Posted: 12/11/2002 8:28:30 PM EDT
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How hard is it to find a shootable Luger? Do they make new ones? or re-production? Thanks |
Not very. Go to www.worldoflugers.com, www.lugerforum.com, get a copy of Gun List, etc.
Yep. There's a stainless replica of the American Eagle manufactured by Aimco of Houston. They were marketed at one time by Mitchell and later by Stoeger (who owns the trademark on the Luger name). They're currently marketing them independently. Aimco is not on the web, but their contact information is listed on the links and resources page of lugerforum.com. Collectors are offended and revolted by the stainless American Eagles, but I see them as a good, modern pistol that's very shootable with current factory support. I had a 1993-dated Mitchell a few years back and let it go in a weak moment. Below is a 1992-dated Mitchell for which I recently traded. With any luck, my brother will be bringing it up from Dallas this weekend. 
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I think they're going for around $600. Not cheap, but they're a labor-intensive pistol and the manufacturer isn't exactly cranking them out in bulk. This is roughly the price you'll pay for a raggedy, mismatched, import-marked standard P08 German Luger. Aimco also makes a Navy model with a 6 inch barrel and a .30 Luger chambered version. You either love or hate the new guns. There's not much leeway. |
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The "purists" and Luger gunsmiths tend to dislike the stainless Lugers because of the steel in them. Stainless has some odd properties in handguns, not always good ones. An original has both good steel and history as well. A matched #s Luger is of course pricier than a mismatch, but the parts *do* fit better, and the value is much higher. But even a reblue or refinish will destroy most collectibility. A matched #s gun with a refinish is the way to go, if you want function and history both in a shooter. This doesn't mean that a mismatch is neccessarily a bad gun though. I have some shooters that are way out of match, and they function just fine. A *real* Luger is history written in steel, as well as a very fun gun to shoot. I have never considered owning any of the post war Lugers. |
Just as I have not and will not consider owning any mismatched/refinished pre-war Lugers. I see them as expensive parts guns. The problems with stainless steel (galling, etc.) are yesterday's news. If you want a new Luger with factory support, get a stainless. If you want a potential investment, get a matched pre-war. |
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If you be in that particular town, it truly is an amazing place. There used to be a sign leading into town that said, "You're only five minutes away from 200 years ago". Well, Savannah isn't quite THAT advanced, but hopefully it will get there soon. And they really do walk imaginary pets. |
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Actually, I am in Marshall, Texas, 15 miles from the Louisiana border, and the description fits here equally well, lol. 1840s era small Southern town, madly eccentric inhabitants, gorgeous architecture, and tons of history. Just moved here in August, and am still amazed by the local flora and fauna, (people included). |