questions

JohnLSmith · 10-31-2011, 02:44 PM

I am new to this.I have a 1939 S/42 4 in. barrel in very good shape. All matching numbers including mag.9mm. Is it alright to shoot occasionally? Or should I just keep it put up to look at.

SlayerK98 · 10-31-2011, 02:52 PM

Yes, I would shoot it occasionally...it's made to be fired. I'm not a fan of any gun I can't shoot. Shoot good quality ammo in it though, I prefer Sellier & Bellot FMJ. S/42 is the early code for Mauser, which later changed to "byf".

-Eric

Edward Tinker · 10-31-2011, 03:06 PM

NO, I would not shoot it.

There are several threads (postings) asking this same question.

Be aware that if you break a numbered part, your collector value is essentially gone.

Some folks will disregard this and shoot their guns, that is fine, but it really depends on how nice your gun is?

If all matching, etc.

I moved your posting to its own thread and check-marked so you would receive notification.

Ed

lugerholsterrepair · 10-31-2011, 03:13 PM

Jihn, Yes..if you are a rich man and don't mind losing $800-900 dollars go ahead ...Take eric's advice and shoot it.
If you break an extractor or any other numbered part you have altered history and lost your butt in the Luger market.
I have MANY Lugers that will never be fired. Might be you could shoot them for the rest of your life but could be you shoot a magazine and wonder why parts are flying off.
Since I wouldn't want to risk a huge market loss..I simply bought a shooter. One Luger is just like another untill you break a part and I have broken several.
I wouldn't shoot it with a matched mag..no way. One day it's worth $15-1800 the next $500..

spartacus38 · 10-31-2011, 04:03 PM

Lugers are fun to shoot but you are taking a risk when you shoot them.
Bob

DavidJayUden · 10-31-2011, 05:06 PM

Go buy a shooter. One you can have guilt-free fun with. Besides, no one should own just one Luger.
dju

JohnLSmith · 10-31-2011, 06:28 PM

Thanks for the reply.It is a beautiful weapon and I would not want to do anything to damage it.

mrerick · 10-31-2011, 07:35 PM

Finding an all matching Luger including the magazine, with all in the original finish is rather rare. That's why collectors pay more for them.

Some of this depends on condition. To be collectible it should have over 85% of it's original finish intact.

Post some pictures taken without flash in indirect light (shaded outdoors) and we may be able to help you judge the finish on your Luger.

I personally would not shoot it. It's not worth the risk or breaking a numbered part. It does happen, and while not common, it's certainly not worth the risk. It's less expensive to get one that is a mismatch, or refinished and shoot that one.

I think it's a bit like collecting fine vintage wines. Some cost thousands per bottle. What good is wine unless you drink it? Well, some of those bottles are a real delight when opened. Some have turned to vinegar... Which ones will be a "loss".... You can't tell without tasting it. But tasting it destroys it's collector value...

Marc

SlayerK98 · 10-31-2011, 09:50 PM

Looks like I'm alone in my opinion, however I would still at least test fire it. Maybe not shoot it often, as others stated I would have a "shooter" Luger for most trips to the range, but I would still have to put a mag through it once in a while. I don't buy any gun that I either can't shoot or would be afraid to shoot. I am diligent about ammo quality, careful in transporting/storing, and spend a lot of time cleaning after a range trip.

If you do decide to shoot your '39, definitely don't use old, possibly corrosive ammo. I would not use new production cheap steel case stuff either. Recommend S&B 9mm. Their 8mm Mauser 196gr FMJ is also excellent, as well as boxer-primed if you reload.

-Eric

Edward Tinker · 10-31-2011, 10:02 PM

Eric, I respect your opinion and glad you are willing to voice it. And to tell you the truth used to have your same opinion, I just have broken a breechblock, so I am a bit nervous about it.

Ed

MFC · 10-31-2011, 10:07 PM

If you must shoot it, and don't want to buy a shooter, at least buy a complete toggle train for shooting. It has the numbered parts that are broken most of the time.

wayne8661 · 10-31-2011, 10:10 PM

I love to shoot and I have been tempted to shoot a few of my matched weapons but guilt prevents me from doing it. I am only a caretaker to the peices I own and I think it would be a shame to ruin a piece of history for the person who will own it after I am gone.

Just my opinion

W

JohnLSmith · 11-01-2011, 09:34 AM

Thank you to everyone who took the time to give me their opinion.After all the support you have given me I have decided to just somehow display it properly and not fire it.I will try and take some pictures to post so that your opinion of it's condition could be considered.Thanks again. John

JohnLSmith · 11-01-2011, 11:55 AM

Here are some pictures of my Luger.

DavidJayUden · 11-01-2011, 12:01 PM

Very nice gun.
dju

suum cuique · 11-01-2011, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnLSmith

Here are some pictures of my Luger.

John,
it's a really nice luger!
Love it, lube it, hug it - but don't break it...

Aaron · 11-02-2011, 12:29 AM

Many, many years ago, when I was a novice collector of Lugers, I owned an absolutely mint, fully matching (including mag) 1911 example. It was the absolute jewel of my collection, something I treasured and loved to show off. After I owned it a couple of years for some silly reason I decided to test fire it. Well, it stovepiped most of the time and was just completely reliable. After about 100 rounds of commercial ammo I just gave up. In those days we knew llittle about proper ammo choice, so it was most probably a simple matter of choosing the wrong fodder. From then on, I lost all respect for that weapon, and couldn't even look at it any more. Eventually I let it go at a giveaway price. How I wish I had never fired that pistol. I would probably still own it today! It has been at least 50 years since I have subject one of my collector pieces to such callous treatment.

DavidJayUden · 11-02-2011, 06:49 AM

Ah, the one that got away...
dju

alanint · 11-02-2011, 07:36 AM

This loosely reminds me of something my brother told me. He is a car enthusiast up in Seattle, owns an NSX and races on weekends. He and the majority of racers at his track hate Paul Allen, of Microsoft fame, because he has collected and destroyed a number of historic race cars at this track, apparently just because he can.
As mentioned above, we are only the caretakers of historic objects. There are hundreds of shooter Lugers out there to scratch that Luger firing itch. Preserve what has made it this far in history intact.

JohnLSmith · 11-02-2011, 10:44 AM

I am unsure of the actual place in history my Luger has BUT I will not be the one to damage it.John

10-31-2011, 02:44 PM	#1
JohnLSmith User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Florida Posts: 5 Thanks: 14 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	questions I am new to this.I have a 1939 S/42 4 in. barrel in very good shape. All matching numbers including mag.9mm. Is it alright to shoot occasionally? Or should I just keep it put up to look at. Last edited by JohnLSmith; 11-01-2011 at 10:35 AM. Reason: I should not have included serial number

10-31-2011, 03:06 PM	#3
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,914 Thanks: 1,989 Thanked 4,504 Times in 2,079 Posts	NO, I would not shoot it. There are several threads (postings) asking this same question. Be aware that if you break a numbered part, your collector value is essentially gone. Some folks will disregard this and shoot their guns, that is fine, but it really depends on how nice your gun is? If all matching, etc. I moved your posting to its own thread and check-marked so you would receive notification. 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

10-31-2011, 03:13 PM	#4
lugerholsterrepair Moderator Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arizona/Colorado Posts: 7,761 Thanks: 4,863 Thanked 3,101 Times in 1,427 Posts	Jihn, Yes..if you are a rich man and don't mind losing $800-900 dollars go ahead ...Take eric's advice and shoot it. If you break an extractor or any other numbered part you have altered history and lost your butt in the Luger market. I have MANY Lugers that will never be fired. Might be you could shoot them for the rest of your life but could be you shoot a magazine and wonder why parts are flying off. Since I wouldn't want to risk a huge market loss..I simply bought a shooter. One Luger is just like another untill you break a part and I have broken several. I wouldn't shoot it with a matched mag..no way. One day it's worth $15-1800 the next $500.. __________________ Jerry Burney 11491 S. Guadalupe Drive Yuma AZ 85367-6182 lugerholsterrepair@earthlink.net 928 342-7583 (CO & AZ) Year Round 719 207-3331 (cell) "For those who Fight For It, Life has a flavor the protected will never know."

10-31-2011, 07:35 PM	#8
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,900 Thanks: 1,372 Thanked 3,094 Times in 1,503 Posts	Finding an all matching Luger including the magazine, with all in the original finish is rather rare. That's why collectors pay more for them. Some of this depends on condition. To be collectible it should have over 85% of it's original finish intact. Post some pictures taken without flash in indirect light (shaded outdoors) and we may be able to help you judge the finish on your Luger. I personally would not shoot it. It's not worth the risk or breaking a numbered part. It does happen, and while not common, it's certainly not worth the risk. It's less expensive to get one that is a mismatch, or refinished and shoot that one. I think it's a bit like collecting fine vintage wines. Some cost thousands per bottle. What good is wine unless you drink it? Well, some of those bottles are a real delight when opened. Some have turned to vinegar... Which ones will be a "loss".... You can't tell without tasting it. But tasting it destroys it's collector value... Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

10-31-2011, 10:02 PM	#10
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,914 Thanks: 1,989 Thanked 4,504 Times in 2,079 Posts	Eric, I respect your opinion and glad you are willing to voice it. And to tell you the truth used to have your same opinion, I just have broken a breechblock, so I am a bit nervous about it. 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

10-31-2011, 02:52 PM	#2
SlayerK98 User Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 32 Thanks: 1 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Yes, I would shoot it occasionally...it's made to be fired. I'm not a fan of any gun I can't shoot. Shoot good quality ammo in it though, I prefer Sellier & Bellot FMJ. S/42 is the early code for Mauser, which later changed to "byf". -Eric

10-31-2011, 04:03 PM	#5
spartacus38 Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: South Lake Tahoe,CA. Posts: 695 Thanks: 0 Thanked 70 Times in 56 Posts	Lugers are fun to shoot but you are taking a risk when you shoot them. Bob

10-31-2011, 05:06 PM	#6
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	Go buy a shooter. One you can have guilt-free fun with. Besides, no one should own just one Luger. dju

10-31-2011, 06:28 PM	#7
JohnLSmith User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Florida Posts: 5 Thanks: 14 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for the reply.It is a beautiful weapon and I would not want to do anything to damage it.

10-31-2011, 09:50 PM	#9
SlayerK98 User Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 32 Thanks: 1 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Looks like I'm alone in my opinion, however I would still at least test fire it. Maybe not shoot it often, as others stated I would have a "shooter" Luger for most trips to the range, but I would still have to put a mag through it once in a while. I don't buy any gun that I either can't shoot or would be afraid to shoot. I am diligent about ammo quality, careful in transporting/storing, and spend a lot of time cleaning after a range trip. If you do decide to shoot your '39, definitely don't use old, possibly corrosive ammo. I would not use new production cheap steel case stuff either. Recommend S&B 9mm. Their 8mm Mauser 196gr FMJ is also excellent, as well as boxer-primed if you reload. -Eric

10-31-2011, 10:07 PM	#11
MFC User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,237 Thanks: 183 Thanked 281 Times in 162 Posts	If you must shoot it, and don't want to buy a shooter, at least buy a complete toggle train for shooting. It has the numbered parts that are broken most of the time. __________________ Mike C.

10-31-2011, 10:10 PM	#12
wayne8661 User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Kennett Square Pennsylvania Posts: 591 Thanks: 15 Thanked 334 Times in 104 Posts	I love to shoot and I have been tempted to shoot a few of my matched weapons but guilt prevents me from doing it. I am only a caretaker to the peices I own and I think it would be a shame to ruin a piece of history for the person who will own it after I am gone. Just my opinion W

11-01-2011, 09:34 AM	#13
JohnLSmith User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Florida Posts: 5 Thanks: 14 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thank you to everyone who took the time to give me their opinion.After all the support you have given me I have decided to just somehow display it properly and not fire it.I will try and take some pictures to post so that your opinion of it's condition could be considered.Thanks again. John

11-01-2011, 11:55 AM	#14
JohnLSmith User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Florida Posts: 5 Thanks: 14 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Here are some pictures of my Luger. Attached Thumbnails

11-01-2011, 12:01 PM	#15
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	Very nice gun. dju

11-02-2011, 12:29 AM	#17
Aaron Banned Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vista, CA Posts: 1,008 Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts	Many, many years ago, when I was a novice collector of Lugers, I owned an absolutely mint, fully matching (including mag) 1911 example. It was the absolute jewel of my collection, something I treasured and loved to show off. After I owned it a couple of years for some silly reason I decided to test fire it. Well, it stovepiped most of the time and was just completely reliable. After about 100 rounds of commercial ammo I just gave up. In those days we knew llittle about proper ammo choice, so it was most probably a simple matter of choosing the wrong fodder. From then on, I lost all respect for that weapon, and couldn't even look at it any more. Eventually I let it go at a giveaway price. How I wish I had never fired that pistol. I would probably still own it today! It has been at least 50 years since I have subject one of my collector pieces to such callous treatment.

11-02-2011, 06:49 AM	#18
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	Ah, the one that got away... dju

11-02-2011, 07:36 AM	#19
alanint User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Marco Island, Florida Posts: 4,867 Thanks: 1,685 Thanked 1,916 Times in 1,192 Posts	This loosely reminds me of something my brother told me. He is a car enthusiast up in Seattle, owns an NSX and races on weekends. He and the majority of racers at his track hate Paul Allen, of Microsoft fame, because he has collected and destroyed a number of historic race cars at this track, apparently just because he can. As mentioned above, we are only the caretakers of historic objects. There are hundreds of shooter Lugers out there to scratch that Luger firing itch. Preserve what has made it this far in history intact.

11-02-2011, 10:44 AM	#20
JohnLSmith User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Florida Posts: 5 Thanks: 14 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I am unsure of the actual place in history my Luger has BUT I will not be the one to damage it.John