My first Luger

[jc3443]

Greetings all. I apologize in advance in that I tried going through the sticky's but there are a dizzying array of Lugers out there, and frankly it made my head hurt.

I acquired this piece and was hoping you all could shed some light on it.

It's a 7.65 with about a 3" barrel. It is marked GERMANY under the barrel as you can see, along with the serial number. I can see it is a DWM Luger, but the rest of the markings are Greek to me.

Thanks in advance!

[HerrKaiser]

Assuming everything is all matching, you have an alphabet commercial Luger made sometime in the later half of the 1920’s. DWM made these pistols after WW1 because they were limited in making anything in 9mm for military use by the Versailles Treaty. Instead they refurbished old military pistols and used existing stocks of parts throughout the 20’s to assemble commercial pistols like these to stay solvent post-war before their excess Luger stocks and machinery were acquisitioned by Mauserwerke around 1929/1930. It’s a very common variation but a Luger all the same. Congrats on your new acquisition and do your best to read through the FAQ document on here and get the books or pay close attention on here for more info. Welcome to the forum!

[DavidJayUden]

It appears to be a commercial Luger, made specifically for the commercial market in the 1920's. .30 cal, 3.75" bbl, and marked Germany for export. Well used but not abused, the left grip is chipped away behind he safety. The numbers appear to match but there are more inside to check. Obviously no mag. These are good guns, as good as the military ones, but lack some of the collectible value. Also .30 is more expensive to feed vs. the 9mm. Value should be somewhere around $1000. What specific questions did you have?
dju

[Roadster 02]

It's missing the takedown lever spring

[DavidJayUden]

It's missing the takedown lever spring

In about the 4th photo I'm thinking I can see the tip deep in the right side, but you may be correct.
dju

[mrerick]

Welcome to the forum JC.

You'll enjoy a copy of our extensive Luger FAQ document.

Just follow the FAQ link at the top of every forum page, and download it.

Marc

[jc3443]

Thanks for the responses and the welcome!

I downloaded the FAQ but like I said the variations are dizzying for the unintiated. I appreciate information and will read through the FAQ and forums more.

I'll check into the takedown lever spring issue. It did come with a magazine but appears to be a later reproduction and not original. Yes, I had noticed the chip in the grip and understand that is a very common issue.

I don't have any other specific questions as of yet, I was just trying to get a handle on what type of Luger this is, etc. Now that I have a base of information reading through the FAQ will likely help more. I'm sure more questions will come up but thanks!

Jim

[k98mike]

My first Luger was a .30 like yours. Watch out! You'll want more! M

[rhuff]

Welcome to the forum. The chipped left grip can be repaired(a common problem) by our own Jim Solomen(sp) if you so desire. These lugers make good shooters, and many of us enjoy the 7.65P(30 Luger) caliber. I purchased my first alphabet Luger in 1972, and still own, and shoot it. I am a handloader, so I can shoot it quite cheaply....many on this forum handload for this caliber.

Lugers like to be kept clean and well lubed. Congrats on your FIRST Luger.....they can be quite addictive.

[mrerick]

My first Luger was also an Alphabet Commercial in .30 Luger caliber.

It is a unique and compelling firearm design, with an extraordinary history. They do become addictive... and rightly so!

[HerrKaiser]

Adding to everyone, my first Luger was also an interwar commercial in .30 Luger, mine just happened to be one of the early post-war commercials instead of an alphabet one.