Did I Screw Up? (Bought a Luger)

[Moondoggie]

Last night at an estate auction I purchased a Luger for $355. Seemed like a good deal. I was planning to go as high as $400, which my local friend/ffl also thought was a good deal. It's worn here and there, but not too bad looking. The mag has a wooden "baseplate". SN is 50XX.

I got it home and discovered that it's a 7.65, not a 9mm. Ammo is a lot pricerier than 9mm (I don't own any other 9's, BTW). 100 rds of the 7.65 would probably be a lifetime supply for me, considering all of my other pistols. The wife likes it, and depending on how she feels after we shoot it we'll either keep it or sell it.

I see one currently on Gunbroker started at $899.

Did I screw up, or did I do OK?

 

[c_yeager]

An original .30 Luger is a lot cooler and more unique than a 9mm in my book. It might be worth more too, but I am no collector so I couldnt tell you for sure. I would pay $355 for one, no problem.

 

[DogBonz]

I think that you did pretty good

Depending on condition, of course.

 

[albanian]

If the condition is good and the numbers match, that is a steal! If not, it is still probably a good price. I don't see Luger for less than $600 anywhere so I think you are safe.

 

[don95sml]

The price you paid is very reasonable for a Luger considered to be a shooter, rather than a collectible. One parameter that increases the value is if serial number on all the parts match. For instance, if the serial number on the frame is 3456, then all the other exterior and interior parts should be stamped 56 (the last two digits of the frame number). Even the grip panels have a serial number. If you want to learn more, I'd recommend looking at www.lugerforum.com. Collectible versions can be worth thousands of dollars. I also have just a shooter model. However, I think you will be impressed with its ergonomics and accuracy, plus the Luger will always be a fascinating part of firearms history.

 

[Onmilo]

You want to sell it???
I may offer you your money and a bit more for that Luger.

 

[Dr.Rob]

You stole it, enjoy it.

Even as a shooter grade, $355 is a steal. You must now post pics of your new pistole.

 

[Chuck R.]

There’s a chance you did better than “OK” and landed on “GREAT”. From what I’ve seen Shooter/Beater grade Luger’s are going for close to $600 these days. IF you do decide to sell, I doubt you’ll have any trouble getting your money back.

Luger’s are cool guns. Once you take it down, the engineering and the work that goes into them is simply amazing. Tools from bygone days requiring lots of handwork.

I inherited an early 1920 Commercial Luger in 7.65 that was built from spare WW1 parts. The 7.65 ammo is pretty steep compared to 9mm, but Graf & Son’s has it for around $20/50.

http://www.grafs.com/ammo/8

Luckily, I’m a reloader so I played with mine till I figured out an inexpensive and reliable load based on Berry’s .32 plated bullets. Be advised, .30 Lugers are overbore by us standards and mines at .311”. The caliber is pretty quick, but the little 90+ grain bullets are kind of anemic. Very, very light recoil, so your wife will probably enjoy shooting it.

IF you get down here to KS with some components, I’ll gladly load you up a couple boxes. I actually went to the trouble of setting up my Dillon to load the little buggers. It's costing me about $4-5.00 per 50.

A buddy of mine has a 9mm, so every once and a while we have Luger day out at my place.


Chuck

 

[Moondoggie]

Pics

I did some cleaning/oiling.

Every visible part has the correct SN, I didn't break it down yet.

Here's what it looks like.....

 

[gbelleh]

It looks like it's in great shape. That is a great price for any Luger these days. I just got my first Luger a couple weeks ago. Enjoy it!

 

[10-Ring]

SCORE! I think you done good

 

[makarovnik]

Awesome. I like the .30 luger. I think you made a good score. Enjoy (I'm jealous).

 

[SouthpawShootr]

First thing you should do is get that gun appraised. It might be worth as much as 5x what you paid for it. Lots of Luger collectors all over the place and most are wonderful sources of information. If a collector knows you won't be selling it, for a small fee they may be willing to give you an honest opinion of what it is worth or even some of the more desirable traits of that particular gun. Some of the older guys will probably tell you alot for nothing. They do love to talk their passion. My dad has 4 of these. He's just learning the collector end of things, but so far as I can tell, he hasn't made any mistakes yet.