1911 Luger--What Do I Need to Know?

Pokedoc · 03-16-2013, 05:37 PM

I'm very new to Luger collecting and in need of immediate help.

My goal as a gun collector is probably a little peculiar in that I'm looking to obtain one of each of the major service pieces used in WWI and WWII, rather than a hundred variations of a single gun (if I have enough years and funds left

).

Having secured my 1911, 1911A1 and Garand, an opportunity has arisen to obtain a 1911 Luger from a close friend's father. He has recently decided to sell a number of guns and is broadcasting that fact far and wide, so I'm afraid I don't have the time to do the research I normally would on the topic as the Luger wasn't quite on my radar yet.

The seller states it's a 1911 Luger with a holster and that I need to come see it to answer any other questions. So,......can anyone give me a "down and dirty" list of things (markings, etc.) to check to ballpark the gun's value on the fly?

It has a magazine (don't know if its number or any other of the others match) and a holster. He's asking $1500. Is there a fairly simple way I can tell if the gun is over (or under) priced once I get there?

(I guess this is all silly newbie stuff, but I feel pressed for time as I don't want someone to swoop it and buy a hidden gem out from under me!)

Thanks for any help.

beachbaker · 03-16-2013, 07:04 PM

Eric, generally speaking condition and matching are the most important aspects of collecting Lugers. If you have never looked over a Luger than it can be a bit overwhelming with all the numbers that should match up. That said $1500 may be a great deal ,a fair deal or a bad deal and the only way forum members can help you is with pictures of it. Of course if you know somebody that has knowledge of them take him with you to look it over. Curt

DavidJayUden · 03-16-2013, 10:26 PM

Feeling rushed is a sure way to get screwed on any deal. $1500 is no bargain, but it may be reasonable, just depends. But it is not a screaming good deal. Don't let greed push you into making a fast deal. If it is an honest gun the seller won't mind letting you take a couple of good photos for our review.
dju

lugerholsterrepair · 03-16-2013, 11:19 PM

$1500 is no bargain..Well it COULD be! That said $1500 may be a great deal ,a fair deal or a bad deal If the holster were exceptional..$250-400 then the pistol is $11-1200 but then it would have to be exceptional too..No magic information you can take with you except common sense.

Don't let greed push you into making a fast deal. Too true!

SteveM · 03-17-2013, 09:26 AM

Be sure and also look at the front gripstrap for unit markings. If it has any, the value can appreciate.

mrerick · 03-17-2013, 10:12 AM

You've gotten good advice.

With that many unknowns, and time pressure involved you can't make a rational decision.

I might offer someone a shooter price for one that includes a right to inspection and return with full refund.

Otherwise, I'd let this Gem go to someone that can judge it's value, or that is willing to take an unreasonable risk.

Marc

Pokedoc · 03-17-2013, 04:03 PM

Thanks a lot to all for the advice. I've since gotten over my "buck fever" (or would it be "Luger fever") that was clouding my judgement surrounding this gun. I'm supposed to go take a look at it Wednesday. If he sells it before then, so be it.

Assuming he'll let me take pictures, you guys don't mind looking them over? I hate being a pain-in-the-butt newbie!

wlyon · 03-17-2013, 05:12 PM

Ask away!!! That's what this Forum is about. Bill

lugerholsterrepair · 03-17-2013, 05:32 PM

I being a pain-in-the-butt newbie! Hey..Bill was a a pain-in-the-butt newbie too but that was how long ago Bill? Come to think of it I was too!

Pokedoc · 03-17-2013, 06:29 PM

Ok, guys. Thanks for making me feel welcome. I'll be back on Wednesday with pictures.

mrerick · 03-17-2013, 07:45 PM

Bring it on, Eric!

I'm almost afraid to ask what a "Poke Doc" does...

Does it have something to do with Olympus Scopes?

These doctors always have such a soothing manner...

Marc

zombeer · 03-17-2013, 07:58 PM

I'd wait until a cheaper one turns up and put the money you saved towards your next gun purchase. If you're going beyond just German and American guns, you have a lot of buying ahead of you! Good luck!

Pokedoc · 03-17-2013, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrerick

Bring it on, Eric!

I'm almost afraid to ask what a "Poke Doc" does...

Does it have something to do with Olympus Scopes?

These doctors always have such a soothing manner...

Marc

Thanks for asking but it's not particularly colorful. "Pokedoc" is just a tribute to my beloved Oklahoma State Cowboys or the "Pokes" as they are known in certain parts.......

Pokedoc · 03-17-2013, 10:21 PM

Thanks for the advice,zom. I'm interested in US and German guns right now, but could envision getting into Russian or even Japanese in the future. On the other hand, I just might get into more Lugers......the more I investigate, the more I like them!

If the gun in question doesn't pan out, where would you suggest I look for a cheaper alternative with which to start? A quick look online indicates most are over $1000.

Curly1 · 03-18-2013, 08:57 AM

Welcome to the forum hopefully you can get pics.

zombeer · 03-18-2013, 09:55 AM

There's collector grade and then there's "shooter" grade. Shooters don't have matching numbers and they have some kind of flaw. BUT... you can shoot them!
If you go in the "wanted to buy" section and say you're looking for a shooter, you'll probably get a few bites. Price is subjective, but you can usually get a safe luger to shoot for $600-800. Also, check gun stores in your area because they pop up occasionally. I just got a shooter for $725 at a gun store in Maine.
Of course, this all depends on if you want a display gun or one you can play around with. I shoot all my guns, and there's nothing like shooting a few rounds from a piece of history!
So rather than spend $1500 on that original one you were talking about, get a shooter luger for $750 and track down a Japanese Nambu for $750!

Pokedoc · 03-19-2013, 12:11 AM

Thanks for the sage advise, zombeer. Now that I've calmed down, I think I will let this one go and get a shooter as you suggest. What ammunition do you use in your Luger?

Curly1 · 03-19-2013, 08:41 AM

Winchester White Box 115gr is the choice of most luger shooters.

SteveM · 03-19-2013, 09:12 AM

Sellier&Bellot works well in the Lugers.

zombeer · 03-19-2013, 01:52 PM

I've had good luck with CCI Blazer and the Winchester White Box mentioned above.

Hopefully you can find some 9mm in your area. Pretty much all of New England is wiped out of ammo.

03-16-2013, 05:37 PM	#1
Pokedoc User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 7 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	1911 Luger--What Do I Need to Know? I'm very new to Luger collecting and in need of immediate help. My goal as a gun collector is probably a little peculiar in that I'm looking to obtain one of each of the major service pieces used in WWI and WWII, rather than a hundred variations of a single gun (if I have enough years and funds left ). Having secured my 1911, 1911A1 and Garand, an opportunity has arisen to obtain a 1911 Luger from a close friend's father. He has recently decided to sell a number of guns and is broadcasting that fact far and wide, so I'm afraid I don't have the time to do the research I normally would on the topic as the Luger wasn't quite on my radar yet. The seller states it's a 1911 Luger with a holster and that I need to come see it to answer any other questions. So,......can anyone give me a "down and dirty" list of things (markings, etc.) to check to ballpark the gun's value on the fly? It has a magazine (don't know if its number or any other of the others match) and a holster. He's asking $1500. Is there a fairly simple way I can tell if the gun is over (or under) priced once I get there? (I guess this is all silly newbie stuff, but I feel pressed for time as I don't want someone to swoop it and buy a hidden gem out from under me!) Thanks for any help. Last edited by Pokedoc; 03-16-2013 at 06:39 PM.

03-16-2013, 07:04 PM	#2
beachbaker Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: california Posts: 135 Thanks: 27 Thanked 106 Times in 29 Posts	Eric, generally speaking condition and matching are the most important aspects of collecting Lugers. If you have never looked over a Luger than it can be a bit overwhelming with all the numbers that should match up. That said $1500 may be a great deal ,a fair deal or a bad deal and the only way forum members can help you is with pictures of it. Of course if you know somebody that has knowledge of them take him with you to look it over. Curt __________________ Curt

03-16-2013, 11:19 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	$1500 is no bargain..Well it COULD be! That said $1500 may be a great deal ,a fair deal or a bad deal If the holster were exceptional..$250-400 then the pistol is $11-1200 but then it would have to be exceptional too..No magic information you can take with you except common sense. Don't let greed push you into making a fast deal. Too true! __________________ 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."

03-17-2013, 09:26 AM	#5
SteveM User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 1,016 Thanks: 94 Thanked 275 Times in 137 Posts	Be sure and also look at the front gripstrap for unit markings. If it has any, the value can appreciate. Attached Thumbnails

03-17-2013, 10:12 AM	#6
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	You've gotten good advice. With that many unknowns, and time pressure involved you can't make a rational decision. I might offer someone a shooter price for one that includes a right to inspection and return with full refund. Otherwise, I'd let this Gem go to someone that can judge it's value, or that is willing to take an unreasonable risk. Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

03-16-2013, 10:26 PM	#3
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	Feeling rushed is a sure way to get screwed on any deal. $1500 is no bargain, but it may be reasonable, just depends. But it is not a screaming good deal. Don't let greed push you into making a fast deal. If it is an honest gun the seller won't mind letting you take a couple of good photos for our review. dju

03-17-2013, 04:03 PM	#7
Pokedoc User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 7 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks a lot to all for the advice. I've since gotten over my "buck fever" (or would it be "Luger fever") that was clouding my judgement surrounding this gun. I'm supposed to go take a look at it Wednesday. If he sells it before then, so be it. Assuming he'll let me take pictures, you guys don't mind looking them over? I hate being a pain-in-the-butt newbie! Last edited by Pokedoc; 03-17-2013 at 10:07 PM.

03-17-2013, 05:12 PM	#8
wlyon Lifer 2X Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: May 2005 Location: Somewhere in Montana Posts: 2,619 Thanks: 3,144 Thanked 2,531 Times in 943 Posts	Ask away!!! That's what this Forum is about. Bill __________________ Bill Lyon

03-17-2013, 05:32 PM	#9
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	I being a pain-in-the-butt newbie! Hey..Bill was a a pain-in-the-butt newbie too but that was how long ago Bill? Come to think of it I was too! __________________ 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."

03-17-2013, 06:29 PM	#10
Pokedoc User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 7 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ok, guys. Thanks for making me feel welcome. I'll be back on Wednesday with pictures.

03-17-2013, 07:45 PM	#11
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	Bring it on, Eric! I'm almost afraid to ask what a "Poke Doc" does... Does it have something to do with Olympus Scopes? These doctors always have such a soothing manner... Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

03-17-2013, 07:58 PM	#12
zombeer User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 36 Thanks: 16 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	I'd wait until a cheaper one turns up and put the money you saved towards your next gun purchase. If you're going beyond just German and American guns, you have a lot of buying ahead of you! Good luck! __________________ Illegitimis nil carborundum

03-17-2013, 10:21 PM	#14
Pokedoc User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 7 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for the advice,zom. I'm interested in US and German guns right now, but could envision getting into Russian or even Japanese in the future. On the other hand, I just might get into more Lugers......the more I investigate, the more I like them! If the gun in question doesn't pan out, where would you suggest I look for a cheaper alternative with which to start? A quick look online indicates most are over $1000.

03-18-2013, 08:57 AM	#15
Curly1 User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 1,230 Thanks: 113 Thanked 703 Times in 365 Posts	Welcome to the forum hopefully you can get pics. __________________ Laugh hard and often. Gary

03-18-2013, 09:55 AM	#16
zombeer User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 36 Thanks: 16 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	There's collector grade and then there's "shooter" grade. Shooters don't have matching numbers and they have some kind of flaw. BUT... you can shoot them! If you go in the "wanted to buy" section and say you're looking for a shooter, you'll probably get a few bites. Price is subjective, but you can usually get a safe luger to shoot for $600-800. Also, check gun stores in your area because they pop up occasionally. I just got a shooter for $725 at a gun store in Maine. Of course, this all depends on if you want a display gun or one you can play around with. I shoot all my guns, and there's nothing like shooting a few rounds from a piece of history! So rather than spend $1500 on that original one you were talking about, get a shooter luger for $750 and track down a Japanese Nambu for $750! __________________ Illegitimis nil carborundum

03-19-2013, 12:11 AM	#17
Pokedoc User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 7 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for the sage advise, zombeer. Now that I've calmed down, I think I will let this one go and get a shooter as you suggest. What ammunition do you use in your Luger?

03-19-2013, 08:41 AM	#18
Curly1 User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 1,230 Thanks: 113 Thanked 703 Times in 365 Posts	Winchester White Box 115gr is the choice of most luger shooters. __________________ Laugh hard and often. Gary

03-19-2013, 09:12 AM	#19
SteveM User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 1,016 Thanks: 94 Thanked 275 Times in 137 Posts	Sellier&Bellot works well in the Lugers.

03-19-2013, 01:52 PM	#20
zombeer User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 36 Thanks: 16 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	I've had good luck with CCI Blazer and the Winchester White Box mentioned above. Hopefully you can find some 9mm in your area. Pretty much all of New England is wiped out of ammo. __________________ Illegitimis nil carborundum