Reno Gun Show Highlights...

Pete Ebbink · 08-17-2003, 11:16 AM

Thought I would start a thread and let folks add their comments about the Reno show this past weekend.

My highlights of the show are threefold :

1. Having dinner with 11 Luger Forum gun nuts !!! What a great evening and what a great bunch of luger fanatics !!!

Special thanks to Russ Withem and Doc Fisher for being our generous hosts !!!

2. Seeing Lodi Jim's wonderful John Martz luger collection; all cased in a hand-made 5-gun custom case (made by Jim).

3. Having some fellow named (Edited : Sorry,,,name was "Ron") Kenneth (sorry, his last named escaped me...but hoping others caught it...) from Idaho bring to the show the 2nd. Borchardt pistol ever made. Which he acquired in the mid-1990's. This was the pistol Georg Luger brought to the USA in 1904 (Edited : Oops ! Sorry, I think 1894...) for the Navy to evaluate. Kenneth brought a copy of Edward Scott Meadows book which also showed this gun. Ralph Shattuck did a valuation of the piece as well. The gun in person is well worn, has dents and scratches on the grip plates (identical to the photos in the book), and does not have a serial number and does not have Lowe or DWM or DRP patent number markings on the toggle links. Kenneth let all of us hold and inspect this historical piece and even offered to go out and let us shoot it if we had the ammo...unfortunately no one took up this opportunity...too busy making luger gun deals all over the place...

We did invite Kenneth to join the Luger Forum...maybe he will post photos in the near future.

Looking forward to the November Reno gun show. Lodi Jim has already agreed to co-host the Friday night dinner then. As the time approaches, we will need to get a 2nd. volunteer to be co-host... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

Regards,

Pete... <img border="0" alt="[typing]" title="" src="graemlins/yltype.gif" />

Lloyd in Nevada · 08-17-2003, 02:34 PM

I would like to "chime in" on the Big Reno show and the Luger Forum dinner and echo what Pete has said about the evening (by the way very nice to meet you Pete). I am a relative new comer to the group but everyone made me feel so welcome at the dinner I felt like I had known you guys for years--Thank You Very Much! Sat next to Ed Tinker on my right and Herb Keister on my left and Ralph Shattuck was at the end of the table on our end. Great food and wonderful Luger talk made this an evening to remember--I learned a lot. Many thanks to Russ Withem and Doc Fisher for the dinner--it wasn't cheap. It was just one of those days/evenings---gun show all day and dinner with fellow like minded individuals that night--it just doesn't get any better than that!

I was able to acquire three (3) wonderful Lugers that flew home with me. I recently sold a number of vintage collector military rifles and so I had some capital to redeploy.

Anyway, I bought a 1915 DWM Artillery from Ralph Shattuck. It is not a pristine example by any means(a lot of blue fading and some minor exterior barrel frosting) but the internals and bore are just in very nice condition. The is one of the reasons Ralph said he bought it because of the excellent mechanical and bore condition. Everything is tight and bright inside!

Second, I purchased a S/42 1937 rig from a dealer at a great price. The Luger is in very excellent condition with a pristine bore all matching but with a non matching magazine. The grips inside are not marked that I can tell but look like they have been with the gun from the beginning and fit perfect with no wiggle or looseness. The pistol, magazine and tool are all E/63 acceptance stamped. The holster is a brown 1937 dated Gustav Genschow with a WAa3.. (can't make out the rest of the numbers) and in very nice condition.

Finally, I found a 1915 dated DWM Luger in excellent conditon with outstanding straw and blue. All natching including grips but with a correct but mismatched wood bottom magazine. Bore is also in excellent conditon with no frosting or pitting and strong lands and grooves.

Also, had a very interesting non Luger Colt 1911A1 transitional encounter that confirms my belief that there are a lot of crooks out there so be extremely cautious.

Well, got to run but thanks again guys for the great company and an outstanding long to be remembered evening.

Lloyd in Vegas

drbuster · 08-17-2003, 02:35 PM

Thanks to Pete for commencing this thread. I am money poorer for co-hosting the dinner, BUT richer in every other facet for having met such wonderful guys: Jim Elson, Dwight Gruber, Ed Tinker, the other Herb, Howard Collins, Lloyd from Nevada, etc. (please forgive me if your name is not here). Would do it every day if it was possible. What a great bunch of knowledgeable men, humble, unassuming, and willing to share their invaluable experience. Our elder statesman, Ralph Shattuck, also enjoyed every moment. The show itself is well outlined by Pete. This has got to be the best (or darn close to it) show in the USA. Literally hundreds of Lugers from the likes of Ralph, Bob Lewis (the most incredible Swiss collection in the universe), Bill Christensen, Ed Bianco, Bob Young, Douglas Coffey, and many others if you can believe it. I myself acquired a great Simson rig, immaculate 1915 brown holster, un-numbered but properly proofed Erfurt clip, but these were in the shadow of the M2 rig that Ralph owned for only about two hours before Pete "stole" it away. The only downside to this show was the unfortunate limited funds available--I can never win in the casino! Hope others will add their impressions after they digest their great meals. Long live the Forum!!!

policeluger · 08-18-2003, 01:40 PM

Well as they say a good time was had by all. What a great time it was seeing Ralph again, we've been doing shows and NRA conventions for about 30 years, and a great time too meet the LF members and share information. Wes was most kind too allow me space on his table too put out a few Lugers and clips/tools for sale. Thanks again Wes, for Ed/Ralph/Tom/Dwight/Herb and Herb/Doc/Loyd and the entire group I can't wait until next time. Doc/Wes thanks again for dinner. My 1914 police did not sell, even offered at what we all felt was a very good price, so I offer it here now, then AA it in a few days...a very clean match mag 1914 DWM with sear safety, match clip and only mm/extractor...as the guys at the show about this one, its nice. LF guys we are going too meet again, not soon enough for me, but soon, Wes I'll scrounge up some table stuff for you soon, and Tom please register me on Still forum, remember?, thanks too all again for making me feel so welcome.

Pete Ebbink · 08-18-2003, 03:28 PM

Hello Howard,

A minor correction to your posting...Wes was not with our LF group. Russ was the generous soul that allowed all of us "nuts" to take over his table space... <img border="0" alt="[jumper]" title="" src="graemlins/jumper.gif" />

Wes' photo is in the Rogue's Gallery. As you can see, Wes is much more handsome than Russ...

Regards,

Pete... <img border="0" alt="[typing]" title="" src="graemlins/yltype.gif" />

policeluger · 08-18-2003, 05:09 PM

Your right on both counts, while I am very greatful too Russ, Wes is far better looking. Its what happens when I tired and try to think. thanks

Russ · 08-18-2003, 08:46 PM

Now I resemble that remark

I realy enjoyed meeting all of you, and had a great time.

Russ <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

Edward Tinker · 08-18-2003, 11:55 PM

Well, Dwight has a nice comprehensive tale of the assorted (meaning NOT normal Luger dealers), LugerÃ¢??s laying around, so I will keep quiet!

Saw this amazing M2 one, oh, Pete bought that baby ! Very nice and clean gun.

We saw lots of "shooter" {hate that term} guns, and some really nice ones too.

I want to thank Russ for a great trip, he put me up for two nights, drove me and Dwight down to the show and we BS'd the entire way. Russ is a bit knowledgeable on them thar Lug-ers. Then I stayed and drank, I mean bunked on the 2nd bed with ole Herb, and we traded war stories, his are much better than mine!

I very much enjoyed meeting everyone, and it was like school, we'd see a Luger, go look at it, look it up in several books we brought, trade ideas and values. Very cool

Some pictures, taken quick and lousy:

Pete said, how much for that Swiss carbine?
don't know who these guys are, do you Herb and Dwight?
No, really, its a Swiss Carbine toggle top!
Yah, right....
Russ said, now why won't they buy these darn hats?
Now if this guy asks ONE more time how much this Japanese Luger costs....

Ed

Russ · 08-19-2003, 12:07 AM

Ed
You did not take a picture of me with a Beer. <img border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" title="" src="graemlins/drink.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" title="" src="graemlins/drink.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

Edward Tinker · 08-19-2003, 12:15 AM

Yes, I did, was being nice and not showing your wild tendancies!

drbuster · 08-19-2003, 12:16 AM

Great pics, Ed. Even I looked halfway decent(I'm the mug next to Pete in picture #1)! Your photos really capture the atmosphere of the event and evening. A re-run in November?

Russ · 08-19-2003, 12:25 AM

LOL

Russ

Edward Tinker · 08-19-2003, 12:41 AM

Herbert, I would like to, but "might" be in the middle east by then, <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" />

Play it by ear, <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> Yes, should have said who ya was, enjoyed chatting with you, hope to see your collection at some point.

Ed

Dwight Gruber · 08-19-2003, 01:22 AM

Just got back home and online after Reno, so I'm kind of Tail End Charlie and can only mostly echo what everyone else has said.

I had a great time meeting and talking with everyone who was there, intensive Luger looking and discussion with like minds is refresing.

Russ is the heart and soul of generosity, and has my enduring thanks. Ed is a terrific travelling companion, if one can only engage him in conversation...

Didn't come home with any guns, but did make some advantageous trades and picked up an Ideal stock/holster and grips, an Artillery stock and drum magazine, and a pitiful specimin of a Navy magazine which is better than the one I already had--that is, none.

I'm posting my show survey as a separate topic, just to keep things from getting too complicated.

--Dwight

08-18-2003, 08:46 PM	#7
Russ User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Reading, PA. Posts: 628 Thanks: 2 Thanked 38 Times in 10 Posts	Now I resemble that remark I realy enjoyed meeting all of you, and had a great time. Russ <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" /> __________________ Livin the dream!!!!!!!!!!!

08-18-2003, 11:55 PM	#8
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	Well, Dwight has a nice comprehensive tale of the assorted (meaning NOT normal Luger dealers), LugerÃ¢??s laying around, so I will keep quiet! Saw this amazing M2 one, oh, Pete bought that baby ! Very nice and clean gun. We saw lots of "shooter" {hate that term} guns, and some really nice ones too. I want to thank Russ for a great trip, he put me up for two nights, drove me and Dwight down to the show and we BS'd the entire way. Russ is a bit knowledgeable on them thar Lug-ers. Then I stayed and drank, I mean bunked on the 2nd bed with ole Herb, and we traded war stories, his are much better than mine! I very much enjoyed meeting everyone, and it was like school, we'd see a Luger, go look at it, look it up in several books we brought, trade ideas and values. Very cool Some pictures, taken quick and lousy: Pete said, how much for that Swiss carbine? don't know who these guys are, do you Herb and Dwight? No, really, its a Swiss Carbine toggle top! Yah, right.... Russ said, now why won't they buy these darn hats? Now if this guy asks ONE more time how much this Japanese Luger costs.... Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

08-19-2003, 12:07 AM	#9
Russ User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Reading, PA. Posts: 628 Thanks: 2 Thanked 38 Times in 10 Posts	Ed You did not take a picture of me with a Beer. <img border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" title="" src="graemlins/drink.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" title="" src="graemlins/drink.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" /> __________________ Livin the dream!!!!!!!!!!!

08-19-2003, 12:15 AM	#10
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	Yes, I did, was being nice and not showing your wild tendancies! __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

08-19-2003, 12:25 AM	#12
Russ User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Reading, PA. Posts: 628 Thanks: 2 Thanked 38 Times in 10 Posts	LOL Russ __________________ Livin the dream!!!!!!!!!!!

08-17-2003, 11:16 AM	#1
Pete Ebbink User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The USA Posts: 5,919 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Reno Gun Show Highlights... Thought I would start a thread and let folks add their comments about the Reno show this past weekend. My highlights of the show are threefold : 1. Having dinner with 11 Luger Forum gun nuts !!! What a great evening and what a great bunch of luger fanatics !!! Special thanks to Russ Withem and Doc Fisher for being our generous hosts !!! 2. Seeing Lodi Jim's wonderful John Martz luger collection; all cased in a hand-made 5-gun custom case (made by Jim). 3. Having some fellow named (Edited : Sorry,,,name was "Ron") Kenneth (sorry, his last named escaped me...but hoping others caught it...) from Idaho bring to the show the 2nd. Borchardt pistol ever made. Which he acquired in the mid-1990's. This was the pistol Georg Luger brought to the USA in 1904 (Edited : Oops ! Sorry, I think 1894...) for the Navy to evaluate. Kenneth brought a copy of Edward Scott Meadows book which also showed this gun. Ralph Shattuck did a valuation of the piece as well. The gun in person is well worn, has dents and scratches on the grip plates (identical to the photos in the book), and does not have a serial number and does not have Lowe or DWM or DRP patent number markings on the toggle links. Kenneth let all of us hold and inspect this historical piece and even offered to go out and let us shoot it if we had the ammo...unfortunately no one took up this opportunity...too busy making luger gun deals all over the place... We did invite Kenneth to join the Luger Forum...maybe he will post photos in the near future. Looking forward to the November Reno gun show. Lodi Jim has already agreed to co-host the Friday night dinner then. As the time approaches, we will need to get a 2nd. volunteer to be co-host... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> Regards, Pete... <img border="0" alt="[typing]" title="" src="graemlins/yltype.gif" />

08-17-2003, 02:34 PM	#2
Lloyd in Nevada User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 85 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I would like to "chime in" on the Big Reno show and the Luger Forum dinner and echo what Pete has said about the evening (by the way very nice to meet you Pete). I am a relative new comer to the group but everyone made me feel so welcome at the dinner I felt like I had known you guys for years--Thank You Very Much! Sat next to Ed Tinker on my right and Herb Keister on my left and Ralph Shattuck was at the end of the table on our end. Great food and wonderful Luger talk made this an evening to remember--I learned a lot. Many thanks to Russ Withem and Doc Fisher for the dinner--it wasn't cheap. It was just one of those days/evenings---gun show all day and dinner with fellow like minded individuals that night--it just doesn't get any better than that! I was able to acquire three (3) wonderful Lugers that flew home with me. I recently sold a number of vintage collector military rifles and so I had some capital to redeploy. Anyway, I bought a 1915 DWM Artillery from Ralph Shattuck. It is not a pristine example by any means(a lot of blue fading and some minor exterior barrel frosting) but the internals and bore are just in very nice condition. The is one of the reasons Ralph said he bought it because of the excellent mechanical and bore condition. Everything is tight and bright inside! Second, I purchased a S/42 1937 rig from a dealer at a great price. The Luger is in very excellent condition with a pristine bore all matching but with a non matching magazine. The grips inside are not marked that I can tell but look like they have been with the gun from the beginning and fit perfect with no wiggle or looseness. The pistol, magazine and tool are all E/63 acceptance stamped. The holster is a brown 1937 dated Gustav Genschow with a WAa3.. (can't make out the rest of the numbers) and in very nice condition. Finally, I found a 1915 dated DWM Luger in excellent conditon with outstanding straw and blue. All natching including grips but with a correct but mismatched wood bottom magazine. Bore is also in excellent conditon with no frosting or pitting and strong lands and grooves. Also, had a very interesting non Luger Colt 1911A1 transitional encounter that confirms my belief that there are a lot of crooks out there so be extremely cautious. Well, got to run but thanks again guys for the great company and an outstanding long to be remembered evening. Lloyd in Vegas

08-17-2003, 02:35 PM	#3
drbuster User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: San Mateo, California Posts: 1,432 Thanks: 2 Thanked 71 Times in 56 Posts	Thanks to Pete for commencing this thread. I am money poorer for co-hosting the dinner, BUT richer in every other facet for having met such wonderful guys: Jim Elson, Dwight Gruber, Ed Tinker, the other Herb, Howard Collins, Lloyd from Nevada, etc. (please forgive me if your name is not here). Would do it every day if it was possible. What a great bunch of knowledgeable men, humble, unassuming, and willing to share their invaluable experience. Our elder statesman, Ralph Shattuck, also enjoyed every moment. The show itself is well outlined by Pete. This has got to be the best (or darn close to it) show in the USA. Literally hundreds of Lugers from the likes of Ralph, Bob Lewis (the most incredible Swiss collection in the universe), Bill Christensen, Ed Bianco, Bob Young, Douglas Coffey, and many others if you can believe it. I myself acquired a great Simson rig, immaculate 1915 brown holster, un-numbered but properly proofed Erfurt clip, but these were in the shadow of the M2 rig that Ralph owned for only about two hours before Pete "stole" it away. The only downside to this show was the unfortunate limited funds available--I can never win in the casino! Hope others will add their impressions after they digest their great meals. Long live the Forum!!!

08-18-2003, 01:40 PM	#4
policeluger RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ca. Posts: 2,141 Thanks: 8 Thanked 89 Times in 54 Posts	Well as they say a good time was had by all. What a great time it was seeing Ralph again, we've been doing shows and NRA conventions for about 30 years, and a great time too meet the LF members and share information. Wes was most kind too allow me space on his table too put out a few Lugers and clips/tools for sale. Thanks again Wes, for Ed/Ralph/Tom/Dwight/Herb and Herb/Doc/Loyd and the entire group I can't wait until next time. Doc/Wes thanks again for dinner. My 1914 police did not sell, even offered at what we all felt was a very good price, so I offer it here now, then AA it in a few days...a very clean match mag 1914 DWM with sear safety, match clip and only mm/extractor...as the guys at the show about this one, its nice. LF guys we are going too meet again, not soon enough for me, but soon, Wes I'll scrounge up some table stuff for you soon, and Tom please register me on Still forum, remember?, thanks too all again for making me feel so welcome.

08-18-2003, 03:28 PM	#5
Pete Ebbink User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The USA Posts: 5,919 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Hello Howard, A minor correction to your posting...Wes was not with our LF group. Russ was the generous soul that allowed all of us "nuts" to take over his table space... <img border="0" alt="[jumper]" title="" src="graemlins/jumper.gif" /> Wes' photo is in the Rogue's Gallery. As you can see, Wes is much more handsome than Russ... Regards, Pete... <img border="0" alt="[typing]" title="" src="graemlins/yltype.gif" />

08-18-2003, 05:09 PM	#6
policeluger RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ca. Posts: 2,141 Thanks: 8 Thanked 89 Times in 54 Posts	Your right on both counts, while I am very greatful too Russ, Wes is far better looking. Its what happens when I tired and try to think. thanks

08-19-2003, 12:16 AM	#11
drbuster User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: San Mateo, California Posts: 1,432 Thanks: 2 Thanked 71 Times in 56 Posts	Great pics, Ed. Even I looked halfway decent(I'm the mug next to Pete in picture #1)! Your photos really capture the atmosphere of the event and evening. A re-run in November?

08-19-2003, 12:41 AM	#13
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	Herbert, I would like to, but "might" be in the middle east by then, <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> Play it by ear, <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> Yes, should have said who ya was, enjoyed chatting with you, hope to see your collection at some point. Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

08-19-2003, 01:22 AM	#14
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,889 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,281 Times in 423 Posts	Just got back home and online after Reno, so I'm kind of Tail End Charlie and can only mostly echo what everyone else has said. I had a great time meeting and talking with everyone who was there, intensive Luger looking and discussion with like minds is refresing. Russ is the heart and soul of generosity, and has my enduring thanks. Ed is a terrific travelling companion, if one can only engage him in conversation... Didn't come home with any guns, but did make some advantageous trades and picked up an Ideal stock/holster and grips, an Artillery stock and drum magazine, and a pitiful specimin of a Navy magazine which is better than the one I already had--that is, none. I'm posting my show survey as a separate topic, just to keep things from getting too complicated. --Dwight