So I have pretty much stopped buying collectables but have always wanted a WW2 era Luger. Anyone want to point me to the rabbit hole;-)
-
Forum Update: We've upgraded the software to improve security, performance, and the overall experience.
👉 Read why we made the change | Support the Forum
Luger search
- Thread starter long colt frazier
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Simpson Ltd.
Last edited:
GypsmJim
Member
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2009
- Messages
- 3,957
- Reaction score
- 6,866
Mine is a 1917 / 1920 double dated Artillary P08, that was converted to a 4" barrel after WWI. It is all matching and has Unit markings for 2 different police units. The absence of import stamps shows it came over before 1968. At 300 bucks, at the time it was the most expensive firearm I ever bought. My first gun show find.
Better be prepared to spend some big bucks. Simpson LTD might be a good place to start, but they have the cream of the crop with prices to match. If I were looking I'd also stop by Sarco's web site. They often have single units for sale.
A quick look at Gunbroker shows a wide range of prices and collectability. Looks like a shooter grade could be had in the $1500 range.
I just had mine out to the range last week. It attracts attention, that's for sure. I had to do some tweaking of the bullet shape and powder loading to get it to run reliably.
Better be prepared to spend some big bucks. Simpson LTD might be a good place to start, but they have the cream of the crop with prices to match. If I were looking I'd also stop by Sarco's web site. They often have single units for sale.
A quick look at Gunbroker shows a wide range of prices and collectability. Looks like a shooter grade could be had in the $1500 range.
I just had mine out to the range last week. It attracts attention, that's for sure. I had to do some tweaking of the bullet shape and powder loading to get it to run reliably.
OP
Thank you Jim, I am aware I'll spend some money on this deal;-)
Sure don't need it but never had one. I am still looking for a pre war lady smith;-)
Sure don't need it but never had one. I am still looking for a pre war lady smith;-)
As you likely know, Lugers can be a minefield of faked numbers and other problems. There's a lot to know to separate the good from the not so good and the fakers are getting very good at their trade.
That said, I would recommend purchasing from a dealer who has a return policy in the event the pistol you buy is something other than what you thought you were buying. I would also suggest joining the Luger forum as there are very knowledgeable members there as well as recommendations for reputable sellers.
That said, I would recommend purchasing from a dealer who has a return policy in the event the pistol you buy is something other than what you thought you were buying. I would also suggest joining the Luger forum as there are very knowledgeable members there as well as recommendations for reputable sellers.
OP
Cololab, Great advice!
I paid $499 for my first Luger, an East German surplus after the Wall came down. Funny how quickly those commies took to capitalism, IMO.
I agree Simpson is gonna be $2K & up. Most likely up.
A shooter model (all I can afford) might be best offered in a commercial model (i.e. non-war years). I personally prefer a 9mm over the .30cal due to ammo options.
Were I looking now, I would hit gun shows. There you can look at it in-person rather than buying on pics. You could also take a buddy who knows Lugers a bit more?
In TN, they have a military collectors show the weekend after Thanksgiving. Even if you don't see what you like, there might be someone who has what you'd want at home, for example. I would think most states have some sort of collector's association.
My .o2
AJ
US Veteran
I had one that was a decent shooter, but the trigger was atrocious to say the least. Asked about doing a trigger job on it and the folks on that particular luger forum said not to do anything until I had spare parts in hand. Oh, by the way those said parts are extremely hard to find. It has gone down the road....
Look at as many in person as you can,,even if they are not 'for sale'.
Collectors usually like to show off their prize Lugers at shows and displays. Questions are generally welcome. Take them up on their offer of spreading knowledge around.
Personal inspection gives you a lot of education. Much better than on-line buying and then paying the return shipping back to the seller when things are not as they were described.
Pistol shipping back and forth is very expensive,,add FFL transfer costs too.
Join the Luger Forums for an education in the collectors world.
Sometimes it can get a bit overwelming for someone just wanting a decent shooter. But any knowledge is good..
Prices can be all over the place, but dirt cheap is not where they will start.
The days of $100 Luger is long gone.
You know going in that the values have gone sky-high so you are willing to pay a fair price for a good example of what you want.
That's a good start.
The trick is to find that good example & at what is considered a fair price these days.
Collectors usually like to show off their prize Lugers at shows and displays. Questions are generally welcome. Take them up on their offer of spreading knowledge around.
Personal inspection gives you a lot of education. Much better than on-line buying and then paying the return shipping back to the seller when things are not as they were described.
Pistol shipping back and forth is very expensive,,add FFL transfer costs too.
Join the Luger Forums for an education in the collectors world.
Sometimes it can get a bit overwelming for someone just wanting a decent shooter. But any knowledge is good..
Prices can be all over the place, but dirt cheap is not where they will start.
The days of $100 Luger is long gone.
You know going in that the values have gone sky-high so you are willing to pay a fair price for a good example of what you want.
That's a good start.
The trick is to find that good example & at what is considered a fair price these days.
AJ
US Veteran
Knowledge and hands on evaluation is always the best! But also bring cash, lots of cash.
If you don't mind the collector value being pretty well gone, you could do what I did and pick up a chromed piece. It's still a piece of history, you don't have to worry about marring the finish, and you can shoot it without too much worry. I took it to an indoor range near my brother's house and the range officer in attendance was fascinated to see it and tickled pink when I let him shoot it. The fact that it had an aftermarket chrome finish rather than the original bluing didn't matter a bit.
SGT ROCK 11B
Member
Guns International.
Does it have to be a WWI or WWII Luger? Because Mitchell Arms made a P-08 replica in the early 1990s. Interarms had a Mauser branded Luger in the 1970s. Those two are great shooter options. WWI and WWII pistols are really "Safe Queens", JMHO. Sarge
Does it have to be a WWI or WWII Luger? Because Mitchell Arms made a P-08 replica in the early 1990s. Interarms had a Mauser branded Luger in the 1970s. Those two are great shooter options. WWI and WWII pistols are really "Safe Queens", JMHO. Sarge
I bought this one about a year ago for $1250 on Gunbroker. It is a byf 41. It was missing the bolt hold open, and the seller certainly had to know it was missing, but did not state that in the description. Nevertheless, it was exactly what I was looking for (personal reasons) so I kept it. The replacement part was $120, and now the pistol works as intended.
All parts numbers match except the magazine (of course) and the take-down lever, which is unnumbered and I believe is for a 1906 model pistol.
I was prepared to spend at least $2000, so I'm happy. I just wish the seller would have been honest, because I would have bought it anyway.
The magazine that came with it was absolute trash. I bought two Mec-Gar and one Stoeger aftermarket magazines. The Mec-Gar mags work reliably, but the Stoeger is not as good.
The pistol reliably shoots my home-brew 120 grain truncated cone bullet (cast from a 6-cavity Lee mold) ammo.
All parts numbers match except the magazine (of course) and the take-down lever, which is unnumbered and I believe is for a 1906 model pistol.
I was prepared to spend at least $2000, so I'm happy. I just wish the seller would have been honest, because I would have bought it anyway.
The magazine that came with it was absolute trash. I bought two Mec-Gar and one Stoeger aftermarket magazines. The Mec-Gar mags work reliably, but the Stoeger is not as good.
The pistol reliably shoots my home-brew 120 grain truncated cone bullet (cast from a 6-cavity Lee mold) ammo.
Attachments
Last edited:
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2006
- Messages
- 19,336
- Reaction score
- 30,289
While Lugers have always intrigued me I don't think I could ever bring myself to buy a Nazi era gun.
Simpson Ltd can be on the high side of prices. The Jan Still Forum and The Luger Forum is a good place to hunt. You can post a WTB and see what turns up. Sellers there offer an inspection period and you don't have to worry about GB user fees and etc. Members are rated as to their sales so you get an idea of their Bonafides.
Having a firearm made by the Germans during WW2 means you obtained a
"War Trophy". We won and now take the spoils. The Israelis used a large quantity of German weapons in their numerous wars to save their nation. To the US soldier, a Luger was the classic trophy to bring home.
G2
Having a firearm made by the Germans during WW2 means you obtained a
"War Trophy". We won and now take the spoils. The Israelis used a large quantity of German weapons in their numerous wars to save their nation. To the US soldier, a Luger was the classic trophy to bring home.
G2
Those are my favorite! Not to brag or anything, but I have a nice collection of them.
I have two WW2 Nazi marked standard 4" 9mm Lugers that I bought nearly 30 yrs ago when I first got a C&R license. Both vet bring backs I believe, no import marks. One is pretty nice, got it for $400 on GB. The other is a bit rough, looks like a battle field pick up, cost me $300 on GB. Those prices are long gone now.
AJ
US Veteran
I have had several Nazi marked guns from Lugers to Hi-Powers. They all shot the same. Had some Japanese Nambu's and Arisaka's and the shot well also. Just history is all. Same as statues that everyone wants to tear down. Part of history, good or bad.......
StillStanding
Member
- Joined
- Dec 12, 2021
- Messages
- 36
- Reaction score
- 42
Strongly recommend joining Lugerforum, they are a great resource. Also, consider whether you’re interested in a shooter, collector, or a combination of each. I happen to be in the combination of each category, enjoying shooting my 1921 Luger 3-4 times yearly. Enjoy your journey!
Similar threads
