Wear and tear

k38 · 09-18-2017, 06:41 PM

Hello,

I'm new to Lugers, but by no means new to handguns, having owned, shot, and competed with them for over half a century. I recently bought a very nice 1920 alphabet commercial that looks good and works perfectly (heavy trigger, but I'm not going to fool with it). I bought this gun to shoot, not thousands and thousands of rounds, but to shoot when the urge strikes me. I've had early 20th century handguns before (mostly pre-WWII revolvers, a few Colt autos) but wonder just how sturdy Lugers of this vintage are. What's apt to break? I field strip now and then and keep lubricated, but have no plans to detail strip.

Anyway, what are the mechanical vulnerabilities of the pistol? Can I reasonably expect it to hold up to being shot now and then?

Thanks for any advice.

DonVoigt · 09-18-2017, 08:10 PM

Anyway, what are the mechanical vulnerabilities of the pistol? Can I reasonably expect it to hold up to being shot now and then?

Yes,

Is your pistol in 7,65 or 9mm?

There are many opinions as to what might break. The ejector is one item, and is replaceable.

Using standard ammo, I would not worry about a luger "breaking" any more than any other pistol- assuming it has not been abused int he past.

Post pictures of your luger when you can!

mrerick · 09-18-2017, 08:18 PM

There is a list of parts failures in a study included in the site's FAQ document.

Marc

k38 · 09-18-2017, 09:54 PM

Don Voigt: It's a 7.65 and shows very little prior use.

Marc: I will check it out!

Thanks to both.

Edit a little later: hadn't found the FAQ section. A ton of good information there!

DonVoigt · 09-19-2017, 08:57 AM

Just be aware that "good" functioning 7,65 ammo is a little tough to find.
The overall length and energy is important for good function, lately, guys have had pretty reliable success with PPU(Privi) 7,65 luger ammo- but you may have to order it.

There are several good, and long, threads on function and ammo for the 7,65=.30 luger.

rhuff · 09-19-2017, 05:37 PM

Congrats on your new Luger purchase. I own, and shoot regularly, a couple of alphabet Lugers. I, personally, like the 7.65P/30 Luger round, and handload it for my Lugers. All of these "old girls" have been around for a long time, and can break, but I enjoy shooting mine, so I am willing to take the chance. Life is too short to always be afraid of what might happen. YMMV

09-18-2017, 06:41 PM	#1
k38 User Join Date: Sep 2015 Posts: 36 Thanks: 16 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Wear and tear Hello, I'm new to Lugers, but by no means new to handguns, having owned, shot, and competed with them for over half a century. I recently bought a very nice 1920 alphabet commercial that looks good and works perfectly (heavy trigger, but I'm not going to fool with it). I bought this gun to shoot, not thousands and thousands of rounds, but to shoot when the urge strikes me. I've had early 20th century handguns before (mostly pre-WWII revolvers, a few Colt autos) but wonder just how sturdy Lugers of this vintage are. What's apt to break? I field strip now and then and keep lubricated, but have no plans to detail strip. Anyway, what are the mechanical vulnerabilities of the pistol? Can I reasonably expect it to hold up to being shot now and then? Thanks for any advice.

09-18-2017, 08:10 PM	#2
DonVoigt User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: near Charlotte NC Posts: 4,677 Thanks: 1,439 Thanked 4,347 Times in 2,038 Posts	Anyway, what are the mechanical vulnerabilities of the pistol? Can I reasonably expect it to hold up to being shot now and then? Yes, Is your pistol in 7,65 or 9mm? There are many opinions as to what might break. The ejector is one item, and is replaceable. Using standard ammo, I would not worry about a luger "breaking" any more than any other pistol- assuming it has not been abused int he past. Post pictures of your luger when you can! __________________ 03man(Don Voigt); Luger student and collector. Looking for DWM side plate: 69 ; Dreyse 1907 pistol K.S. Gendarmerie

09-18-2017, 08:18 PM	#3
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	There is a list of parts failures in a study included in the site's FAQ document. Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

09-19-2017, 08:57 AM	#5
DonVoigt User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: near Charlotte NC Posts: 4,677 Thanks: 1,439 Thanked 4,347 Times in 2,038 Posts	Just be aware that "good" functioning 7,65 ammo is a little tough to find. The overall length and energy is important for good function, lately, guys have had pretty reliable success with PPU(Privi) 7,65 luger ammo- but you may have to order it. There are several good, and long, threads on function and ammo for the 7,65=.30 luger. __________________ 03man(Don Voigt); Luger student and collector. Looking for DWM side plate: 69 ; Dreyse 1907 pistol K.S. Gendarmerie

09-19-2017, 05:37 PM	#6
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,270 Thanks: 2,686 Thanked 958 Times in 704 Posts	Congrats on your new Luger purchase. I own, and shoot regularly, a couple of alphabet Lugers. I, personally, like the 7.65P/30 Luger round, and handload it for my Lugers. All of these "old girls" have been around for a long time, and can break, but I enjoy shooting mine, so I am willing to take the chance. Life is too short to always be afraid of what might happen. YMMV __________________ Need DWM breechblock #21

09-18-2017, 09:54 PM	#4
k38 User Join Date: Sep 2015 Posts: 36 Thanks: 16 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Don Voigt: It's a 7.65 and shows very little prior use. Marc: I will check it out! Thanks to both. Edit a little later: hadn't found the FAQ section. A ton of good information there!