What 1911 to trade for Mauser 1938 P08?

I've got a matching number Mauser 1938 "Luger." It's in very good condition. But as the grips aren't original, the Luger folks kinda say it's more of a shooter than a collector piece. (The mag isn't original either, it's a Schmeisser.)

I'm not shooting it, it's pretty much a safe queen (I paid about $1300 from Simpsons two years ago.)

But I would like a good 1911. Question is, which one? Sig? Smith? Which?

I figure either selling or trading...and am wondering if I traded, what folks here would think is reasonable. If selling, what's a good 1911 for around $1200. Not for carry or competition, but for range work.

 

Redcoat3340

I agree with Demi-human; you should be looking at making a trade for a Colt Gold Cup National Match or Trophy at the lower end of things and more into Dan Wesson territory at the higher end of the 1911 spectrum. A Dan Wesson Pointman PM-45 would make for a great range gun, especially with it's adjustable rear sight.

 

Even with the grips it's a Luger. I would trade it for a nice WWII USGI 1911 but only if I had another Luger that was better. Barring that I would buy some period grips, enjoy it for what it is, and save up for a 1911. You don't want to end up kicking yourself later.

 

My springfield 1911-A1 stainless was recently "valued" at about 750 bucks trade in. Just FYI.

It would take two of em to equal your Luger

 

Hang on to the Luger. For a start, a dealer will have to make money when he sells your Luger, so you won't have any leverage for an even money swap on a high-end 1911.
Secondly, Lugers are nifty, if weird; just keep it, and save your money.
If you want a really great GI-ish 1911, a Turk 1911 will cost you around $450.
Of course, finding anything right now is a pain.
Moon

 

I'd keep the Luger and save up to buy a 1911. But, I know alot of folks do not like keeping stuff that sits idle in their possession.

Lugers are getting more and more rare and even unmatched Lugers are getting more valuable. I have one that is a shooter that I only bring out once in a while but, I'll never be able to replace it should I sell it.

But, I'll agree, a Colt National Match or something similar might be a suitable swap. Or go big and try to get a new manufacture Python.

 

Colt is the only option, in my mind. It's the original 1911. Do some looking, and you might find a WW2 vintage one you can swap for.

Mac

 

Back in the '90s I picked up a barely used Les Baer Thunder Ranch for $1200.

It seems that the original buyer was a dilettante millionaire who was annoyed that the new gun was so tight that it was hard to rack the slide. I can attest that it is a bit easier after a 10,000 round break in.
It is simply my best pistol. Sometimes I even amaze myself with this thing.

It would be a bargain at twice the price, but I doubt you will find one.
A $1200 Kimber like my Gold Combat Stainless would be doable and serve you well.

(but hang onto that Luger like its a hand hold on your El Cap free solo)

 

Older Kimber or Dan Wesson

 

I would keep it and save your pennies.. 1911's are made by damn near every gun company.. #'s matching P08's not so much.





.

 

This. Dan Wesson makes a really good production 1911.

But also this.

 

In a FTF trade, you would need to hold out for an excellent condition "US Property" marked Remington-Rand example.
Or Singer-marked one in Fair condition or worse.
For a "US NAVY" marked example, it would be very rusty and beat-up to be a fair trade.

 

I had a buddy in the corps that had a matching # p08.

Nicest feeling pistol I ever fired.
Maybe not THE best pistol, but very comfy in the hand.

Wish I had something to trade...

 

Current market prices are crazy and I don't even go to gun stores any more because I know that if I wait a year or so the prices will turn down as soon as this panic is over. It would make much more sense to sell your Luger for the much higher price you should be able to demand now and then look for a 1911 to purchase a year to two from now at a reasonable post panic price. Of course there is a slight risk that prices will remain high for more than a couple years or the socialists will outlaw all private guns.