Frankenluger!

Brennan909 · 09-07-2020, 11:51 PM

Hello all. New to the forums and a new Luger p08 owner. I have picked up quite the frankengun (except for the Upper, lower, barrel, and safety lever). I bought it as a shooter and to say that I have a Luger, though fortunately I didn't pay a whole lot for it. It shoots great, so I am not upset.

Anyone seen a mismatched jumble of parts on a 1942 BYF Luger like this before? (Has a what looks like worn out import mark under the barrel, can't read what it says) Could it be a capture pistol that was just thrown together?

HerrKaiser · 09-08-2020, 07:08 AM

Hi and welcome to the forum! As for your frankenluger, that has been a bit of an ongoing discussion as of late. In short, they could have been mismatched at any point. Some guys build them. Mine is all matching except the toggle train, but some of the guys build them with almost zero matching parts. All that matters for you is that it works!

mrerick · 09-08-2020, 10:57 AM

I can't see detail of the marking on your gun's barrel well enough to make out if it is an import mark or a British proof mark. I think I see "9mm" in the text... From the info below, it's probably an import mark.

The large "X" stamped behind the serial number digits on the left side of the receiver indicate that this was a WW-II Russian captured pistol. The grainy finish appearance looks like the gun was dip refinished in their rework (but flash photography makes it difficult to judge finish).

The magazine is earlier than the pistol, either a police magazine or something from the 1930's... The base may provide some clues.

The replacement parts were likely installed as part of their rework, but anything was possible.

The left grip has been hand re-checkered, and it's uneven. That points to someone having their hand at it at home, not a professional armory. It's also got the million dollar chip - evidence that someone that was unfamiliar with Lugers took them off the frame at some point.

You have a good shooter built from a Mauser pistol. Enjoy!

You may find our forum FAQ document useful. Download it from the FAQ link at the top of every forum page.

Welcome to the forum, Marc

Doubs · 09-08-2020, 11:56 AM

I can make out enough of the importer's marking on the barrel to say that it was brought in by CAI St Albans VT.

Edward Tinker · 09-08-2020, 02:27 PM

well, I have made a number of frankenlugers - I always have parts and when I happen to get a frame and upper (I am looking for a Simson upper for ME!!) and I have made DWM, Mauser, Erfurt shooters

Its fun to bring parts back to life - an upper might be all roasted and pitted, yet the frame is nice or the other way around.

Ed

Brennan909 · 09-08-2020, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doubs

I can make out enough of the importer's marking on the barrel to say that it was brought in by CAI St Albans VT.

Doubs, You have better eyes than me brother. Also, thanks everyone for the feedback. My first venture into the world of Lugers has been interesting to say the least.

Doubs · 09-08-2020, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brennan909

Doubs, You have better eyes than me brother. Also, thanks everyone for the feedback. My first venture into the world of Lugers has been interesting to say the least.

A magnifying glass helps. LOL I've copied and enlarged the image so it should be easier to read although still not the best.

rhuff · 09-08-2020, 03:48 PM

I have a shooter Luger with far more mis-matched parts than your "new" Luger. Mine shoots 100%, and it is my favorite range Luger. Welcome, and enjoy!!

Brennan909 · 09-08-2020, 06:05 PM

I may just try to piece it together over time to match but I'm in no hurry. What is the correct magazine for this pistol (I only have the one displayed but would like more). In just random internet searching, fxo marked un numbered mags?

Brennan909 · 09-08-2020, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doubs

A magnifying glass helps. LOL I've copied and enlarged the image so it should be easier to read although still not the best.

Thanks doubs, I can definitely make it out a little better now.

spangy · 10-24-2020, 08:57 PM

Well Brennan .... I like it

And as ED says 'Its fun to bring parts back to life'

Welcome to the 'forum' brother ... nice gun.

4 Scale · 10-25-2020, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brennan909

I may just try to piece it together over time to match but I'm in no hurry. What is the correct magazine for this pistol (I only have the one displayed but would like more). In just random internet searching, fxo marked un numbered mags?

My references say yes, you are correct. These would normally have a blue body and an unnumbered black plastic base.

Congratulations on your acquisition. IMO you have started out with Lugers in the best way - a pistol with some non-matching parts with the major functional parts matching, at a good price. This will let you get to know the pistol and consider where your interests lie. Many including me get a first Luger thinking it will be just one, instead it becomes a first step on an enjoyable journey. I have a mis-matched Mauser Luger similar to yours and greatly enjoy it.

Sergio Natali · 10-26-2020, 06:06 AM

Never mind a "frankenluger" I think you've got a nice shooter there, and since you're not a collector enjoy what you have!

09-07-2020, 11:51 PM	#1
Brennan909 New User Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Virginia Posts: 4 Thanks: 3 Thanked 5 Times in 1 Post	Frankenluger! Hello all. New to the forums and a new Luger p08 owner. I have picked up quite the frankengun (except for the Upper, lower, barrel, and safety lever). I bought it as a shooter and to say that I have a Luger, though fortunately I didn't pay a whole lot for it. It shoots great, so I am not upset. Anyone seen a mismatched jumble of parts on a 1942 BYF Luger like this before? (Has a what looks like worn out import mark under the barrel, can't read what it says) Could it be a capture pistol that was just thrown together? Attached Thumbnails

09-08-2020, 07:08 AM	#2
HerrKaiser User Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: South Carolina Posts: 845 Thanks: 782 Thanked 860 Times in 410 Posts	Hi and welcome to the forum! As for your frankenluger, that has been a bit of an ongoing discussion as of late. In short, they could have been mismatched at any point. Some guys build them. Mine is all matching except the toggle train, but some of the guys build them with almost zero matching parts. All that matters for you is that it works! __________________ -QM Looking for Mauser S/42 toggle train #22

09-08-2020, 10:57 AM	#3
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,909 Thanks: 1,374 Thanked 3,110 Times in 1,510 Posts	I can't see detail of the marking on your gun's barrel well enough to make out if it is an import mark or a British proof mark. I think I see "9mm" in the text... From the info below, it's probably an import mark. The large "X" stamped behind the serial number digits on the left side of the receiver indicate that this was a WW-II Russian captured pistol. The grainy finish appearance looks like the gun was dip refinished in their rework (but flash photography makes it difficult to judge finish). The magazine is earlier than the pistol, either a police magazine or something from the 1930's... The base may provide some clues. The replacement parts were likely installed as part of their rework, but anything was possible. The left grip has been hand re-checkered, and it's uneven. That points to someone having their hand at it at home, not a professional armory. It's also got the million dollar chip - evidence that someone that was unfamiliar with Lugers took them off the frame at some point. You have a good shooter built from a Mauser pistol. Enjoy! You may find our forum FAQ document useful. Download it from the FAQ link at the top of every forum page. Welcome to the forum, Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

09-08-2020, 02:27 PM	#5
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,929 Thanks: 2,028 Thanked 4,527 Times in 2,090 Posts	well, I have made a number of frankenlugers - I always have parts and when I happen to get a frame and upper (*I am looking for a Simson upper for ME!!) and I have made DWM, Mauser, Erfurt shooters Its fun to bring parts back to life - an upper might be all roasted and pitted, yet the frame is nice or the other way around. 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

09-08-2020, 03:48 PM	#8
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,289 Thanks: 2,707 Thanked 971 Times in 716 Posts	I have a shooter Luger with far more mis-matched parts than your "new" Luger. Mine shoots 100%, and it is my favorite range Luger. Welcome, and enjoy!! __________________ Need DWM breechblock #21

09-08-2020, 11:56 AM	#4
Doubs User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Byron, Georgia Posts: 1,696 Thanks: 792 Thanked 1,679 Times in 552 Posts	I can make out enough of the importer's marking on the barrel to say that it was brought in by CAI St Albans VT.

09-08-2020, 06:05 PM	#9
Brennan909 New User Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Virginia Posts: 4 Thanks: 3 Thanked 5 Times in 1 Post	I may just try to piece it together over time to match but I'm in no hurry. What is the correct magazine for this pistol (I only have the one displayed but would like more). In just random internet searching, fxo marked un numbered mags?

10-24-2020, 08:57 PM	#11
spangy Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 617 Thanks: 3,065 Thanked 1,057 Times in 429 Posts	Well Brennan .... I like it And as ED says 'Its fun to bring parts back to life' Welcome to the 'forum' brother ... nice gun.

10-26-2020, 06:06 AM	#13
Sergio Natali User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Somewhere in Northern Italy Posts: 2,646 Thanks: 1,082 Thanked 1,783 Times in 1,007 Posts	Never mind a "frankenluger" I think you've got a nice shooter there, and since you're not a collector enjoy what you have! __________________ "Originality can't be restored and should be at the top of any collector's priority list.