Advice on Luger purchase requested

alex · 09-09-2002, 11:07 AM

I just joined this forum as I have been offered a Luger and I wanted to find out if it is worth purchasing. I will be going to look at it this weekend and want to know what to look for, as I am not a luger collector. The info I have so far is:

Make: DWM
Barrel: 4"
Calibre: 9mm
Condition: Not sure, will know when I see it, however the seller states that it is "original finish/condition", not reblued.
Bore: Unknown
Serial #: I did know enough to ask if it was matching and he confirmed all numbers match except...magazine is missing.

Asking price is $175.00. First, is this a reasonable amount given the info I have provided?
Second: What in general should I be looking for in terms of markings for a DWM?
Lastly, what type of mag would be correct, what is their availability/price?

Any info would be appreciated, prior to taking a look at it. I will also take a digital photo of it.

Regards, Alex

Hugh · 09-09-2002, 01:37 PM

Go for it! The parts alone are worth the money.
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Doubs · 09-09-2002, 01:39 PM

Alex, if it's complete and working it's worth far more than $175. Even with a bad bore it's a steal. As long as you don't have to buy major parts beyond a barrel - if that's even needed - the price is super. Let us know more when you do.

alex · 09-09-2002, 07:43 PM

Thank you for the advice. I have read the tech info section and have printed a copy of the data sheet to take with me. I have also read the "Upload Photos" section and will take pics of both sides and the top of the pistol to post.
Besides the maker name, would there also be a date?

Regards, Alex

Herb · 09-09-2002, 08:28 PM

Alex, there were so many variations of the DWM made it might have no date, one date or two dates, the 1920 double date series. Those that record the dates associated with serial numbers could help you if it has no date. At the price you quoted, it's a steal regardless of a date. It will be more valuable if the serial numbers match.

Aaron · 09-09-2002, 10:35 PM

Alex, I was wondering what neck of the woods you live in where people don't know that any Luger is worth much more than $175.

wterrell · 09-09-2002, 11:30 PM

alex,

Be sure that you are not lured into some backwash 'Deliverance' situation. Take a Dan Wesson .44 mag as 'trade' material.

That's my advice.

Edward Tinker · 09-09-2002, 11:58 PM

As Wes said, be careful, doesn't hurt to take a friend to help look at it.

And I have seen where they call one of the .380 smaller guns that LOOK like a Luger, a Luger. Also the Ruger .22, so when you go to look at it, you might be pleasantly surprised or disappointed.
Good luck. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Garfield · 09-10-2002, 12:30 AM

Hello:

Since you did not post this message on the Newbies Board where no flaming is allowed then I reckon that you are fair game.

I am not certain which of the two of you, the seller or you, is the more ignorant. If the seller's luger is as you state, then he would be a fool to sell it for that price. If you have doubts as to whether the price is fair, then you should not be collecting. Before you go to the purchase site make certain you know what a luger looks like. Once you have that basic knowledge and can ascertain that the pistol for sale is in fact a "luger" complete with grips plates and a magazine and that it is not a rusted piece of junk, I would suggest that you buy it. Then spend a lot of money buying books to find out what you have.

Good Luck

Good Luck

Ron Wood · 09-10-2002, 12:42 AM

Garfield,
Since when does an individual have to post an honest question in a specific location on the forum to escape your wrath? I really don't like jumping in where I am not invited, so you are free to flame me as you wish, but dangit, you are entirely too free with words like "ignorant" and "fool". I thought we were here to help educate and encourage folks, not blast them out of the water because they haven't got your years of experience.

I wholeheartedly agree that the beginning collector should buy books and learn all he can, but when an opportunity comes up to make a purchase, he should be able to turn to the forum for a little advice without being made to feel like an ass.

Garfield · 09-10-2002, 12:46 AM

Sorry, Ron:

But dangit that is my opinion.

Ron Wood · 09-10-2002, 12:49 AM

Well you are certainly entitled to it, and I wouldn't deny anyone their opinion. It is just sometimes I wish you weren't quite so rough. Sorry if I stomped too hard.

Pete Ebbink · 09-10-2002, 01:06 AM

Hello Alex, and wecome to the Forum,

If your $ 175.00 luger is in good working order, you have found great buy.

Any decent, working order gun for $ 175.00 is a bargin and having it be a luger is the "ala mode"...on a piece of pie.

If you have a digital camera or access to a friend who does, please feel free to post some photos here on the Forum and most folks will help you identify its history...and can steer you in the direction of the right books to read as well about your particular model...

I am one of the newbies here, as we are called. Some even call me a 90-day wonder...but actually it has been nearly 270 days since I got the luger bug.

Once you shoot your first luger, you might get hooked...I am on my 14th. luger and now chasing my 15th. model...

You will find some great luger folks here, and even a few with manners lacking...but stick around, we all seem to co-exist here...

Good luger hunting...

Regards,

Pete... <img src="graemlins/yltype.gif" border="0" alt="[typing]" />

Garfield · 09-10-2002, 01:14 AM

Hello, Ron:

Thank you for your comments. You are very knowledgeable, I read and respect your comments and observations. However, if you will permit me, given the rampant rapeing of neophite luger collectors (there have been several reported incidents on the forum, and no, John S I am not going to provide the specific messages), I simply think that a "hard love" approach, isn't that the liberal term used nowadays?, is the best way to get a persons attention, and, hopefully, help them out.

Ron Wood · 09-10-2002, 01:25 AM

Garfield,
I knew your intentions were good and your heart is in the right place. Hopefully your message gets across without undue rancor and the neophite is more informed and better for it. And thank you for your kind words, feelings are mutual.

hermit · 09-10-2002, 07:50 AM

I hope I escape Garfields wrath, but there are deals out there to be had. Espescially up here in the great white north. I got my 41BYF with the original bakelite grips and the holster for $150.00. With that deal I got an old 16 guage double barrel shotgun with exposed hammers(I wouldn't dare try to fire it but looks nice on the wall) and a little single shot .22 all for the one price. Did I take advantage? I didn't think so at the time because I did not know the luger's value. I like to read Garfields posts as he does know more than I ever will about these pistols, but sometimes I do cringe when he answers some of the new posters. Mostly though; he is always to the point and direct with his advice. <img src="graemlins/icon107.gif" border="0" alt="[icon107]" />

MauserLugers · 09-10-2002, 10:12 AM

Hi,
Garfield is absolutely correct with his post. I'm all for helping out new collectors and sharing information, but NO ONE can answer some of these questions correctly. With no serial number given, no markings given, no conditon details given, you can not even begin to try to answer this with any honesty or correctness. And if you do not know what model of Luger it is, you do not know what type of magazine would be correct. Any comment would be nothing more than pure speculation. **** I also think it would be good to have the posters location on the bottom of their post. **** Good collecting!

Stu · 09-10-2002, 10:31 AM

Come on chaps, lighten up. An honest question by someone who isn't a collector. From what I understand he hasn't even seen the gun yet; so lambasting him for not having serial numbers, x-rays and video of the thing seems a little harsh.

At a price of $175 I suspect Alex doesn't believe it's that special, (and may well be something other than a Luger). Should it turn out to be a luger in functioning condition, calling in the camera crew might make the owner want a higher price.

Alex; if it is a pre 1945 Luger and all parts are present I'll give you $175 for it you don't like it [img]wink.gif[/img]

MauserLugers · 09-10-2002, 12:28 PM

Hi Stu,
I guess I wasn't very clear in my intentions. You wrote "an honest question", and we are trying to give "an honest answer". A lot are saying "buy it" as "it is a good deal", but that is pure speculation. Even though it is only $175, we have no idea without more details if it is even worth that. We have no idea if any of it is actually original or if it even functions. We have no idea of who is selling it. We have no idea what the buyer is looking for or is expecting, or would be happy with. In my opinion we should be a lot more hesitant when giving the "go ahead" on an item we have no information on. Lots could be wrong with this pistol, or it could be a real deal, but from the information we have, we just have no way of knowing. Instead, in my opinion we should be giving the advice to be cautious and look at the gun, get all the markings, serial number, and if possible pictures, buy some books, and ask more questions. Garfield said it all with his general statement that you should have some basic knowledge of what you are buying and some basic idea of the value. There is a saying that if a deal sounds too good, it probably is! I guess the bottom line is most are more optimistic than me and I do not have very much trust in these super deals actually turning out to be super deals. Good collecting!

Roadkill · 09-10-2002, 03:59 PM

Make: DWM
Barrel: 4"
Calibre: 9mm
Condition: Not sure, will know when I see it, however the seller states that it is "original finish/condition", not reblued.
Bore: Unknown
Serial #: I did know enough to ask if it was matching and he confirmed all numbers match except...magazine is missing.

Based on what was originally stated, I would consider a DWM 9mm original condition matching sns for $175 a deal. He has more sense than I did when I walked into a shop and paid a lot more for mine knowing a whole lot less about it. And I know I'm not the only one to ever have done it that way. I think ya'll just jealous. And reference the
"who is the biggest fool", there is a whole lot of folks out there who really don't care much about firearms in general much less about Lugers.

RK

09-09-2002, 11:07 AM	#1
alex User Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 33 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Advice on Luger purchase requested I just joined this forum as I have been offered a Luger and I wanted to find out if it is worth purchasing. I will be going to look at it this weekend and want to know what to look for, as I am not a luger collector. The info I have so far is: Make: DWM Barrel: 4" Calibre: 9mm Condition: Not sure, will know when I see it, however the seller states that it is "original finish/condition", not reblued. Bore: Unknown Serial #: I did know enough to ask if it was matching and he confirmed all numbers match except...magazine is missing. Asking price is $175.00. First, is this a reasonable amount given the info I have provided? Second: What in general should I be looking for in terms of markings for a DWM? Lastly, what type of mag would be correct, what is their availability/price? Any info would be appreciated, prior to taking a look at it. I will also take a digital photo of it. Regards, Alex

09-09-2002, 01:37 PM	#2
Hugh RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Southeast Texas Swamp Posts: 2,460 Thanks: 2 Thanked 165 Times in 64 Posts	Go for it! The parts alone are worth the money. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> __________________ *TRUMP FOR PREZ IN '20!*

09-09-2002, 08:28 PM	#5
Herb User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Utah, in the land of the Sleeping Rainbow Posts: 1,457 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Alex, there were so many variations of the DWM made it might have no date, one date or two dates, the 1920 double date series. Those that record the dates associated with serial numbers could help you if it has no date. At the price you quoted, it's a steal regardless of a date. It will be more valuable if the serial numbers match. __________________ Utah, where gun control means a steady trigger pull

09-09-2002, 11:30 PM	#7
wterrell User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,096 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	alex, Be sure that you are not lured into some backwash 'Deliverance' situation. Take a Dan Wesson .44 mag as 'trade' material. That's my advice. __________________ Noli me vocare, ego te vocabo, wes --------------------

09-09-2002, 11:58 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	As Wes said, be careful, doesn't hurt to take a friend to help look at it. And I have seen where they call one of the .380 smaller guns that LOOK like a Luger, a Luger. Also the Ruger .22, so when you go to look at it, you might be pleasantly surprised or disappointed. Good luck. [img]smile.gif[/img] __________________ 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

09-09-2002, 01:39 PM	#3
Doubs User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Byron, Georgia Posts: 1,670 Thanks: 769 Thanked 1,611 Times in 525 Posts	Alex, if it's complete and working it's worth far more than $175. Even with a bad bore it's a steal. As long as you don't have to buy major parts beyond a barrel - if that's even needed - the price is super. Let us know more when you do.

09-09-2002, 07:43 PM	#4
alex User Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 33 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thank you for the advice. I have read the tech info section and have printed a copy of the data sheet to take with me. I have also read the "Upload Photos" section and will take pics of both sides and the top of the pistol to post. Besides the maker name, would there also be a date? Regards, Alex

09-09-2002, 10:35 PM	#6
Aaron Banned Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vista, CA Posts: 1,008 Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts	Alex, I was wondering what neck of the woods you live in where people don't know that any Luger is worth much more than $175.

09-10-2002, 12:30 AM	#9
Garfield User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: A little SE of Nome Posts: 239 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hello: Since you did not post this message on the Newbies Board where no flaming is allowed then I reckon that you are fair game. I am not certain which of the two of you, the seller or you, is the more ignorant. If the seller's luger is as you state, then he would be a fool to sell it for that price. If you have doubts as to whether the price is fair, then you should not be collecting. Before you go to the purchase site make certain you know what a luger looks like. Once you have that basic knowledge and can ascertain that the pistol for sale is in fact a "luger" complete with grips plates and a magazine and that it is not a rusted piece of junk, I would suggest that you buy it. Then spend a lot of money buying books to find out what you have. Good Luck Good Luck

09-10-2002, 12:42 AM	#10
Ron Wood Moderator 2010 LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Santa Teresa New Mexico just outside of the West Texas town of El Paso Posts: 6,986 Thanks: 1,065 Thanked 5,088 Times in 1,674 Posts	Garfield, Since when does an individual have to post an honest question in a specific location on the forum to escape your wrath? I really don't like jumping in where I am not invited, so you are free to flame me as you wish, but dangit, you are entirely too free with words like "ignorant" and "fool". I thought we were here to help educate and encourage folks, not blast them out of the water because they haven't got your years of experience. I wholeheartedly agree that the beginning collector should buy books and learn all he can, but when an opportunity comes up to make a purchase, he should be able to turn to the forum for a little advice without being made to feel like an ass. __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

09-10-2002, 12:46 AM	#11
Garfield User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: A little SE of Nome Posts: 239 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Sorry, Ron: But dangit that is my opinion.

09-10-2002, 12:49 AM	#12
Ron Wood Moderator 2010 LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Santa Teresa New Mexico just outside of the West Texas town of El Paso Posts: 6,986 Thanks: 1,065 Thanked 5,088 Times in 1,674 Posts	Well you are certainly entitled to it, and I wouldn't deny anyone their opinion. It is just sometimes I wish you weren't quite so rough. Sorry if I stomped too hard. __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

09-10-2002, 01:06 AM	#13
Pete Ebbink User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The USA Posts: 5,919 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Hello Alex, and wecome to the Forum, If your $ 175.00 luger is in good working order, you have found great buy. Any decent, working order gun for $ 175.00 is a bargin and having it be a luger is the "ala mode"...on a piece of pie. If you have a digital camera or access to a friend who does, please feel free to post some photos here on the Forum and most folks will help you identify its history...and can steer you in the direction of the right books to read as well about your particular model... I am one of the newbies here, as we are called. Some even call me a 90-day wonder...but actually it has been nearly 270 days since I got the luger bug. Once you shoot your first luger, you might get hooked...I am on my 14th. luger and now chasing my 15th. model... You will find some great luger folks here, and even a few with manners lacking...but stick around, we all seem to co-exist here... Good luger hunting... Regards, Pete... <img src="graemlins/yltype.gif" border="0" alt="[typing]" />

09-10-2002, 01:14 AM	#14
Garfield User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: A little SE of Nome Posts: 239 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hello, Ron: Thank you for your comments. You are very knowledgeable, I read and respect your comments and observations. However, if you will permit me, given the rampant rapeing of neophite luger collectors (there have been several reported incidents on the forum, and no, John S I am not going to provide the specific messages), I simply think that a "hard love" approach, isn't that the liberal term used nowadays?, is the best way to get a persons attention, and, hopefully, help them out.

09-10-2002, 01:25 AM	#15
Ron Wood Moderator 2010 LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Santa Teresa New Mexico just outside of the West Texas town of El Paso Posts: 6,986 Thanks: 1,065 Thanked 5,088 Times in 1,674 Posts	Garfield, I knew your intentions were good and your heart is in the right place. Hopefully your message gets across without undue rancor and the neophite is more informed and better for it. And thank you for your kind words, feelings are mutual. __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

09-10-2002, 07:50 AM	#16
hermit User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: canada Posts: 51 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I hope I escape Garfields wrath, but there are deals out there to be had. Espescially up here in the great white north. I got my 41BYF with the original bakelite grips and the holster for $150.00. With that deal I got an old 16 guage double barrel shotgun with exposed hammers(I wouldn't dare try to fire it but looks nice on the wall) and a little single shot .22 all for the one price. Did I take advantage? I didn't think so at the time because I did not know the luger's value. I like to read Garfields posts as he does know more than I ever will about these pistols, but sometimes I do cringe when he answers some of the new posters. Mostly though; he is always to the point and direct with his advice. <img src="graemlins/icon107.gif" border="0" alt="[icon107]" />

09-10-2002, 10:12 AM	#17
MauserLugers User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Philipsburg, Montana 59858 Posts: 250 Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 1 Post	Hi, Garfield is absolutely correct with his post. I'm all for helping out new collectors and sharing information, but NO ONE can answer some of these questions correctly. With no serial number given, no markings given, no conditon details given, you can not even begin to try to answer this with any honesty or correctness. And if you do not know what model of Luger it is, you do not know what type of magazine would be correct. Any comment would be nothing more than pure speculation. ** I also think it would be good to have the posters location on the bottom of their post. ** Good collecting!

09-10-2002, 10:31 AM	#18
Stu User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 451 Thanks: 4 Thanked 25 Times in 16 Posts	Come on chaps, lighten up. An honest question by someone who isn't a collector. From what I understand he hasn't even seen the gun yet; so lambasting him for not having serial numbers, x-rays and video of the thing seems a little harsh. At a price of $175 I suspect Alex doesn't believe it's that special, (and may well be something other than a Luger). Should it turn out to be a luger in functioning condition, calling in the camera crew might make the owner want a higher price. Alex; if it is a pre 1945 Luger and all parts are present I'll give you $175 for it you don't like it [img]wink.gif[/img]

09-10-2002, 12:28 PM	#19
MauserLugers User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Philipsburg, Montana 59858 Posts: 250 Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 1 Post	Hi Stu, I guess I wasn't very clear in my intentions. You wrote "an honest question", and we are trying to give "an honest answer". A lot are saying "buy it" as "it is a good deal", but that is pure speculation. Even though it is only $175, we have no idea without more details if it is even worth that. We have no idea if any of it is actually original or if it even functions. We have no idea of who is selling it. We have no idea what the buyer is looking for or is expecting, or would be happy with. In my opinion we should be a lot more hesitant when giving the "go ahead" on an item we have no information on. Lots could be wrong with this pistol, or it could be a real deal, but from the information we have, we just have no way of knowing. Instead, in my opinion we should be giving the advice to be cautious and look at the gun, get all the markings, serial number, and if possible pictures, buy some books, and ask more questions. Garfield said it all with his general statement that you should have some basic knowledge of what you are buying and some basic idea of the value. There is a saying that if a deal sounds too good, it probably is! I guess the bottom line is most are more optimistic than me and I do not have very much trust in these super deals actually turning out to be super deals. Good collecting!

09-10-2002, 03:59 PM	#20
Roadkill User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 1,632 Thanks: 1 Thanked 28 Times in 17 Posts	Make: DWM Barrel: 4" Calibre: 9mm Condition: Not sure, will know when I see it, however the seller states that it is "original finish/condition", not reblued. Bore: Unknown Serial #: I did know enough to ask if it was matching and he confirmed all numbers match except...magazine is missing. Based on what was originally stated, I would consider a DWM 9mm original condition matching sns for $175 a deal. He has more sense than I did when I walked into a shop and paid a lot more for mine knowing a whole lot less about it. And I know I'm not the only one to ever have done it that way. I think ya'll just jealous. And reference the "who is the biggest fool", there is a whole lot of folks out there who really don't care much about firearms in general much less about Lugers. RK