Luger ID .30 cal or 9mm

[DavidJayUden]

So we have determined that it is not a 1916 9mm. What else do you want to know?
dju

[Josafoot]

So what is an Alphabet luger? I understand lugers were originally chambered in .30 luger and were done so after the war due to disarmament agreements.

What do I need to know as far as using this as a shooter. I rolled most of the internet for information and there does not seem to be anything special about shooting the .30 luger.

[DonVoigt]

Originally Posted by Josafoot

So what is an Alphabet luger? I understand lugers were originally chambered in .30 luger and were done so after the war due to disarmament agreements.

What do I need to know as far as using this as a shooter. I rolled most of the internet for information and there does not seem to be anything special about shooting the .30 luger.

Have you read the stickys, or used the search feature ?

Lots of questions answered there.

[Josafoot]

Originally Posted by DonVoigt

Have you read the stickys, or used the search feature ?

Lots of questions answered there.

Yes that is correct. I realized that as I was asking it.

I was more curious about what makes one think that this is an Alphabet Luger. Is it because of the Crown n marking's with the 4 digit serial number? That is what I am finding.

I also see a few posts here and on other sites mentioning the consistency of the .30 Luger vs the 9mm Para. I will do more research; is there better performance with the .30 Luger over the 9mm? I imagine this has more to do with the .30 Luger being made with luger operations in mind.

Thanks for all the help by the way. I am kicking myself that I did not see that it was a .30 luger instead of a 9mm. My research is making me liek the .30 cal more and more though.

I really liked the idea of the 9mm as an easier round to get and more universal.

[Bill_in_VA]

Originally Posted by Josafoot

[...] I was more curious about what makes one think that this is an Alphabet Luger. Is it because of the Crown n marking's with the 4 digit serial number? That is what I am finding. [...]
I really liked the idea of the 9mm as an easier round to get and more universal.

An "Alphabet Luger" is a vernacular name for a commercial Luger produced by DWM in the mid-1920s. The Alphabet Lugers have a four digit setial number with a letter suffix (i.e. serial numbered in a military fashion instead a five digit serial number like previous commercial guns.) The c/N is a commercial/non-military marking that means the gun is nitro proofed, or safe for smokeless powder. You can find the same marking on many German commercial guns of the same period.
What makes one think your gun is an Alphabet Luger? That's like asking "what makes one think my Chevy Chevette is a Chevy Chevette?" The serial number, non-dated receiver ring, commercial proofs/no military proofs, no police sear/unit marks, .30 caliber. Read the stickys. They'll tell you. 😉

[mrerick]

In all this discussion and photo work, nobody mentioned the site FAQ, which has a very nice discussion and illustration of the difference between guns chambered in 9mm and .30 Luger.

i'll bet you it would get used and referenced more often if we packaged it up in a nice book instead of a free .PDF file and sold it...

Oh well...

Marc

[DonVoigt]

Marc,
you're correct of course- but then no one ever reads the stickys, or the FAQ, or old posts, or uses the search feature.

Spoiled by the internet with instant answers and free; but not necessarily correct.

Josafoot,
this rant is not directed at you- but at many who come looking for answers and don't take anytime to check for themselves.

It is a pet peeve of mine- and means little in the total scheme of things.

[ithacaartist]

Originally Posted by Josafoot

I tried a Pencil and it was tight but I could push it through. Not a plunk.

Then it's .30 Luger.

Originally Posted by Josafoot

One more picture of the stamp. Flash brings out the dirt and rust. Any recommendations for cleaning up lugers without ruining their value?

Painstaking, gentle cleaning with well-oiled 4/0 steel wool. Change out the wool frequently because it picks up rust--which is abrasive--as you go. A toothbrush with fine bristles helps in the corners. Avoid anything water based or acidic.

[rhuff]

I agree with Bill....an alphabet Luger in 7.65P/30 Luger with a numbered safety bar to match the serial number.

[DonVoigt]

Originally Posted by rhuff

I agree with Bill....an alphabet Luger in 7.65P/30 Luger with a numbered sear safety to match the serial number.

I must be going nuts, I don't see the sear safety on that pistol- and I've never seen the sear safety numbered.

I do see the usual safety bar.

[Bill_in_VA]

Originally Posted by DonVoigt

I must be going nuts, I don't see the sear safety on that pistol- and I've never seen the sear safety numbered.

I do see the usual safety bar.

I don't see one either - never did. But the gun's an Alphabet.

[rhuff]

Originally Posted by DonVoigt

I must be going nuts, I don't see the sear safety on that pistol- and I've never seen the sear safety numbered.

I do see the usual safety bar.

You are 100% correct, my mistake of terms.......and I know better, but don't always type the correct name. Brain fade I guess, or some other defect!! Sorry. I will try to improve, but can't make any promises.