Best Fit and Finish Luger Manufacturer?

[ColtGeek]

It's the newbie again.
Is there one generally recognized Luger Manufacturer that is recognized as superior in fit and finish?
One source says Swiss manufactured are better, another that older DWM (pre WWI ) are superior to any other. Some say that Military are better than Commercial (not normally the case with most manufacturers) and still another that says those produced between the wars are the best (better metallurgy).

Am I being too simplistic - meaning it's like the Ford vs. Chevy argument?

My first acquisiton is a WF-Bern from 1920's in near mint condition.
How does that stack up?

[John Sabato]

One word: Krieghoff

[Ron Wood]

Originally Posted by John Sabato

One word: Krieghoff

While Krieghoffs are beautifully finished, I have to disagree. The fit and finish of the elegant early Lugers made by DWM, the M1900 and to a slightly lesser extent the M1906, remain some of the finest finishes ever on a production handgun. The 1906 W+F Bern Lugers produced by the Swiss were equally well made.

The subject of metallurgy is another matter. There is no question that the materials used in WWII Luger production benefited from the advances in steel production and machining.

[guns3545]

Originally Posted by Ron Wood

While Krieghoffs are beautifully finished, I have to disagree. The fit and finish of the elegant early Lugers made by DWM, the M1900 and to a slightly lesser extent the M1906, remain some of the finest finishes ever on a production handgun. The 1906 W+F Bern Lugers produced by the Swiss were equally well made.

The subject of metallurgy is another matter. There is no question that the materials used in WWII Luger production benefited from the advances in steel production and machining.

I have to agree with Ron and it pains me slightly because I am an avid Krieghoff collector.

But... when I really want to enjoy what I believe to be the pinnacle of production gunsmithing, I reach into the safe and look at my 1900s. They are beautifully finished and they are also simply beautiful. So my vote goes to early DWM commercial production. Later war time production; not so very much.

The HKs on the other hand are the standard Model P.08 but well finished. Extremely well finished when compared to Mauser, Erfurt and Simson. And, of course probably more durable for the purpose for which they were intended due to better metallurgy and machining techniques.

As always, JMVHO

[mrerick]

My favorite Luger is a 1920s era Swiss 1906 W+F.

The workmanship is exceptional.

Marc

[Michael Zeleny]

All moving parts in a Luger were fitted twice: first fitted in the soft form after machining, then hard fitted after heat treatment. Accordingly, it bears notice that modern heat treatment stands at odds with perfection of subsequent fit and finish. In other words, beautiful surfaces achieved by DWM and Mauser in pre-WWI production could never be duplicated, once ruggedness and durability emerged as principal concerns.

[G.T.]

Has to be the 08 commercial... eight years of practice makes as close to perfect as you're going to get... Beautiful straight lines... gotta love it!... Best to all, til...lat'r...GT

[skeeter4206]

I am just curious as how to determine a Krieghoff? I am still learning about these works of art

Thanks,
skeeter

[Ron Wood]

Originally Posted by skeeter4206

I am just curious as how to determine a Krieghoff? I am still learning about these works of art

Thanks,
skeeter

It says "Krieghoff" on the toggle.

[Edward Tinker]

Originally Posted by skeeter4206

I am just curious as how to determine a Krieghoff? I am still learning about these works of art

Thanks,
skeeter

Most of the time, I suggest Jan Still's books, but really for beginners, Jones, Datig, Kenyon can all be bought for reasonable prices and talk about all sorts of lugers, then Walters, the encyclopedia one, has almost everything listed.

Ed