DWM Commercial Information Needed.

[Allen Brett]

Hello,

Thank you for allowing me into your forum. I just picked up a "DWM" with the following:

1. All numbers match, looks to be 3092 p
2. No serial numbers on the grips and they look to be original.
3. Magazine same as the grips and has the wood end.
4. It has the stock lug in place.
5. There is about 70% of the straw left.
6. There is a "J" stamped on the frame under the grips.
7. The receiver is stamped with an "N" under a crown.
8. The barrel is stamped with an "N" under a crown.
9. The togge is stamped inside with an "N" under a crown.
10. It is stamped "Germany."
11. A No. 2 yellow pencil drops in however, not much slop.
12. I assume it is 7.65mm based on research found here.
13. Safety shows "GESICHERT" from what I can make out.
14. There is a "DWM" stamp on the toggle.
15. There is no date stamp as expected with a commercial unit.
16. I have not found any other stamps or markings as of now.

I don't have access to post photos currently and any information would be appreciated. I have checked on here for the suffix numbers and none look exact, pretty sure it is a "p". I would like to maybe confirm a date of manufacture range and why the "J" satmp on the frame under the grips mostly. Thanks again...

[Allen Brett]

It looks like I have figured most of this out with further research other than approximate age based on the "p" suffix and why there is a "J" stamped on the frame under the grips?

[ithacaartist]

Originally Posted by Allen Brett

It looks like I have figured most of this out with further research other than approximate age based on the "p" suffix and why there is a "J" stamped on the frame under the grips?

I can lend nothing to your pistol's birthday, but numbers stamped here and there are typical of workmen's markings applied as they go through the processes of manufacture.

[Sergio Natali]

Hi and welcome to our Luger forum from Italy.

If you could give us some up close and detailed pictures, when you can, we could probably help you out, but we need some good photos, since flash photo burns out the middle and leaves the rest far too dark to see anything.
Pictures should be taken outdoors, in the open shade works ok especially on a overcast day.

[Allen Brett]

Hello,

I have some photos now.

More photos..

Final photos..

[Allen Brett]

Thank you for the responses so far!!

[DonVoigt]

Yes, it is a lower case "p".

Typical 1920s commercial luger, probably .30 cal.; condition only so-so.

[Allen Brett]

Purchased as a "shooter" for $800.00, the bore is ecxcellent as is all of the interior working parts of the pistol. It was stored in Florida for a long time, thus some of the condition issues.

[mrerick]

Hi Allen, and welcome to the forum.

I have one from the "m" block which very likely dates to 1923, so I would estimate 1925 or so for your pistol. Others may have more precise tables.

The "p" block was close to the last of the DWM Alphabet Commercial pistols. I believe the "r" block was reserved for special orders. By 1930, the line had been disassembled and was being moved from Berlin to Mauser's facility in Oberndorf.

You'll find a copy of our free FAQ document helpful. Just follow the links at the top of each forum page.

[Allen Brett]

Thank you Mreick for the great information. I have some ammo ordered and can hardly wait to shoot the pistol. I also have a DWM numbers match WWI with all the military stamps and the regiment numbers stamped in the grip strap. The only problem is the GI had it nickle plated in France before he came home. The pistol shoots great, I love the mechanics. Time to start saving for a WWII model.

[rhuff]

From what I can see, you did alright on this purchase, especially if it functions reliably. I would not use/load that mag for fear of breaking the wood base.....they can be quite fragile with age. A good/new Mec-Gar mag will be the ticket. Let us know how things go at the range.....oh, and welcome to the forum.

[Allen Brett]

Thank you, I did get an extra mag with the pistol for shooting, has a black plastic insert instead of wood and looks like a bullseye on the ends. I also have a few what looks to be aluminum ended with serial number magazines that came extra with a WWI Luger I noted prior. I ordered some Fiocchi fmj ammo and if all works out I will get some dies and check out the reloading portion on the forum as I already reload for other calibers. I will follow up on the range report.

[JTD]

Allen, what is the date, and unit mark on the WWI gun? I would like to see a post on that pistol also. John

[Allen Brett]

Hello John,

The pistol is marked 1916 and is a 9mm DWM with a 3 digit serial number of 3.. and what looks to be a "c" suffix. They did a really nice "nickel job" on it, looks like it was supposed to be that way (too bad). The pistol has 4 stamps on the side of the receiver and 3 on the barrel excluding the serial number on the barrel. All serial numbers match other than what I assume is the incorrect magazine. The grip strap is stamped as follows: J.R.64. 3.K. When I obtained the pistol it had been packed away so long that it appeared to be gold plated due to the tarnish. Right or wrong, I didn't like the tone and it wiped off pretty easy with a little had buffing and some oil. The pistol functions flawles with any standard ammunition I have tried. I hope this answers your questions.

[Major Tom]

I also have a commercial DWM in 30 luger caliber. My pistol fires anything I run thru it including my reloads. My reloads use a Hornady HTX (or HXT) 93gr. 30 caliber with a diameter of .309 I bought from MidwayUSA. Some people say the Fiocchi ammo is under powered and doesn't function well . PPU ammo is also excellent.

[Allen Brett]

Thank you "Major Tom" for the information. I live right in the middle of Wyoming and we don't see too may Lugers this direction. I was fortunate enough to run into the two I noted in the thread. Once I shoot up some factory ammo I will use your recipe for some reloads and may be back in touch with you. I think I already have most of the components needed!

[Sergio Natali]

As you already know is a 1920s Commercial Luger, as a first Luger I reckon you did allright, I don't think you paid too much for it, so now you can have some practice on disassemble & reassemble it and of course on shooting. As I always recommend in these cases stay away from heavy loads.

Have fun and shoot safe!

[Allen Brett]

Thanks to all of you for the great information.

I went on "YouTube" and followed all of the steps to field strip and correctly clean and lubricate the pistol. I was able to get it all back together with no problems.

I ordered the Fiocchi 93 grain ammo and took it out for a try with the aftermarket magazine that also came as part of the deal. The pistol functioned properly and the 7.65 round is a pleasure to shoot.

Lastly, I purchased the book "Luger, The Story Of The World's Most Famous Handgun" by John Walter. Time to start saving for a WWII era "shooter."

[rhuff]

Let the addiction begin!!!! It runs pretty rampant on this forum.......but nobody complains about it much.