Erma Luger

T

ttarp

New member
Gunbroker is a pretty dangerous website, if you don't have pretty good self control, I'd advise you to avoid that place.

I already had a Stoeger .22 Luger, but I got to reading about the Erma .22's, and decided I "needed" one.

The earlier .22 Luger copies, the LA-22 and EP-22 are primarily of Zamak construction, with a steel sleeve in the barrel, folks don't have a lot of good things to say about these, and an easy way to spot these is the visible trigger linkage running behind the left grip panel. And then there are the KPG68, and KPG69 models. The KPG68's were scaled down in size from a true Parabellum Pistol, blowback operated, and available in .380, and .32. Later models with the "A" designation had magazine disconnects. The KPG69 was essentially the same pistol in .22LR. By all accounts the KPG models were a bit more reliable and less prone to breakage than the earlier designs, they retain the Zamak grip frame, but use all steel construction for the barrel and toggle mechanism.

Here's a few pics of my favorite new toy.
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I really get a kick out of toggle actions.
 
Ttarp, congrats, looks like you got a very nice ERMA luger. I think they are great little guns. I am sure you will enjoy it. Sure the Zamak material is not very durable and doesn't take to bluing very well. But, seems to be acceptable for the 22lr and 32acp versions. I'm not sure I'd want one in 380acp. Do you plan to shoot it? Are you getting a holster for it? I'd recommend swapping out the plastic grips for some wooden grips. I think the plastic grips make the gun look like a toy gun.

I have a KGP68a 32acp and love shooting it. I have several P.08 Lugers and the ERMA makes a great companion piece.
 
Thanks, I did take it out to the range the other day with a small variety of ammo and varying levels of success. It seems to like hotter ammo than not, next time out I'll try some mini mags and see how it does.

As to holsters and grips, I haven't looked yet, do you know of any good fits or sources for the Erma's other than gunbroker?

I watched a .32 sell for $700 on gunbroker, and a couple of .380's have been relisted a few times at $600 and $700, no bids. Just curious as to durability, do you have an idea of your .32's round count and how its been taking the wear?
 
As for holsters, GB has quality leather ones for sale occasionally that are a precise fit. Inexpensive Commie block Makarov holsters are a close fit but may not snap shut. I have a few of those. I also tried a WWII Hungarian Femaru: same deal, the ERMA fits but its large rear receiver prevents closure of the flap. I don't shoot or carry mine to any extent that I need a holster.

My ERMA KGP68a 32acp was near mint condition when I bought it. I could not tell how many rounds it had on it, but enough that the extractor was chipped and was causing FTEs. I replaced that myself and now it shoots and cycles just fine. These little ERMAs are a hoot to shoot.

I saw that $700 ERMA 32acp for sale on GB. Mine appeared to be in better condition and I paid much less for it last year. :D
 
I saw that $700 ERMA 32acp for sale on GB. Mine appeared to be in better condition and I paid much less for it last year.
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Yeah I thought that BIN price of $820 was absurd, from my recent observations that seems to be well into the shooter grade 9mm Luger range. I think I'll keep an eye out for a deal on a .32, but I won't be holding my breath.
 
zinc?
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Zamak probably, and people actually like guns made of that stuff. I had an Erma luger long ago, probably around 1969 or 70. When I realised the frame was pot metal I sold it, made sure the buyer knew too.
Ignore me, I'm the last guy in America who still believes guns should be made of steel.
 
I saw one with a busted trigger guard. The are priced reasonable for a reason. "Made in Germany" kind of burst that bubble.
 
If one wants a gun that looks sort of like a Luger, any of those copies will do and be reasonably durable. But then if one just wants a gun that sort of looks like a Luger and will keep shooting for about forever, there is the Ruger.

Jim
 
I'd say the Erma looks a bit more than sort of like a Luger, at least compared to a Ruger. And while the Ruger is indisputably a better pistol in every aspect(unless looks if you like the Luger styling), it hardly looks like a Luger other than the spelling. If you want a pistol that looks sort of like a Nambu and will keep shooting for about forever, there is the Ruger.
 
Geez, this is a tough crowd. Ttarp posts his excitement over getting a old collector catagory 22lr pistol to enjoy. Then come the critical comments regarding the how this gun's quality doesn't measure up to today's Glock or Sig or your favorite brand. Heck, not everybody buys a gun for EDC or to prepare for the Zombie apocalypse. Sometimes folks buy a gun for the fun of collecting and shooting a rare or unusual piece, like the ERMA Luger.

I have several Sigs, HKs, Rugers, Brownings for self defense and EDC, but I also enjoy my historic, iconic Luger P.08s...and, yes, even my lowly but fun ERMA KGP68 in 32acp. :D

OP, again, congrats on your new to you ERMA. I am sure you are going to have fun with it.
 
Positive remarks aren't a requirement, I fully acknowledge the pistol has some low quality parts, and I'm going to be keeping a close eye on it for stress wear as I go on. Thanks for the support though.

I did shoot it some more today, I am a little paranoid about using HV ammo, but it certainly does function 100% with mini mags. What has been a bit of a letdown is the accuracy. I'm not sure how much of it is me, or how much of it is the gun. I'm hoping I just need to practice with it a bit and get used to the trigger, but I've been shooting about 2" spreads at 15 yards, about an inch left of center. The front sight at some point has been drifted to the left also, so I won't be moving it any further to compensate.

And thanks to everyone thats commented, there are a decent number of old threads to read about these pistols, but certainly not an overabundance, so I do appreciate any discussion.
 
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