Newbie with questions

Walther P-38 · 03-29-2003, 06:51 PM

I just joined,have some questions about Lugers. A friend of mine has one he is trying to sell me.I looked at it today,only thing I can remember is: it has P-08 on it.Top of receiver has byf. Also had 9mm. He claims that it was a Russian capture during the war,with markings on it to prove that,also looks to have been refurbished at some time. It looked nice,but there are lots more I have to look at on it before I buy. I think I'll ask him if I can take it with me and check it out better.Are these dated?What should I be looking for on this Luger? I don't have a clue. Thanks.

Roadkill · 03-29-2003, 07:21 PM

Welcome Walther P-38,I'm a shooter guy and generally stay away from identifications, but this is pretty straight forward. Based on info provided its a Russian reworked Mauser. These are Russian acquired/capture guns from WWII, they were refurbished,then put into long term storage. Some had parts replaced which were serial numbered to match, they were imported by several dealers about five (?) years ago. At the time they were selling for $379, are going for about $500 up now. Should be a date on the top of chamber and a generally crudely stamped "X" also. If you can get it with a decent magazine for under $500 it would be a good shooter. Just a recommendation, see if it shoots first. Most likely won't without some fine tuning, then offer him $400. Being import stamped and reworked removes them from the "collector" status, therefore pay what you think is right to have a historic firearm. Post a few photos and check out the "Technical/General Information" links to the left and there are guys here who know much much more than I ever will about these firearms who can really tell you what it is but they need more info. And once again, welcome to the forum.

rk

Frank · 03-29-2003, 07:55 PM

Welcome Daniel! I can only add a little bit more than RK since we don't have much information. It should have a 41 or 42 on top of the chamber indicating 1941 or 1942. The "X" can be on several locations (near the chamber stamp, on the left side near the serial number on the receiver or on the front of the frame just below the barrel near the serial number are the most common places). If you coud post photos, it would help. Roadkill's advice on price is right on! Good Luck!

Walther P-38 · 03-30-2003, 10:40 AM

My friend will be bringing the Luger over next week some time.Will then shoot it and check it over more closely. I have a cheap digital camera and it doesn't like to take close up pictures.

Walther P-38 · 04-02-2003, 07:21 PM

I fired this Luger a few minutes ago. I was not really impressed with it.Has quite a kick for a 9mm. It is dated 42,made by byf,imported by Century Arms in VT,all external numbers matched,looks to have some sort of German proofs on the right side of barrel where it goes into receiver,it shoots great..... but he wants $900.00 for it,seems a little high for this.Thanks.

Walther P-38 · 04-02-2003, 07:24 PM

You say there should be an"X" somewhere on it? Didn't see any. Serial number,didn't see one.

Frank · 04-02-2003, 07:48 PM

Daniel, if it is import marked, he is about $400 too high with his price. Well maybe $300, but you get my idea. Now you have to decide if you want a shooter or a collectable. If it's a shooter, then see if you can talk him down on the price. Good Hunting!!

Edward Tinker · 04-02-2003, 08:22 PM

And to 2nd what Frank said, there *are* lots of Lugers out there, just because "he" wants $900, there really are lots more to find. You should be able to pick up a shooter for $450 - $600. For $900 you should be able to get a nice low end to nice collectable gun.

Also, not all of them will have the "X" (from what I understand), many have it, but many don't.

Ed

Walther P-38 · 04-04-2003, 08:05 PM

I told the guy,I'd pass on his Luger. Has anyone done any business with Ralph Shattuck,The World of Lugers? I see he has some real good prices and lots to choose from.Input? Thanks.

John Sabato · 04-07-2003, 09:57 AM

My only recommendation is that you go there and visit him in person, or catch him at a show...

buying blind can be a earth shaking experience to a new buyer...plus if you are not satisfied, you will be paying the shipping in both directions...

I have also never met anyone that were sorry that they got the opportunity to meet Ralph in person and see even some of his collection.

Edward Tinker · 04-07-2003, 12:14 PM

John, you amaze me. Telling him to go look at 1,500 untamed Lugers in one spot...

Yes, I think buying blind is a bad idea unless from someone you know and trust, but like buying cars, and seeing Ralph's collection and what is for sale is a daunting and hard to resist thing! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> So, take a friend that likes Lugers, but does not intend on buying anything!

And then try to buy dispassionately...

Ed

Walther P-38 · 04-07-2003, 06:13 PM

are you saying,buying from Ralph,sight unseen is a bad idea? He has an untarnished reputation when it comes to his Lugers.Basicly,I'm just looking for a nice shooter,a piece of history.I've looked at a partial list he had posted,nice Lugers.I saw my 1st Luger down in Iowa ,at my wifes uncles' place.It was a war trophy,carry back,that's what got me interested,it's history and I'm a collector first,shooter second,need one for my collection.Thanks.

Edward Tinker · 04-07-2003, 06:52 PM

I guess I need to quit kidding around.

I just get a bit excited when I see 1,500 to 1,600 Lugers in one place and having someone to help you look and choose is a good idea.

And all I meant as that by physically looking is the best way, to be absolutely sure of what you are getting. Ralph's reputation along with many others is good and you should get a 3 day guarantee from any of the major dealers, so if you are not happy, you get your money back (usually minus shipping).

Ed

John Sabato · 04-09-2003, 10:50 AM

What I meant was that it is impossible to see through someone else's eyes... If you walk into a place (Ralph Shattuck's or Simpson's or anyone else that has even 10 Luger pistols in your price range and you are not sure what model or variation you want to own, you would certainly take your time and examine all 10 pieces to get a feel for what pleases your eye...

So calling Ralph or anyone else and saying "I want a Luger and I have $XXX to spend... Whatyagot?" and then depending on the seller to pick out what you want based on a price tag is not my idea of shopping...

Take your disposable income... visit with one of the major dealers who specialize in Lugers... ask to see what they have in your price range... and then pick the gem that tickles your fancy...

OR... decide what model that you want and ask to see any that they have... and then pick what you can afford (or finance

).

That way you eliminate almost any chance that you will be disappointed...

just my

Walther P-38 · 04-10-2003, 02:13 AM

John & Edward, I see where you guys are coming from.All the handguns and rifles I have bought,have been mail order,not one from a gun shop. I have been real pleased with what I have received,sometimes the rifles were even a better grade than what I paid for. I'm sure it would be fun to see a whole bunch of Lugers in one place and pick out what you need,but right now that is not in the cards,so once again,I'll have to depend on mail order.Thanks for all the input on the Lugers. Dan

Edward Tinker · 04-10-2003, 02:55 AM

Dan, I too have bought sight unseen and almost always they have been good buys.
So good luck, keep me informed, cuz I would like to see what you get,

Ed

03-29-2003, 06:51 PM	#1
Walther P-38 User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: North Dakota Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Newbie with questions I just joined,have some questions about Lugers. A friend of mine has one he is trying to sell me.I looked at it today,only thing I can remember is: it has P-08 on it.Top of receiver has byf. Also had 9mm. He claims that it was a Russian capture during the war,with markings on it to prove that,also looks to have been refurbished at some time. It looked nice,but there are lots more I have to look at on it before I buy. I think I'll ask him if I can take it with me and check it out better.Are these dated?What should I be looking for on this Luger? I don't have a clue. Thanks.

04-02-2003, 08:22 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	And to 2nd what Frank said, there are lots of Lugers out there, just because "he" wants $900, there really are lots more to find. You should be able to pick up a shooter for $450 - $600. For $900 you should be able to get a nice low end to nice collectable gun. Also, not all of them will have the "X" (from what I understand), many have it, but many don't. 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

04-07-2003, 09:57 AM	#10
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,150 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	My only recommendation is that you go there and visit him in person, or catch him at a show... buying blind can be a earth shaking experience to a new buyer...plus if you are not satisfied, you will be paying the shipping in both directions... I have also never met anyone that were sorry that they got the opportunity to meet Ralph in person and see even some of his collection. __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

04-07-2003, 12:14 PM	#11
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	John, you amaze me. Telling him to go look at 1,500 untamed Lugers in one spot... Yes, I think buying blind is a bad idea unless from someone you know and trust, but like buying cars, and seeing Ralph's collection and what is for sale is a daunting and hard to resist thing! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> So, take a friend that likes Lugers, but does not intend on buying anything! And then try to buy dispassionately... 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

04-07-2003, 06:52 PM	#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	I guess I need to quit kidding around. I just get a bit excited when I see 1,500 to 1,600 Lugers in one place and having someone to help you look and choose is a good idea. And all I meant as that by physically looking is the best way, to be absolutely sure of what you are getting. Ralph's reputation along with many others is good and you should get a 3 day guarantee from any of the major dealers, so if you are not happy, you get your money back (usually minus shipping). 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

03-29-2003, 07:21 PM	#2
Roadkill User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 1,632 Thanks: 1 Thanked 28 Times in 17 Posts	Welcome Walther P-38,I'm a shooter guy and generally stay away from identifications, but this is pretty straight forward. Based on info provided its a Russian reworked Mauser. These are Russian acquired/capture guns from WWII, they were refurbished,then put into long term storage. Some had parts replaced which were serial numbered to match, they were imported by several dealers about five (?) years ago. At the time they were selling for $379, are going for about $500 up now. Should be a date on the top of chamber and a generally crudely stamped "X" also. If you can get it with a decent magazine for under $500 it would be a good shooter. Just a recommendation, see if it shoots first. Most likely won't without some fine tuning, then offer him $400. Being import stamped and reworked removes them from the "collector" status, therefore pay what you think is right to have a historic firearm. Post a few photos and check out the "Technical/General Information" links to the left and there are guys here who know much much more than I ever will about these firearms who can really tell you what it is but they need more info. And once again, welcome to the forum. rk

03-29-2003, 07:55 PM	#3
Frank RIP Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hot & Dry PHX, AZ Posts: 2,078 Thanks: 24 Thanked 163 Times in 87 Posts	Welcome Daniel! I can only add a little bit more than RK since we don't have much information. It should have a 41 or 42 on top of the chamber indicating 1941 or 1942. The "X" can be on several locations (near the chamber stamp, on the left side near the serial number on the receiver or on the front of the frame just below the barrel near the serial number are the most common places). If you coud post photos, it would help. Roadkill's advice on price is right on! Good Luck!

03-30-2003, 10:40 AM	#4
Walther P-38 User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: North Dakota Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	My friend will be bringing the Luger over next week some time.Will then shoot it and check it over more closely. I have a cheap digital camera and it doesn't like to take close up pictures.

04-02-2003, 07:21 PM	#5
Walther P-38 User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: North Dakota Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I fired this Luger a few minutes ago. I was not really impressed with it.Has quite a kick for a 9mm. It is dated 42,made by byf,imported by Century Arms in VT,all external numbers matched,looks to have some sort of German proofs on the right side of barrel where it goes into receiver,it shoots great..... but he wants $900.00 for it,seems a little high for this.Thanks.

04-02-2003, 07:24 PM	#6
Walther P-38 User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: North Dakota Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	You say there should be an"X" somewhere on it? Didn't see any. Serial number,didn't see one.

04-02-2003, 07:48 PM	#7
Frank RIP Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hot & Dry PHX, AZ Posts: 2,078 Thanks: 24 Thanked 163 Times in 87 Posts	Daniel, if it is import marked, he is about $400 too high with his price. Well maybe $300, but you get my idea. Now you have to decide if you want a shooter or a collectable. If it's a shooter, then see if you can talk him down on the price. Good Hunting!!

04-04-2003, 08:05 PM	#9
Walther P-38 User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: North Dakota Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I told the guy,I'd pass on his Luger. Has anyone done any business with Ralph Shattuck,The World of Lugers? I see he has some real good prices and lots to choose from.Input? Thanks.

04-07-2003, 06:13 PM	#12
Walther P-38 User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: North Dakota Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	are you saying,buying from Ralph,sight unseen is a bad idea? He has an untarnished reputation when it comes to his Lugers.Basicly,I'm just looking for a nice shooter,a piece of history.I've looked at a partial list he had posted,nice Lugers.I saw my 1st Luger down in Iowa ,at my wifes uncles' place.It was a war trophy,carry back,that's what got me interested,it's history and I'm a collector first,shooter second,need one for my collection.Thanks.

04-09-2003, 10:50 AM	#14
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,150 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	What I meant was that it is impossible to see through someone else's eyes... If you walk into a place (Ralph Shattuck's or Simpson's or anyone else that has even 10 Luger pistols in your price range and you are not sure what model or variation you want to own, you would certainly take your time and examine all 10 pieces to get a feel for what pleases your eye... So calling Ralph or anyone else and saying "I want a Luger and I have $XXX to spend... Whatyagot?" and then depending on the seller to pick out what you want based on a price tag is not my idea of shopping... Take your disposable income... visit with one of the major dealers who specialize in Lugers... ask to see what they have in your price range... and then pick the gem that tickles your fancy... OR... decide what model that you want and ask to see any that they have... and then pick what you can afford (or finance ). That way you eliminate almost any chance that you will be disappointed... just my __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

04-10-2003, 02:13 AM	#15
Walther P-38 User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: North Dakota Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	John & Edward, I see where you guys are coming from.All the handguns and rifles I have bought,have been mail order,not one from a gun shop. I have been real pleased with what I have received,sometimes the rifles were even a better grade than what I paid for. I'm sure it would be fun to see a whole bunch of Lugers in one place and pick out what you need,but right now that is not in the cards,so once again,I'll have to depend on mail order.Thanks for all the input on the Lugers. Dan

04-10-2003, 02:55 AM	#16
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	Dan, I too have bought sight unseen and almost always they have been good buys. So good luck, keep me informed, cuz I would like to see what you get, 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