[Guest]

This is ao open question from my previous post:
http://www.gunboards.com/luger/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3706

We have determined that my '42' coded 1938 dated P-08 is a re-build, as these markings make no sense. In the responses I received to the original post (which were extremely helpful, thanks to all that responded) I was asked if the only non-matching number on the gun, the side plate number, was on the bottom edge or inside the sideplate. I am curious if the location will give me more of the history of this gun, and since I am new to Lugers, I lack the background knowledge to answer my own question. The sideplate number is on the bottom edge. Can anyone tell me what the significance of this location is? I find it curious that it's not on the face of the plate like all other Lugers I see posted. Also there was mention of the sideplate being cut for a sear safety. I see no obvious cut marks anywhere on the gun. Please explain what that means... I have fired the gun without a magazine, so I know it doesn't have any type of magazine safety. It, of course, has the frame safety. I have no idea what a sear safety would be. I love this shooter and it fires wonderfully and accurately, so I'm keeping it. I would like to know a bit more about it, if I could. See my other post in this category for photos.

ragc

 

[Ron Smith]

Hi ragc, The sear safety is a small flat dogleg shaped bar that sits on top of the sideplate. There is a small rivet down through the back that holds it to the frame. Looking down at the top edge of the sideplate. Is there a slot cut in the top edge? If not, it is not cut for a sear safety.
The sideplate is numbered on the bottom, because it is an earlier commercial variation. Or numbered in the commercial manner (hidden).
The magazine safety is a sheetmetal bar that would stick out on the left side, at the top leading edge of the left grip. The grip would have a small notch cut out just behind the trigger. The mag safeties are usually not present, as most were removed. Is the grip notched? Also, is there a 1/4" hole drilled in the frame under the sideplate, just above the trigger. This hole was drilled if a mag safety was installed.

I hope this is'nt too confusing, Ron

 

[Luke]

ragc -

If the serial number is on the bottom edge of the sideplate as the gun is viewed from an upright position, it means that the sideplate is from an earlier model military Luger or a commercial Luger. Prior to late 1911 production, all military Luger sideplates were numbered on the bottom edge. Other markings were also in locations different than your "42" coded 1938. In addition, commercial Lugers were similarly marked at least until 1920. Perhaps someone else with more knowledge of commercials can comment on this.

Just as I posted the above I noted that Ron beat me to the punch.

Hope this helps.

Luke

 

[Ron Smith]

Sorry Luke, I'm not as slow as I thought I was. Not bad for an old duffer.

Ron

 

[Edward Tinker]

Rafael, remember, apples and oranges.

There is military marking methods, there are commerical marking methods.

There are police "specific" items, such as a sear safety cut out, if your's is NOT a police, it will NOT have a cut out (with a few exceptions). I don't believe yours is a police model.

Sear safety example:
Download Attachment: 20041020221036_1920_left_side.jpg
13.58 KB

Ed

 

[Guest]

I have learned much. No,it appears that the Luger is not a police model, nor does it have a sear safety or mag safety. It is a straight military re-build with an older sideplate. Thanks to all.

ragc