Artillery Luger Question?

1909AR · 09-23-2006, 10:37 AM

I have just picked up a 1917 DWM Artillery luger that belonged to my grandfather. I really want to fix this pistol. The problem I have is that someone ground the stock lug off. The pistol has about 1/32" of the stock lug left on the frame. If anyone knows who can put the stock lug back on I would greatly appreciate it.

John Sabato · 09-23-2006, 01:26 PM

This can be done, but it will be a very expensive restoration... You should consider what your budget would be for this project...

If the gun is not all matching serial numbers, you might fare better buying a shooter class gun with a stock lug from the same manufacturer and time period and switching the frames to restore your Artillery, and then re-selling the shooter class gun to recoup some of your investment... Just my $0.02...

Could you post some photos of this gun and especially the stock lug area so that more advice can be provide by some of the members who may have faced this issue...

Since the "modification" has eliminated any real historical value... the restoration would just restore its functionality and original glory, but will not increase its value to most collectors... Your sentimental value will far exceed the costs of restoration... I wish I had a grandfather who had left me a gun.

...I am anxious to see your Artillery...

1909AR · 09-23-2006, 05:53 PM

I will try to get some pics up of the pistol if it would help. I plan to slowly have the Luger restored back as close to possible as I can. However the pistol is a 1917 all matching. I am becoming quite fond of these pistols and this particular one will never be for sale as long as I have it. As always any help is greatly appreciated.

Ron Smith · 09-23-2006, 11:02 PM

Amos,

Does the Luger have any markings on the grip strap?

Ron

1909AR · 09-24-2006, 02:06 PM

Thanks for the replies. Fist off to answer Ron, there are no marks on the backstrap of the pistol. In regards to finding a donor frame I had thought about purchasing a lug section from Tom Heller. The lug was ground off very neatly, whom ever ground the lug left about a 1/32" of the lug on the pistol and did not grind it flush with the backstrap. I will try to get pictures up to help. As far as restoration is concerned the pistol will have to be restored anyway. Right now the pistol is a work in progress but it will be finished one day. As always thanks for the replies

John Sabato · 09-24-2006, 02:51 PM

I would recommend Art Buchanan or Hugh Clark for the replacement of the stock lug using a donor frame... Both have built Baby Lugers in the past by reducing the grip area in length size... it uses the same technique...

Lugerdoc · 09-25-2006, 10:07 AM

I second John's recommendations. TH

09-23-2006, 10:37 AM	#1
1909AR User Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 11 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Artillery Luger Question? I have just picked up a 1917 DWM Artillery luger that belonged to my grandfather. I really want to fix this pistol. The problem I have is that someone ground the stock lug off. The pistol has about 1/32" of the stock lug left on the frame. If anyone knows who can put the stock lug back on I would greatly appreciate it.

09-23-2006, 01:26 PM	#2
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	This can be done, but it will be a very expensive restoration... You should consider what your budget would be for this project... If the gun is not all matching serial numbers, you might fare better buying a shooter class gun with a stock lug from the same manufacturer and time period and switching the frames to restore your Artillery, and then re-selling the shooter class gun to recoup some of your investment... Just my $0.02... Could you post some photos of this gun and especially the stock lug area so that more advice can be provide by some of the members who may have faced this issue... Since the "modification" has eliminated any real historical value... the restoration would just restore its functionality and original glory, but will not increase its value to most collectors... Your sentimental value will far exceed the costs of restoration... I wish I had a grandfather who had left me a gun. ...I am anxious to see your Artillery... __________________ 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..."*

09-23-2006, 11:02 PM	#4
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	Amos, Does the Luger have any markings on the grip strap? Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

09-24-2006, 02:51 PM	#6
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	I would recommend Art Buchanan or Hugh Clark for the replacement of the stock lug using a donor frame... Both have built Baby Lugers in the past by reducing the grip area in length size... it uses the same technique... __________________ 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..."*

09-25-2006, 10:07 AM	#7
Lugerdoc Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: POB 398 St.Charles,MO. 63302 Posts: 5,089 Thanks: 6 Thanked 736 Times in 483 Posts	I second John's recommendations. TH __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 lugerdoc@charter.net

09-23-2006, 05:53 PM	#3
1909AR User Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 11 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I will try to get some pics up of the pistol if it would help. I plan to slowly have the Luger restored back as close to possible as I can. However the pistol is a 1917 all matching. I am becoming quite fond of these pistols and this particular one will never be for sale as long as I have it. As always any help is greatly appreciated.

09-24-2006, 02:06 PM	#5
1909AR User Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 11 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for the replies. Fist off to answer Ron, there are no marks on the backstrap of the pistol. In regards to finding a donor frame I had thought about purchasing a lug section from Tom Heller. The lug was ground off very neatly, whom ever ground the lug left about a 1/32" of the lug on the pistol and did not grind it flush with the backstrap. I will try to get pictures up to help. As far as restoration is concerned the pistol will have to be restored anyway. Right now the pistol is a work in progress but it will be finished one day. As always thanks for the replies