My first pistol was a Stoeger "Luger" 22 Long Rifle purchased new about 1969. The gun had some feeding issues and instead of trying to fix it the gunsmith sent it back to the manufacturer for a warranty replacement gun. He didn't check with me before doing this so my first pistol was no longer mine. The replacement gun worked fine but I never felt like it was my "first one" so without emotional attachment I eventually sold it.
Well, a few months ago I spotted a similar gun (I recall mine as having checkered stocks and these are smooth but maybe I am wrong) at a local show. Tag read $225 and I walked out with it for $210. Works perfectly and brings back lots of memories.
In 1976 my mother bought me a 1918 stamped DWM P08 for my 21st birthday. I had mentioned several times in passing that I wanted a Luger someday so she contacted a well-known dealer in such pistols and bought me a 95% example after arranging with a local dealer for transfer. It worked perfectly and was a real prize.
But in 1986 my home was burglarized and all of my guns were stolen including my birthday Luger. A few guns were recovered over the years but the Luger remains MIA. So after pining for my P08 a couple years I contacted the same dealer my mother had dealt with and he had a nearly identical gun in stock. Not quite as nice in condition, but the same make and year.
So here they are. Both are replacements. What are you gonna do?
Well, a few months ago I spotted a similar gun (I recall mine as having checkered stocks and these are smooth but maybe I am wrong) at a local show. Tag read $225 and I walked out with it for $210. Works perfectly and brings back lots of memories.
In 1976 my mother bought me a 1918 stamped DWM P08 for my 21st birthday. I had mentioned several times in passing that I wanted a Luger someday so she contacted a well-known dealer in such pistols and bought me a 95% example after arranging with a local dealer for transfer. It worked perfectly and was a real prize.
But in 1986 my home was burglarized and all of my guns were stolen including my birthday Luger. A few guns were recovered over the years but the Luger remains MIA. So after pining for my P08 a couple years I contacted the same dealer my mother had dealt with and he had a nearly identical gun in stock. Not quite as nice in condition, but the same make and year.
So here they are. Both are replacements. What are you gonna do?
