rules of thumb for purchase

[cotcrab]

Hi
Are there any rules of thumb of what to look for when purchasing a first luger. For example % of straw, % bluing, strike marks, good mechanical shape vs good shooter, oil on the gun, pitting etc...
I'd like to get a shooter. I was looking at the adds in simpson and saw the different terms that leads to more questions.
Thanks
Peter

[ithacaartist]

Peter,
Welcome to the forum.
Your question is perennial...and everyone has to decide for him or her self. Simpsons is one place to check out what is available, and at what price. But keep in mind that the major dealers exact full retail for their wares; a plus would be that they stand by what they sell.
Rules of thumb? For a shooter, safety and functionality are about all that really count. The rest depends on what you like. 9mm or 7.65? Imperial, Weimar, Nazi--you decide! (Some tout the WWII Lugers as metallurgically best for shooters--developed the latest, and used the heaviest loads.) P.08, American Eagle, Navy, Swiss, Artillery, Commercial, or Contract? For a shooter, the bigger the budget, the prettier or more interesting the gun.
However, let's rewind a bit. I'd heartily recommend the consumption of as many of the best books you can score. Simultaneously, read the forum--you will become familiar with the subject at your own pace by reading about the issues and comments, looking at the pics submitted for evaluation, and basically creating for yourself a blueprint of the possibilities, which are numerous because of the many variations Lugers present. If you're unclear about a term or comment, ask, and you will find out how readily members share information.
You could probably wait until a forum member posts one in the WTS section, and come up with a good shooter at a fair price. Otherwise, posting good pics and description of a prospective purchase elsewhere will get the gun a good going-over of its condition, markings, configuration, as well as ballpark value. But first, you have to decide what you're looking for in that shooter!
Gonna buy a Luger, huh? Oh, man, you're in for it now!

David Parker

[alvin]

If not a dedicated Luger collector, but still need one Luger in the collection, I would think acquiring a VG common variation in $1000-$2000 range. The more expensive, the less you want to shoot it. But if you do shoot a few rounds from it occasionally, it shoots well. I would think 4" barrel, post 1908 army or commercial, matching, original finish 80% or above.

[Curly1]

Check the FAQ post in the new collector forum, there is a lot of good info there also.

http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthread.php?t=13121

[cotcrab]

Thank you all! I have found that it was easier to choose my 1911 than a luger. Every time I see one or read about one it opens the door to more questions and choices. I will take your advice. First the homework. That will give me a better idea of what to get.

[DavidJayUden]

The Simpson Ltd. website is a nice place to spend some time. Read their descriptions and note the differences between the expensive ones and the others. There is a lot to learn there.
dju