Luger

[Gixerman1000]

I picked up a 1915 DWM imperial German Luger P08 in 9mm, the pistol is not in the best shape aesthetically (after all it is 91 years old) so I wouldn’t say it’s collectors grade but mechanically it’s in excellent condition, all the numbers except for the magazine match, the bore is clean, there is no slop or play in anything and the action locks up tight as a tic.

This is my first Luger so I’m still learning the best ways to care for it and I’m still not sure how far I want to go with restoration verses keeping the rustic look that I feel somewhat adds to it’s mystique of it’s possible lurid past.

 

[RON in PA]

Do not refinish your gun, doing so will diminish its value. It may not be in the greatest condition finish wise but if all the numbers match and the finish is original it is a collectable. Actually I consider any Luger a collectable, even so-called shooters (mixed parts and/or refinished).

Congradulations and enjoy!

 

[BillinNH]

Looks like very good condition for an original WWI gun. First thing, I recommend you decide what you want to do with it. Some people immediately put it under glass and never let it out again. Some clean it up, keep it maintained, and shoot it from time to time. Some completely refurbish it. You need to decide which path you want to take.

I have a doubledated 1914/1920 DWM, very similar to your gun but issued to the army in WWI, collected and arsenal refurbished under the Treaty of Verasaille in 1920 and reissued to the Wermacht. Certainly saw duty in WWI and probably in WWII. Mine appears to be unmodified since it was refurbished so I have no desire to restore anything. It shoots great and gets lets of attention at the range. What I decided to do was disassemble fairly thoroughly, clean well but cautiously, reassemble and keep as a shooter. I shoot only occasionally and keep it well maintained. I have no interest in it's collectable value because I never intend to sell it.

Very nice gun. Be sure to shoot it. They're made to be shot.

Bill

 

[BillinNH]

I notice your extractor seems to be strawed, not blued. Probably means your trigger was, too. Was yours a commercial model?

Here's a pic of mine for comparison.

Bill

 

[StrikeEagle]

I have a weakness for Lugers, too and own two of them. (Plus a .22LR Stoeger Luger which I love, but let's face it... it doesn't count.) One I'm pretty sure was refinished, and the other I'm pretty sure was not. Both look great to my tired old eyes.

I shoot them from time to time, take them apart and just enjoy them.

StrikeEagle

 

[Powderman]

Hold your breath, folks---here goes...

I have a 1918 Erfurt Luger, and P regularly put rounds through it. What's the use of having a grand old pistol like that, if you're not going to shoot it? Of course, there are serious collectors--but I collect guns to SHOOT.

 

[shamus]

Red hot gun Pr0n!

 

[XavierBreath]

My Luger is a 1910 from Kurassier-Regiment 8, Eskadron 3, Waffe Nr. 14, probably issued to the second in command. Kurassier-Regiment 8 was apparently a cavalry unit in WWI.

If you go to the Luger Forum, you can find out pretty much exactly what you have.

 

[Onmilo]

Man leave that handgun alone.
Replace some springs or small parts if it isn't functional but that finish wear shows the pistols character.

 

[BillinNH]

<I have a 1918 Erfurt Luger, and P regularly put rounds through it. What's the use of having a grand old pistol like that, if you're not going to shoot it? Of course, there are serious collectors--but I collect guns to SHOOT.>

I agree with you, Powderman.

Bill

 

[Gixerman1000]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

BillinNH = I agree with you and Powderman gun are made to be shot, I’m sure I will not shoot it that often but I don’t think I would ever own anything that I didn’t or couldn’t shoot, I have never shot a Luger so I hope to get to the range with this one very soon.

From what I can tell from the symbols on the right side of the chamber area it a military model, I don't see any markings on the front or back strap but there is small eagle type marking on a few parts and some numbers on the bottom of the barrel, I'm still learning whats what about Lugers but it's fun I must say.