P08 Luger.

[Sturnovik]

I am not nessarlity looking for a WW1 or WW2 era one, but would love to find one. Are these pistols really that hard to find? I only own one handgun now but would love to find one of these lugers. Where would one start looking for them?

[Milsurp Collector]

They aren't hard to find, they just aren't cheap.

As with any C&R, the first thing to do is educate yourself so you know what to look for and what you are buying. Register at this forum http://www.lugerforum.com/ and start browsing the threads, and ask questions. After you register you will have access to their classified section where there are Lugers for sale. Since they are Luger collectors (or at least fans) selling to other Luger fan/collectors, the prices will be realistic and fair, but not bargains.

[zinfull]

Where are you located? There maybe a collector near you that can help. There are 3 areas of germany lugers which pertain to the time they were made. If you want a shooter then they can be found for around $6-700, collector grade $1300 up. Be warn it is a very addicting hobby.

jerry

[blackfalcon]

There are so many different types of lugers, depends on what type you want, i.e., wartime or commercial version, etc. Definitely read, there are a number of good books out there in addition to the lugerforum as Milsurp Collector mentioned. Once you get a Luger, you will want to get a holster, which means more research.

[dfletcher]

I am not nessarlity looking for a WW1 or WW2 era one, but would love to find one. Are these pistols really that hard to find? I only own one handgun now but would love to find one of these lugers. Where would one start looking for them?

What part of the state are you in? Krausewerk in San Mateo has lots of Lugers and since Lugers are C & R, if you find one on line it can be brought into the state without regard to the roster.

There are (were) a few "made copies of" versions out there, most notably Interarms and Stoeger. Here's an example:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=181821345

The copies aren't exactly inexpensive, I have a Stoeger Luger stainless in 6" and it works perfect but have heard that the earlier Mitchell version doesn't work so well. I bought the Stoeger because the price was right and it's a 6". I know it isn't collectible, I just like the look. It seems to me you can find an OK shooter for around $800.00.

Lugers are easy to find, but there are so many variations that prices are all over the place.

[Sturnovik]

Good points!
I really should have gone into more detail on what Luger I was looking for. I will definitely register with the Luger site you mentioned!

I'm in Northern California myself, but I mean being reasonable is the average luger above lets say 800 dollars? I'd possibly be willing to spend more but needless to say I should have done more research. I've heard of the C&R licenses but either way I should have done a little more research on both the luger and C&R. Where does one apply for one?

[Milsurp Collector]

Good points!
I've heard of the C&R licenses but either way I should have done a little more research on both the luger and C&R. Where does one apply for one?

Go to this web site http://www.atf.gov/forms/dcof/

Fill out the online request form and click the button next to

F 7CR (5310.16) - Application for License (Collector of Curios and Relics) Under 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44, Firearms

They will send you the paper forms to fill out. Return the first part of the form with $30 to the BATFE address on the form, send or give the second part of the form to your local Chief Law Enforcement Officer (Chief of Police or Sheriff).