, 02:50 PM	#5
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,909 Thanks: 1,986 Thanked 4,500 Times in 2,076 Posts	Unless you have spare parts, then any luger might have problems that is not matching (even then), ask them if they have shot it, as most mismatched or under $1,000 will get the moniker of 'shooter'. I have had perfectly nice DWM and Erfurts that were great shooters, all pre-WW2 - many folks like the 'newer' Mauser made lugers, supposed better made / supposed better metrology - I personally don't think there is a huge difference.

08-17-2020, 02:51 PM	#6
TNSTAAFL User Join Date: Aug 2020 Posts: 11 Thanks: 0 Thanked 23 Times in 6 Posts	Thanks for the guidance! I'm happy to hear that magazines are available from MecGar ! Say I focus on an East German re-work gun - are parts readily available for these guns?

08-17-2020, 04:48 PM	#10
CptCurl User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Botetourt County, Virginia Posts: 120 Thanks: 93 Thanked 140 Times in 46 Posts	My suggestion for a shooter is to find a good 1920 commercial. They are priced quite reasonably. It's going to be in 7.65mm, but under normal circumstances that ammo is readily available in the U.S. Instead of a "parts gun" it will be a DWM commercial product. While they aren't quite as spiffy as a pre-WW1 DWM commercial Luger, they aren't shabby. I had one that was my shooter until a friend talked me out of it. My current shooter is an East German or Russian re-work. It's mostly matching, it's 9mm, and it functions perfectly. In the hand it feels the same as a $7,500 "rare" Luger. Mine cost me about $1,000. Some people report getting one of these for less - I always over-pay. Finally, G.T. has made you a solid offer that would be hard to turn away from. You have some good choices. Let us know how this sorts out. Curl P.S. Ammo has gone crazy once again. None of the distributors have any 9mm or .45ACP at present. Midway is out also. Late last week I did find a quantity of 7.65mm and lassoed it. I am a fan of the 7.65mm.

08-17-2020, 06:52 PM	#11
TNSTAAFL User Join Date: Aug 2020 Posts: 11 Thanks: 0 Thanked 23 Times in 6 Posts	"I would be inclined to help you out on this project as I have most of the stuff, and would like to share in the fun!" - WOW, GT, that's quite an offer !!! What a nice guy !!! I will reach out to ya and discuss specifics of what I need to do to get started. WOW - thanks very much!!!

08-17-2020, 06:53 PM	#12
TNSTAAFL User Join Date: Aug 2020 Posts: 11 Thanks: 0 Thanked 23 Times in 6 Posts	Ron Wood - "I thought it was TANSTAAFL (first A = "Ain't")" - yeah, I think you're right, but I didn't know that when I first adopted that handle, and I guess I'm stuck with it now - for me, TNSTAAFL embodies many, many truths about life.

08-17-2020, 09:37 PM	#14
HerrKaiser User Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: South Carolina Posts: 800 Thanks: 750 Thanked 793 Times in 376 Posts	Joe, GT sold me my first shooter and I still have it, so far it has had zero issues, functioning as well as my modern handguns with a variety of ammo put through them all at the range. He also has helped to fix a rough magazine I acquired as well as helped me to modify two more to make them extra durable for shooting purposes. You cannot go wrong with him, he is a great guy and an excellent Luger mechanic to boot! __________________ -QM Looking for Mauser S/42 toggle train #22

08-18-2020, 03:50 AM	#15
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	I agree with using a good 1920 commercial in 7.65mm as a shooter, unfortunately this caliber is generally pretty expensive and a bit more difficult if you reload. Several years ago the only Luger I used as a shooter was a Russian capture 1942 Mauser in cal. 9x21 IMI (only because here the cal. 9 Parabellum is not allowed to the civilian market). __________________ "Originality can't be restored and should be at the top of any collector's priority list.

08-18-2020, 09:44 AM	#16
DonVoigt User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: near Charlotte NC Posts: 4,677 Thanks: 1,439 Thanked 4,348 Times in 2,038 Posts	All sound advice. If you can be a little patient, just watch the trader forum for a offer of a complete, already test fired and "certified" shooter by a member here. Several members have offered/sold in the past slightly "ugly" but entirely shootable lugers at a good price, AND they have shot them and know that they will shoot. I've sold several, but don't have one I want to let go just now. Ed may be able to come up with one occasionally also. __________________ 03man(Don Voigt); Luger student and collector. Looking for DWM side plate: 69 ; Dreyse 1907 pistol K.S. Gendarmerie

08-18-2020, 10:18 AM	#17
TNSTAAFL User Join Date: Aug 2020 Posts: 11 Thanks: 0 Thanked 23 Times in 6 Posts	LOL, you guys must really 1) love these old guns, and 2) really like helping people! I gotta say, this is one of the friendliest gun forums I've been on! I had a great chat with GT already! And by the way, if anyone has or notices for sale here one of those "complete, already test fired and "certified" shooter" pistols, please let me know in case I miss it.

08-20-2020, 04:12 PM	#19
TNSTAAFL User Join Date: Aug 2020 Posts: 11 Thanks: 0 Thanked 23 Times in 6 Posts	I exchanged a few emails and had a couple of phone conversations with G.T. - WOW, what a nice guy! This Luger adventure is gonna be fun !

08-29-2020, 10:06 PM	#20
G.T. Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Chandler Arizona Posts: 3,485 Thanks: 1,283 Thanked 3,581 Times in 989 Posts	So far! Well, hi to all! So far, We got a stripped frame coming from a member on the other forum! Pretty nice and reasonably priced to boot! I traded some magazine work for a safety lever, and I got a parts kit off of Ebay that will round out most of the frame necessities? The top end will be a 1920 commercial, with a new 4" 9MM barrel, marked, "MADE IN GERMANY" The toggle assembly will be a real Mongrel dog! E.G. new breechblock with a Swiss firing pin, 70's Mauser mid toggle link, and an E.G. rear toggle ... I've got plenty of Mec-Gar mags, so we'll work one of those over with a new bottom and spring! A nice set of grips are the next order of business! I'd like to find a nice set of Finnish import grips which are like Black Widow grips in outwards appearance, but way different on the back side... and, they are not true Bakelite as well? Anyway, if anyone has a set let me know... ....we press on! Best to all, til....lat'r....GT