byf 41 shooter

JIMHAY97 · 03-20-2008, 02:52 PM

I'm new to this list and would like to get your opinion on a Luger I have. It is a 9mm byf 41. Appears to be made up of 2 different guns as the top assembly has matching #'s and the bottom assembly has different matching #'s. The side plate has a different # too. Has aftermarket grips, when I got the gun it had plastic grips that were made in Chicago. There is no pitting on the gun except for the side plate. The grip screws have little proof marks on them too. The finish is kind of a dull black with what looks like etching from being kept in a canvas holster. I would like to send the gun to a reputable refinisher to pretty it up and then shoot the hell out of it. My question is, "Can I do this with this gun without raising the ire of collectors?"

I also have a 1920 30 cal that I shoot. The interesting thing about this gun is that it is stamped "GERMANY" on the side and when they stamped it the stamp must have jumped or something because it has a severe double stamp that you think would have been rejected during manufacture.

Edward Tinker · 03-20-2008, 03:16 PM

Well, ony simson and Erfurt proofed (acceptance stamping is actually more correct) grip screws so, depends on what the stamps look like.

The 1920's era (most like an alphabet commericial AKA 1920 comm) was germany stamped before being sent over for sales in the USA in the 1920's and 1930's. It may not have been the factory that stampedit, but an exporter...

Ed

JIMHAY97 · 03-27-2008, 05:19 PM

I shot a couple mags worth of rounds last week. There are 2 problems that I have with it. The major one is that the last round will not fire. The trigger pull is extremely hard. Sometimes I had to recock it to fire by pulling the toggles up 1/4 way and then down. Does anyone remember which issue of American Rifleman had the "Shoot That Luger" article? Or does someone have a link to doing a trigger tune up?
The 2nd problem is that after 60 years my eyes can't see the sights that well. Thinking of finding another rear toggle link and installing adjustable sights. The gun will shoot better then I can aim it.

John Sabato · 03-27-2008, 05:26 PM

Adjustable sights are not as easy as you might think... the rear toggle link is intentionally VERY hard... so machining or drilling is not very easy... Softening of the rear link is NOT recommended.

I suggest you get a spare rear link and make the notch square... then replace the front sight with one from a P38 which is also squared... it will greatly improve your sight picture.

PM my your email address and I will send you the Luger trigger tune up article.

Vlim · 03-27-2008, 05:52 PM

A cheaper option is to adjust your shooting stance.

The P08 can be shot pretty accurately with the shooting arm bent, so that the pistol (and the sights) can be moved closer to the eye. Basically, just 'pull' the pistol towards you until you can get the sights clear.

TooTech · 03-27-2008, 07:11 PM

I'm also afflicted with worsening close vision. Get one of these from Brownells:

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/sto...L%20ATTACHMENT

alvin · 03-27-2008, 07:30 PM

Given the condition of this gun, rebluing it yourself could be fun and cheap. I reblued a CAI Nagant revolver myself, it worked. Try this:

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/sto...l.aspx?p=22820

How to make it Star-War-Like might take a little imagination, and might cost a little bit (?).

JIMHAY97 · 03-27-2008, 10:19 PM

I like the idea of redoing the gun myself. I'm a retired precision machinist and understand the principles of flat planes and sharp edges. I know that I can turn this gun into a real good looking piece. I have done some more research and have determined that this is not a collector grade gun so I have no hesitation about redoing it.
As for the attachment from Brownells, that sounds very interesting. Like a peep sight for your glasses. I'm going to do some experimenting with that idea.
John, I sent you my e-mail address. Thanks in advance.

JIMHAY97 · 03-27-2008, 10:50 PM

I picked up a 100 round box of 9mm Luger. Made by Winchester, 115 GR FMJ. Only $20 at Walmart. Anybody shot this type? Is it reloadable?
I'll try the bent arm stance to see if I can see any better too.

alvin · 03-28-2008, 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JIMHAY97
I picked up a 100 round box of 9mm Luger. Made by Winchester, 115 GR FMJ. Only $20 at Walmart. Anybody shot this type? Is it reloadable?
I'll try the bent arm stance to see if I can see any better too.

The 9m/m Winchester in Walmart is the only brand that I buy, because the quality vs price ratio. $14.97 for 100 rounds of FMJ. Never tried reloading, I smoke, and the whole family object the idea of reloading.

The ammo works great in my Interarms P-1.

John Sabato · 03-28-2008, 09:47 AM

it is interesting that there is a $5 difference from one Walmart to another on this ammo. The last time I bought any (2 years ago) it was only $11 a box of 100...

This is quality ammo that seems to function well in all Lugers.

03-20-2008, 02:52 PM	#1
JIMHAY97 User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Washington State Posts: 28 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	byf 41 shooter I'm new to this list and would like to get your opinion on a Luger I have. It is a 9mm byf 41. Appears to be made up of 2 different guns as the top assembly has matching #'s and the bottom assembly has different matching #'s. The side plate has a different # too. Has aftermarket grips, when I got the gun it had plastic grips that were made in Chicago. There is no pitting on the gun except for the side plate. The grip screws have little proof marks on them too. The finish is kind of a dull black with what looks like etching from being kept in a canvas holster. I would like to send the gun to a reputable refinisher to pretty it up and then shoot the hell out of it. My question is, "Can I do this with this gun without raising the ire of collectors?" I also have a 1920 30 cal that I shoot. The interesting thing about this gun is that it is stamped "GERMANY" on the side and when they stamped it the stamp must have jumped or something because it has a severe double stamp that you think would have been rejected during manufacture.

03-20-2008, 03:16 PM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,935 Thanks: 2,034 Thanked 4,533 Times in 2,093 Posts	Well, ony simson and Erfurt proofed (acceptance stamping is actually more correct) grip screws so, depends on what the stamps look like. The 1920's era (most like an alphabet commericial AKA 1920 comm) was germany stamped before being sent over for sales in the USA in the 1920's and 1930's. It may not have been the factory that stampedit, but an exporter... Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

03-27-2008, 05:26 PM	#4
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,154 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,306 Times in 1,097 Posts	Adjustable sights are not as easy as you might think... the rear toggle link is intentionally VERY hard... so machining or drilling is not very easy... Softening of the rear link is NOT recommended. I suggest you get a spare rear link and make the notch square... then replace the front sight with one from a P38 which is also squared... it will greatly improve your sight picture. PM my your email address and I will send you the Luger trigger tune up article. __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

03-28-2008, 09:47 AM	#11
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,154 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,306 Times in 1,097 Posts	it is interesting that there is a $5 difference from one Walmart to another on this ammo. The last time I bought any (2 years ago) it was only $11 a box of 100... This is quality ammo that seems to function well in all Lugers. __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

03-27-2008, 05:19 PM	#3
JIMHAY97 User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Washington State Posts: 28 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I shot a couple mags worth of rounds last week. There are 2 problems that I have with it. The major one is that the last round will not fire. The trigger pull is extremely hard. Sometimes I had to recock it to fire by pulling the toggles up 1/4 way and then down. Does anyone remember which issue of American Rifleman had the "Shoot That Luger" article? Or does someone have a link to doing a trigger tune up? The 2nd problem is that after 60 years my eyes can't see the sights that well. Thinking of finding another rear toggle link and installing adjustable sights. The gun will shoot better then I can aim it.

03-27-2008, 05:52 PM	#5
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,989 Times in 1,205 Posts	A cheaper option is to adjust your shooting stance. The P08 can be shot pretty accurately with the shooting arm bent, so that the pistol (and the sights) can be moved closer to the eye. Basically, just 'pull' the pistol towards you until you can get the sights clear.

03-27-2008, 07:11 PM	#6
TooTech User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Minnesota Posts: 23 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I'm also afflicted with worsening close vision. Get one of these from Brownells: http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/sto...L%20ATTACHMENT

03-27-2008, 07:30 PM	#7
alvin User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: US Posts: 3,843 Thanks: 132 Thanked 729 Times in 438 Posts	Given the condition of this gun, rebluing it yourself could be fun and cheap. I reblued a CAI Nagant revolver myself, it worked. Try this: http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/sto...l.aspx?p=22820 How to make it Star-War-Like might take a little imagination, and might cost a little bit (?).

03-27-2008, 10:19 PM	#8
JIMHAY97 User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Washington State Posts: 28 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I like the idea of redoing the gun myself. I'm a retired precision machinist and understand the principles of flat planes and sharp edges. I know that I can turn this gun into a real good looking piece. I have done some more research and have determined that this is not a collector grade gun so I have no hesitation about redoing it. As for the attachment from Brownells, that sounds very interesting. Like a peep sight for your glasses. I'm going to do some experimenting with that idea. John, I sent you my e-mail address. Thanks in advance.

03-27-2008, 10:50 PM	#9
JIMHAY97 User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Washington State Posts: 28 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I picked up a 100 round box of 9mm Luger. Made by Winchester, 115 GR FMJ. Only $20 at Walmart. Anybody shot this type? Is it reloadable? I'll try the bent arm stance to see if I can see any better too.