1917 ERFURT P08 Luger

[BLC6375]

I’ve acquired a Luger from my Grandpa and would like any information you can give. By using the technical information from the forum was very helpful. But, still seek more. 1917 is stamped on the chamber and the ERFURT is on the toggle. The serial number is 6789 with suffix “j”. The proof marks are what are throwing me. I think they are #16, (German military receiver proof. Found on Erfurt Lugers produced 1908-1918). Grip type seems to be checkered Walnut and the word “GESICHERT”. Under the safety. The last two numbers of the serial number appears all over the gun as well as one of the magazines. Under the barrel is 6789 with “8,83”. The plate has “J” with a crown above and “89”. There are several other makings on the barrel top, an eagle and small “X”. The only issue it seems to have is that the toggle won't stay up when magazine is empty.

Do you think I could shoot the gun? What would be a good load for it? How about replacement magazines? Could you suggest someone that makes them? On some links I see a reloading tool. He didn’t have one and the holster that he has doesn’t have a space for one in the flap.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[rhuff]

If you chose to shoot it, then you want to use ONLY std. pressure ammo like Winchester 115gr FMJ that comes in a white box(Walmart). Also, PMC 115gr FMJ works very well for me. NO +P, +P+, or NATO ammo for it is loaded too hot for these guns.

The BEST aftermarket Luger mags are made by MecGar. Check with Greg Cote LLC, as he just got another shipment in stock.

[BLC6375]

Busy week. I was able to get the Winchester ammo you suggested and it worked very well. I also picked up a box of the PMC ammo and that worked well also. The gun shot well except when the last round was fired. The toggle didn't stay up singling it was empty. Can you someone suggest why this might be happening.

Thanks for the information on this site. It's helps alot.

[lugersrkewl]

Howdy, your gun might be missing a holdopen device or it could be a little out of whack or they didnt produce that gun with one. If you take a pic of top of the frame without the barrel and receiver on it looking down into the trigger and magazine well this problem could be solved. If you could take a picture of the eagle and x on the barrel too that would be great.
It looks like an original finish and sounds all matching...I wouldnt shoot it no sense in breaking a matched part no matter what the finish.

[skeeter4206]

Nice luger there. I noticed the alphabet letter on your "j", which I also have a "j" letter luger. Mine has a miss match toggle though. I just dont a whole lot of "j" model lugers.

Maybe some experts out there can help me out with the years on them. My serial number is 8034j with the year 1916 stamped on top of the receiver. I noticed this one to be a 1917 vintage luger with a lower serail number.

Did they make the same letter suffix having two different years on them? and the serial numbers, his being lower than mine but mine having an earlier date. Is this possible?

My barrel and receiver and all the lower part of the gun seem to match. So... Im just curious.

[BLC6375]

Lugersrkewl,

I’ve uploaded some pictures of the barrel and the frame looking into the magazine well. Thanks for your help.

[skeeter4206]

Looking at the markings on your barrel, mine have the exact markings.

The crown/RC on the barrel represents that at one time the part was found to be out of spec in some minor way, but still servicable. The part was sent to the Revisions-Commision for inspection and certification. This stamp was applied to the part for its usability and makes the inspector not liable if the part fails.

[BLC6375]

I notice that your “GESICHERT” has white lettering. Mine is Yellow. Do you think that’s because of age or being exposed to something? This was being stored in an attic.

[lugersrkewl]

Hi , the mark on the barrel is an erfurt proof mark typical. The yellow on your letters is just oxidized or the like. You can buy a new stick of machine marker and reapply if yant to.
You have a hold open on your gun it may not be bent at the proper angle you will have to pull it out careful of springs or parts flying out and gently manipulate the bend and reassemble repeat until action stays open. It might be that your magazine spring is worn and the follower doesnt have enough power to apply sufficient pressure to the hold open. A new repro or other mag or replacement spring may be required but try cleaning and tweaking the holdopen first. heres a pic of the holdopen. looking closer it might even be broken. should be a solid piece. woudnt hurt to clean with hoppes and q tips then a good coat of oil in there either.

[skeeter4206]

HA HA! I used to think that lugers came with them highlighted, but later I found out that they were not. From my understanding this was done with a pint marker or something else to help with the picture taking. I actually painted mine with paint and a Q-tip and wiping the surface carefully to not wash out the groove.

So your qusetion about the colors. Yours was probably done in some similar fashion, just awhile back.

[lugersrkewl]

some original lugers did come with the gesichert painted believe me I have asked tons of questions about it

[skeeter4206]

Well, learn something everyday. Was it just gesichert painted on them? Or was all the SN's and markings painted as well?

[lugersrkewl]

No if I remember right just gesichert, then collectors started highlighting all the proofs and stuff for pics.
Well BLC6375 I cant find a crown x anywhere in my book I hope a luger guy comes by and sheds some light on the plethora of markings your nice erfurt has.