[Dirtypacman]

I have wanted a Luger since I got my license so it was a special day when I got to bring this home. 1917 DWM (non-matching). I am looking for (WTB) another magazine and a period style holster for it any suggestions? I also am looking for any information that I can cross reference markings, etc to try and get any history I can on the gun. Thanks in advance.

Any other pictures you suggest I take just let me know.

 

[Jim K]

A period magazine will have a wood bottom and folded construction just like that one; they are not cheap. Nor are original holsters, though good repros are available.

I have often told folks that if they want a Luger and don't want to pay big money, there are Lugers around that are in lesser conditon and with mismatched parts that can be had for decent prices. That Russian capture gun is the kind I have in mind.

What you paid for the gun is no one's business, but with little or no original finish, so-so grips and mismatched parts, such guns will usually go for well under $1000, where one in good condition with all matching parts will run twice that.

Jim

 

[Dirtypacman]

Thanks so much for the information Jim. That is exactly what I was told that this was a mix-and-match Russian Capture. I felt comfortable in what I paid as it was a straight trade for my used Springfield XD45 with some extra mags that I have not been shooting since I got my Glock21.

 

[45Auto]

If it was captured in WWII by the USSR then it has lots of bloody history. Horrible battles too numerous to mention and attrocities to make your skin crawl. There are various books on the subject, I suggest The 900 Days: The Siege Of Leningrad by Harrison Salisbury. Then branch off into some others after that.

 

[Jim K]

Many military firearms have "lots of bloody history", but we will probably never know the history of any given weapon. One odd aspect of collecting is that those guns that are in the best condition, and therefore the most desired by collectors, are the least used, ones that spent the war in a depot or in some desk officer's middle drawer.

Jim

 

[Dirtypacman]

I was happy to get one with a bit of history even if it does not meet the criteria of a collectors item. I have cross posted this over at a luger forum to see what other information I can get but regretfully I have not received any replies yet.

I will look into the 900 days book you speak about thanks!

 

[jim brady]

Congrats on a pretty decent Luger. Not all Lugers are pristine collector's pieces, but every Luger P08 is a classic.

You can find reproduction holsters and the mag loading tools for around $60 for both. The spare mags are pricey for a Luger, with most running upwards of $30 or $40 each. You can find really cheapo ones for a little less. The holster is a waste of money. They are impractical for use and very slow to draw from. The mag loading tool is a good item to have.

One last thing - I'd advise AGAINST carrying a Luger loaded reguardless of holster. The only thing that keeps a cocked pistol from firing is the flex transfer bar. How everyone says to carry a six-shooter SAA with only 5 rounds loaded for safety? For a Luger, only carry it in a holster with an empty chamber.

 

[Dirtypacman]

Congrats on a pretty decent Luger. Not all Lugers are pristine collector's pieces, but every Luger P08 is a classic.

You can find reproduction holsters and the mag loading tools for around $60 for both. The spare mags are pricey for a Luger, with most running upwards of $30 or $40 each. You can find really cheapo ones for a little less. The holster is a waste of money. They are impractical for use and very slow to draw from. The mag loading tool is a good item to have.

One last thing - I'd advise AGAINST carrying a Luger loaded reguardless of holster. The only thing that keeps a cocked pistol from firing is the flex transfer bar. How everyone says to carry a six-shooter SAA with only 5 rounds loaded for safety? For a Luger, only carry it in a holster with an empty chamber.

Well first off the only time I would carry this with me is when I am going to and from the range, in my range bag lol. I have plenty of other more ideal carry choices for my person.

The holster was just something to put it in and find a spot in my safe. I figured treat it like its used to being treated with some leather around her. If I can get away with one for little money I think I am still going to get one.

The mags are the biggest question. I have been told some aftermarket repro's don't work very well. I want to have 3 total for it including the one I have currently.

 

[Dirtypacman]

Oh I should ask this as well. What ammunition do people suggest for this shooter. First off I was told stick to factory and no reloads. Told not to allow FPS greater then 1050fps. Mentioned 124's not 117's. This was fully checked by a gunsmith who in turn gave his blessings to shoot it.

Thanks again in advance.

 

[Lanrezac]

The few Lugers I have had experience with preferred 124 grain FMJ bullets for feeding. 115 grain bullets jammed more often and 147 grain ones would often not chamber at at all, IIRC.

Back in the 1990's, Fiocchi made a 9mm Luger load with a 124 grain truncated cone bullet that was very similar to the bullet the Luger was originally designed for. That was ideal but I don't think they have made it for a long time.

 

[jim brady]

I should have started with "I do not claim to be a Luger expert". My old Luger is a shooter. It was re-blued sometime during it's life after having a cheap nickel finish stripped off. Looks great, but sadly Luger trueists would scorn me for mine. Still a classic to me.

Mine shoots pretty well with factory Winchester 115 grain FMJ target loads. As far as the after market mags, the only trouble I've found with over 40 years + with her is the mag follower button on some don't activate the toggle hold open feature as well as an original does. Have never had any that causes feeding problems.

If you want just a holster, I suggest getting a copy of Shot Gun News. People advertize replica P08 holsters there all the time for about $40 or so. Some even offer the mag loader. Those really help in the Luger's case. That follower button is pretty small, and the loader makes life much better.

 

[Dirtypacman]

Excellent thanks for the information once again.

I gave her a workout last night at the range using some Federal 115's and they worked the charm. Even locked back at the final shot. The first string I shot out of her were all touching, amazingly accurate for a 95 year old. I am still smiling since yesterday. It is so nice to get that feeling again after shooting for so many years the excitement finally came back.