What to Do With My Luger

[Hawk62]

Hi all,
First time poster here.

I inherited a Luger from my uncle, fair condition, non-matching serial numbers, some pitting, plexiglass(?) handles.

I'm not sure what to do with it. I'm not a collector, not even really a shooter, just a small game hunter.

About how much would it cost to re-blue and add wood handles?

I'll probably take it to a big area gun shop this week for appraisal / advice.

Any information and advice will be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[blchandl2]

You can get much more info on the Luger forums. If it is safe to shoot, it could be a fun shooter. I am interested to hear about those grips. Wood or bakelite grips can be found pretty easy.

 

[101combatvet]

I would leave it as is, other then cleaning it up. It looks like a GI bring back, it is unusual, the plexiglass is often seen to replace grips on knives and bayonets, a type of trench art if you will. If you try to put it back to factory condition it will won't increase in value, best to leave it and enjoy it as is.

 

[James K]

IMHO, that gun is in such poor condition that attempting to refinish it would make things worse. Like the others, I recommend cleaning it up as best you can, replacing the grips if you choose to do so, and otherwise treat it as a shooter. A photo of the top of the gun, with the maker's code, would help in dating it.

Even in poor condition, that gun would probably bring around $800-900 retail with the proper grips.

Jim

 

[Deaf Smith]

Get new grips and become a THRUSH agent.

Deaf

 

[smee78]

If you inherited it from your uncle then I would make sure its safe to shoot and keep it. It does not cost anything to hang on to it and who knows someday you may find you like shooting it. Why get rid of it? You may need it some day? I wish someone would give me a Luger.

 

[reddog81]

The gun shop is probably going to offer 50% of the value you could sell it for yourself. A reblue job is going to cost more than the value it will add.
I'd love to find a reasonable priced Luger like that. You won't feel bad shooting it like you would one in a premium condition.
I'd check it out to make sure it functions and then shoot it.

 

[Big Shrek]

Shoot & enjoy, its quite amazing how enjoyable Lugers are

 

[Hawk62]

Photo of top. The front number is 41.

The front serial # is 6311 u.

The barrel serial # is 7655.

Any idea on date of manufacture based on the serial numbers?

Thanks.

 

[Hawk62]

A couple more (crummy) close-up photos from the right side of the receiver and from the right side of the barrel.

I assume these mean the gun (or at least the #7655 parts of it) were Nazi era?

 

[gyvel]

"41" is the date of manufacture, indicated by the date over the chamber. "42" is the manufacturer's code, which would be Mauser. The 655 Waffen Amts are also associated with Mauser. It's obviously been rebarreled, but by whom and why are mysteries.

Everything else but the grips look to be original to the gun.

I'd keep it.

 

[Hawk62]

Here's a photo where you can see the "6311 u" on the frame, and the "7655 882" on the bottom of the barrel. So, I was assuming the 655 on the right side was related to the 7655?

 

[gyvel]

Here's a photo where you can see the "6311 u" on the frame, and the "7655 882" on the bottom of the barrel. So, I was assuming the 655 on the right side was related to the 7655?

No, that was strictly a coincidence. 655 was the number assigned to the inspector's office ("Waffen Amt")at Mauser Werke.

"7655" is the serial number of the pistol from which the barrel was removed. "8.82" is the diameter of the bore in mm (rounded off to 9).

Basically, you have a neglected and poorly cared for WWII Luger that's all matching except for one major part: the barrel. (And of course, the grips.)

Like I said, keep it, enjoy it and have fun shooting it. It's one relic you can't really hurt.

 

[Ozzieman]

I agree with others. Keep it, do not modify it.
Also if you have never taken a Luger apart, go on line (u-tube) and check out how to take it apart correctly.

 

[drobs]

Don't throw away / change out those grips! They are most likely lexan made from WWII aircraft plexiglass.

If your at all tempted to sell, I'd recommend you give it to another family member as that gun belongs within your family.

 

[44 AMP]

The closest match I could find in the Standard Catalog of Luger is a Mauser 41/42 model.

The serial# is not helpful to date the gun, Luger serial#s ran in 4 digit blocks, and started over with a letter suffix after 9999. Other markings (chamber date) give the year.

The gun is a "shooter" Luger, meaning there is no additional collector value, due to the mismatched parts #s.

The 41/42 model is considered common, about 18,000 were made, grips would have been checkered walnut or black plastic. Magazine is blued body aluminum bottom. Finish was salt blue with no straw coloring.

2006 price for a "poor" condition was $500 (all matching #s)

Today, prices are much higher, and "shooter" Lugers are $750-1000, depending on condition, demand, and the value of the dollar.

60 years ago, you could have gotten that same gun, (probably with the original barrel, better finish and proper grips) delivered to your door by the Postman for about $20.

Those grips might be worth something, to someone, but to me they are horrid looking, and I would replace them with any cheap wood or plastic that would fit. Your call, of course.

If you do shoot it, DO NOT use any +P type ammo.

 

[blchandl2]

One caution. Do not dry fire a war era Luger. The firing pins can break if dry fired. Just get some snap caps and don't take the risk.

 

[Hawk62]

Here are some updated photos. I cleaned it and re-attached the recoil spring to the dangling "T-bar" piece (sorry for not knowing the proper name of the parts). So, in these photos, the barrel/receiver/frame are properly aligned.

 

[101combatvet]

I like it, well done!

 

[Model12Win]

Those grips look they belong on a prop from the new Star Wars film!