What attracts you to the luger?

rjbuckley · 12-19-2006, 02:29 PM

Viewers,
I'm interested to know personal opinions. What is it about the german lugers of old? Is it the history? The unique design? Some personal connection? The reason I ask is because I can't see this particular gun as anything practicle to today's standards. In fact I'm not really confident that one can fire them on a constant basis, with any reliability. Perhaps Im wrong.

Please give me a lesson in value.

Thanks,
-rb

Vlim · 12-19-2006, 04:05 PM

Hi,

You're wrong. They are very reliable, have won several world championships and it is actually more practicle as a target gun than as a military sidearm. Nonetheless, this design has (and still does) put other, later, designs to shame on a regular basis.

I put about a 100 rounds a week through my S/42 shooter. Hasn't failed me once, apart from the occasional ejector spring replacement.

davidkachel · 12-19-2006, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rjbuckley
Viewers,
I'm interested to know personal opinions. What is it about the german lugers of old? Is it the history? The unique design? Some personal connection? The reason I ask is because I can't see this particular gun as anything practicle to today's standards. In fact I'm not really confident that one can fire them on a constant basis, with any reliability. Perhaps Im wrong.

Please give me a lesson in value.

Thanks,
-rb

Like anything, it all comes down to opinion.
To me the Luger is the zenith of beauty in a handgun.
The perfect marriage of form and function.
I'm not a Luger collector. In fact I own only one.
But I own a lot of other guns, more than half of which I bought for their appearance first and functionality second, and the Luger is by far the most visually appealing of all (and they do function reliably, they just don't like a lot of dirt).
There are a lot of close seconds, but only close.

And the way current trends in handgun design and manufacture are going (lots of plastic and cost-cutting), nothing like it will ever appear again.

I don't care how reliable (I question this strongly) Glocks and all the other block-shaped modern handguns may be. They can't hold a candle to the beauty of many older weapons, especially the Luger.

Edward Tinker · 12-19-2006, 04:53 PM

I think this is a personal thing. I have lots of "older" guns, I like the history associated with them (although for lugers I "prefer" the Weimar and earlier for the same reasons). when I was young, I read about lugers and they always fascinated me. On the other hand, I have always liked the Colt 1911 and 1911A1 variants, then in the army, I carried one for about 2/3rds of my career, so naturally I trust them more than I trust a Glock or other newer gun like a High Power

There are a post or two like these, although it might be several years old, and always a good thread to read.

Why do YOU like the luger?

Ed

It is obvious that HE is looking for just the right one!

davidkachel · 12-19-2006, 05:00 PM

Now THAT'S a very disturbing picture! (Though I'm sure it would make a lot of our politicians happy.)

pipeman45 · 12-19-2006, 05:32 PM

I fell in love with the Luger back in the early 60's. Didn't get around to buying one until the prices started going through the roof a few years ago. The things that attracted me to them were the history,and workmanship . They are a very elegant handgun that screams form=function. There will never be another handgun made this way.

lugerholsterrepair · 12-19-2006, 05:51 PM

I wonder if you could calculate how much the parts in this photo would be worth today? Screws, grips, springs, fireing pins, bolts etc..Must be millions of dollars worth there..

For me it is many things but the history and variety is some of it. This pistol played a part in Military evolution in a unique era. As a Military historian I am most focused on the period when the Luger was accepted untill it's manufacture ceased.
I also collect Colt pocket auto's and as a pistol they are much the same as the Luger. Functional, designed well, work every time, beautiful bluing and wood. They practically fall apart with little effort, unlike say a c-96. BUT, they have very little Military history. Some were issued to General Officers of course but in general next to nothing compared with the Luger. As neat as they are they become boring compared with the history of the Luger. It's many variations are enough to keep me occupied for many more years to come!

Jerry Burney

Curly1 · 12-19-2006, 07:25 PM

The design is what attracted me, it is the Queen of my collection, beautiful eye candy, comforting when held and at the same time deadly, where my 1911A1a is the King, brute force wrapped in nobility.

davidkachel · 12-19-2006, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Curly1
The design is what attracted me, it is the Queen of my collection, beautiful eye candy, comforting when held and at the same time deadly, where my 1911A1a is the King, brute force wrapped in nobility.

Well put. Consider it stolen.

stefanosg · 12-19-2006, 09:08 PM

I am a bit of a history buff and an avid shooter. The Luger, for me, was a beautiful blending of the two. I hold the firearm and I wonder about who the original owner was. What happened to him and so many other questions. No other pistol seems to invoke so much curiosity and awe from the people who see it. I go to the range and I'll bring my Glock or my Witness to practice with. I almost always bring one of my Lugers with me as well. People turn a blind eye to my Glock, but when they see the Luger, its "Is that a real Luger?". I love sharing it and showing it to people, its like getting under the glass at the museum. Whatever the magic is, very few other pistols seem to generate that kind of enthusiasm.

DaveinTN · 12-20-2006, 12:47 AM

Great proportions, beautiful style, elegant appearance, and comfortable fit.

All the rest is commentary.

Dave in TN.

Dwight Gruber · 12-20-2006, 01:39 AM

What Dave in TN said. I realized this when I was eight years old and had a 9/10 scale, detail-accurate Kruger cap gun.

Since I've owned a real Luger, while circumstances allowed I shot several hundred rounds a month with virtually no failures--proper magazines, ammunition, and technique assure this. Lugers, even those with badly pitted bores, are phenomenally accuate.

--Dwight

rjbuckley · 12-20-2006, 07:33 AM

Good responses!
Thanks. I'm on the mystique side of the house myself.
The design is incredible, the history profound.
I'm very excited to have on as a part of my collection.
My only fear is that I become addicted and do so before I have a chance to be as knowledgable as you folks are.

Thanks for all your input,
-rb

Dante Di Pietro Jr. · 12-20-2006, 09:22 AM

When I was 6 or 7 years old my father who was a gun dealer/collector had a room full of fine guns, parkers, winchesters, military guns of all types. I was drawn to an artillery luger that he let me hold any time I went into the gun room. I ignored all the others except the MG42 which I got into trouble with for setting it up when he was not there(no ammo). I was able to disassemble and assemble the artillery, just fell in love with it. 40 years later Im still hooked, History, workmanship and shooting are just gravy.
The memories of collecting with my Dad are priceless. Thanks for the question and thanks you guys for the lugerforum and thanks Al G. for inventing the internet!
Merry Christmas
Dante

Dan44 · 12-20-2006, 10:41 AM

It's the ultimate movie "bad guy" gun.

davidkachel · 12-20-2006, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dan44
It's the ultimate movie "bad guy" gun.

I disagree.
The Luger is the ultimate movie bad "spy" gun.
The ultimate movie bad "guy" gun is the 1903 Colt Pocket Hammer (.38 ACP); which of course I own.

Pappy · 12-20-2006, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lugerholsterrepair
I wonder if you could calculate how much the parts in this photo would be worth today? Screws, grips, springs, fireing pins, bolts etc..Must be millions of dollars worth there..
Jerry Burney

Jerry, I notice that there are no wood grip panels in the photo. I wonder if this pile has been through a fire? First step before meltdown? Pappy

Edward Tinker · 12-20-2006, 04:00 PM

Pappy, look to the right, I see what looks like a huge pile of magazines. I was wondering if they had started to take some parts off, and...

I would say there are probably tens of millions of dollars of guns and parts there...

Pappy · 12-20-2006, 05:10 PM

Yes and the pile seems to have an abundance of 'broomhandles'. Maybe the people hid their Lugers. I do see what appears to be a snaildrum magazine.
Interesting photo that makes me feel somewhat ill...Pappy

Pappy · 12-21-2006, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Curly1
The design is what attracted me, it is the Queen of my collection, beautiful eye candy, comforting when held and at the same time deadly, where my 1911A1a is the King, brute force wrapped in nobility.

That's why the Germans called the M1911 the "Yankee Fist"...Pappy

12-19-2006, 02:29 PM	#1
rjbuckley User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 13 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	What attracts you to the luger? Viewers, I'm interested to know personal opinions. What is it about the german lugers of old? Is it the history? The unique design? Some personal connection? The reason I ask is because I can't see this particular gun as anything practicle to today's standards. In fact I'm not really confident that one can fire them on a constant basis, with any reliability. Perhaps Im wrong. Please give me a lesson in value. Thanks, -rb

12-19-2006, 04:53 PM	#4
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 think this is a personal thing. I have lots of "older" guns, I like the history associated with them (although for lugers I "prefer" the Weimar and earlier for the same reasons). when I was young, I read about lugers and they always fascinated me. On the other hand, I have always liked the Colt 1911 and 1911A1 variants, then in the army, I carried one for about 2/3rds of my career, so naturally I trust them more than I trust a Glock or other newer gun like a High Power There are a post or two like these, although it might be several years old, and always a good thread to read. Why do YOU like the luger? Ed It is obvious that HE is looking for just the right one! Attached Thumbnails

12-19-2006, 05:00 PM	#5
davidkachel User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 784 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Now THAT'S a very disturbing picture! (Though I'm sure it would make a lot of our politicians happy.) __________________ A heroin habit would be cheaper.

12-19-2006, 05:51 PM	#7
lugerholsterrepair Moderator Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arizona/Colorado Posts: 7,760 Thanks: 4,848 Thanked 3,099 Times in 1,426 Posts	I wonder if you could calculate how much the parts in this photo would be worth today? Screws, grips, springs, fireing pins, bolts etc..Must be millions of dollars worth there.. For me it is many things but the history and variety is some of it. This pistol played a part in Military evolution in a unique era. As a Military historian I am most focused on the period when the Luger was accepted untill it's manufacture ceased. I also collect Colt pocket auto's and as a pistol they are much the same as the Luger. Functional, designed well, work every time, beautiful bluing and wood. They practically fall apart with little effort, unlike say a c-96. BUT, they have very little Military history. Some were issued to General Officers of course but in general next to nothing compared with the Luger. As neat as they are they become boring compared with the history of the Luger. It's many variations are enough to keep me occupied for many more years to come! Jerry Burney __________________ 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."

12-19-2006, 07:25 PM	#8
Curly1 User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 1,228 Thanks: 111 Thanked 702 Times in 364 Posts	The design is what attracted me, it is the Queen of my collection, beautiful eye candy, comforting when held and at the same time deadly, where my 1911A1a is the King, brute force wrapped in nobility. __________________ Laugh hard and often. Gary

12-19-2006, 04:05 PM	#2
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,032 Thanks: 1,018 Thanked 3,873 Times in 1,184 Posts	Hi, You're wrong. They are very reliable, have won several world championships and it is actually more practicle as a target gun than as a military sidearm. Nonetheless, this design has (and still does) put other, later, designs to shame on a regular basis. I put about a 100 rounds a week through my S/42 shooter. Hasn't failed me once, apart from the occasional ejector spring replacement.

12-19-2006, 05:32 PM	#6
pipeman45 User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Kentucky Posts: 539 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I fell in love with the Luger back in the early 60's. Didn't get around to buying one until the prices started going through the roof a few years ago. The things that attracted me to them were the history,and workmanship . They are a very elegant handgun that screams form=function. There will never be another handgun made this way.

12-19-2006, 09:08 PM	#10
stefanosg User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: East Central Florida Posts: 367 Thanks: 1 Thanked 7 Times in 2 Posts	I am a bit of a history buff and an avid shooter. The Luger, for me, was a beautiful blending of the two. I hold the firearm and I wonder about who the original owner was. What happened to him and so many other questions. No other pistol seems to invoke so much curiosity and awe from the people who see it. I go to the range and I'll bring my Glock or my Witness to practice with. I almost always bring one of my Lugers with me as well. People turn a blind eye to my Glock, but when they see the Luger, its "Is that a real Luger?". I love sharing it and showing it to people, its like getting under the glass at the museum. Whatever the magic is, very few other pistols seem to generate that kind of enthusiasm. __________________ "When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty."

12-20-2006, 12:47 AM	#11
DaveinTN User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 186 Thanks: 3 Thanked 15 Times in 11 Posts	Great proportions, beautiful style, elegant appearance, and comfortable fit. All the rest is commentary. Dave in TN.

12-20-2006, 01:39 AM	#12
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,889 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,281 Times in 423 Posts	What Dave in TN said. I realized this when I was eight years old and had a 9/10 scale, detail-accurate Kruger cap gun. Since I've owned a real Luger, while circumstances allowed I shot several hundred rounds a month with virtually no failures--proper magazines, ammunition, and technique assure this. Lugers, even those with badly pitted bores, are phenomenally accuate. --Dwight

12-20-2006, 07:33 AM	#13
rjbuckley User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 13 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Good responses! Thanks. I'm on the mystique side of the house myself. The design is incredible, the history profound. I'm very excited to have on as a part of my collection. My only fear is that I become addicted and do so before I have a chance to be as knowledgable as you folks are. Thanks for all your input, -rb

12-20-2006, 09:22 AM	#14
Dante Di Pietro Jr. User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Maine Posts: 73 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	When I was 6 or 7 years old my father who was a gun dealer/collector had a room full of fine guns, parkers, winchesters, military guns of all types. I was drawn to an artillery luger that he let me hold any time I went into the gun room. I ignored all the others except the MG42 which I got into trouble with for setting it up when he was not there(no ammo). I was able to disassemble and assemble the artillery, just fell in love with it. 40 years later Im still hooked, History, workmanship and shooting are just gravy. The memories of collecting with my Dad are priceless. Thanks for the question and thanks you guys for the lugerforum and thanks Al G. for inventing the internet! Merry Christmas Dante

12-20-2006, 10:41 AM	#15
Dan44 User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 78 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	It's the ultimate movie "bad guy" gun.

12-20-2006, 04:00 PM	#18
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	Pappy, look to the right, I see what looks like a huge pile of magazines. I was wondering if they had started to take some parts off, and... I would say there are probably tens of millions of dollars of guns and parts there... __________________ 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

12-20-2006, 05:10 PM	#19
Pappy User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 38 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Yes and the pile seems to have an abundance of 'broomhandles'. Maybe the people hid their Lugers. I do see what appears to be a snaildrum magazine. Interesting photo that makes me feel somewhat ill...Pappy __________________ Regards, Pappy Texas Life member NRA Endowment member TSRA O===[:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::> Very happily retired; every night is a Friday night and every day is a Saturday; except for Sunday, and that's a day of rest!!!