New to the LugerForum w/my 1915 DWM

[jmiles13]

I'm new to the LugerForum. I have owned a 1915 DWM 4" Luger for over 20 years. Matching numbers gun (except for mag) with original Luger holster. Nice mirror bore, normal wear on the frame. Probably 80%+ blue existing. Has marking on strap which I'm told was for a machine gun unit: 134.RMG.185 (not exact but close).

I fired it a few times when purchased, but then put it back in the gun safe. Yesterday, I watched a few field stripping YouTube videos and was able to disassemble, lubricate and re-assemble the pistol after years of storage.

I am certain this is an old an opinionated question, but "am I nuts to shoot my Luger?" I understand the value and uniqueness of the gun, matching parts, etc... but would enjoy firing off a few rounds and getting some enjoyment out of it.

I go to the range a couple of times of month and would like to put a hundred rounds or so through the pistol.

If I were to shoot it, should I use a specific 9mm load that is light on the gun or will any commercial 9mm FMJ ammo be OK?

Thanks in advance for the feedback.

[cdmech]

Welcome to the forum!
If you wouldn't mind having to replace a broken part, then shoot it and have fun, in my opinion. Others would disagree.
Marc

[wlyon]

This is a subject much discussed. It really is simple.If you shoot it you must realize if a matching part breaks it will greatly reduce the value. Like lots of things it's a gamble. If the value doesn't bother you shoot away. I would only use Winchester white box ammo. Bill

[lugerholsterrepair]

if a matching part breaks it will greatly reduce the value. And you will be destroying a bit of history that has survived for almost 100 years. It's a unit marked pistol..only a small percentage of 1915 Lugers were unit marked. Due to some design flaws that were corrected by Mauser when they started production, DWM 1915 Lugers are more prone to breakage than later Mauser Lugers. The extractor is particularly delicate.
I know the desire to fire it is strong but every shot is a risk. Your gun, your money but you are the historical caretaker of this Military artifact from so long ago. My advice is to maintain your duty to history..keep it intact and unbroken.
A couple of alternatives..find a shooter that you can shoot and if a part breaks..OK. You can replace it with another mismatched but working part and carry on. No harm.
Another is to sell or trade your all matching unit marked pistol to a collector who would NEVER DREAM of shooting it..Get a shooter..get some cash. Shoot all day long!
Borrow a shooter. One Luger shoots like another. In a blind test you would never know the difference, like Luger to like.
Just different points of view for your consideration and welcome to the Forum!

[Curly1]

Welcome to the forum and post some pics.

[jmiles13]

Thanks for everyone's feedback and advice. Jerry's points made my decision straightforward and clear cut. I appreciate the factual points and perspective on the gun's value and history. Her days at the range are over!

I will post pics soon. Thanks for the welcome. I hope to learn and contribute knowledge as I participate in the forum.

On to the search for a shooter Luger! Happy New Year guys!

[lugerholsterrepair]

James..I applaud your decision! We all look forward to photo's..there is a wealth of knowledge here. A guy could spend a lot of time researching on this Forum!

[cdmech]

Originally Posted by jmiles13

On to the search for a shooter Luger! Happy New Year guys!

Yes two Lugers are better than one. Everyone can agree with that.
Marc

[rhuff]

Originally Posted by cdmech

Yes two Lugers are better than one. Everyone can agree with that.
Marc

The only problem with owning two Lugers is that THEN there is three!!

[jmiles13]

Well guys, I took your advice and bought a shooter 4" P-08 that is dated 1916 with a byf toggle. I will post pictures soon. It has repro grips, mag and appears to be refinished. Toggle assembly matches, but rest of parts and frame do not.

Anyway, this will be my shooter for occasional trips to the range.

I would like to install a longer barrel on this Luger, a 6 inch. Are replacement barrels available and would a barrel change be affordable and realistic. I just like the way a Luger looks with a longer barrel. I guess this is the Navy version, right?

Thanks for the advice Will post pics soon.

[DavidJayUden]

6" Lugers are a pleasure to shoot. I don't think that you will regret it. You may want to contact our own LugerDoc regarding the swap.
Happy shooting!
dju

[jmiles13]

There's a 6" Luger barrel on Ebay right now I'm watching. Can anyone elaborate on what makes a simple vs. complicated installation for the barrel? What should I look for or avoid when barrel shopping! - Thanks