Reeder Custom Guns - Hey Gary I finally got the Estate Luger, thanks so much!

I have been delirious researching and learning about them. So interesting the history and such. Luger collectors are a special breed too, man they know their stuff and are so discriminating! The safety ended up being the top of the safety bar missing, broken who knows when in the last 105 years. An inexpensive part. No complaints at all, as it may be worth considerably more than I paid, in a niche market.

Tell Tom it seems that it is actually not a Commercial model but a very early "Non-date mark, DWM Imperial Military P08" from the third batch run, "b" suffix. He seems to be an enthusiast and very knowledgeable. I'm just learning. So far the date of manufacture seems to be around 1914. The Military Lion mark and two crowned proofs, only on that side, no date, or other various markings are the tell.

We have had a blast so far and I'll post some pictures of action later.

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Not sure which Tom you are talking about. It isn't the Tom that works for me. I am fairly sure he isn't into any military guns. Anyway, glad you and Roman like it.

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I was so excited I might have been thinking someone else. Guns and money get me stirred up.

It is a very nice piece for sure.

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It was nice to speak to someone that had some passing knowledge and interest. Some shops have black t-shirted limited fellows who are tactical pulp professionals. Good to keep real gun enthusiasts about!

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Tom and I talk gun mechanics some at TN, don't think you've ever been there. There is so much to know about Lugers and I'm just scratching the surface but enjoying the ride. That's why I wanted it.

The date of manufacture is a beginning puzzle. After looking a bunch today I THINK it is 1909. Seems in 1910 they began the chamber dates on DWM's. The "b" suffix should indicate it's the 20,011th gun made. Best I can tell it is a "First Issue Military Model 1908" They ran through serial #4828b. So that's about 24,828 guns made in that series. As mentioned in 1910 they started dating chambers. There are so many variables, and that holster looks too good to be a genuine 104 yr. old item. The mags on these were supposed to be unmarked wood bottoms so this one has a mis-matched mag. "If" it had both mags, the holster, tool, cleaning rod, and was mint condition, I could sell it and pay for me, you, and Gary to all go to Africa next trip! But that's not in the cards. LOL

But it's a real story in wood and metal to enjoy. Roman shot it even with a busted safety and enjoyed it. I'm doing so tonight, even after protests from Luger forum lurkers. It's been shot before so why not now. That's what it was made for, 110 yrs. ago.

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they had sort of a recall and installed a bolt "hold open"after the last round on almost all the Military Lugers. If you can stick a mag in it and the toggle locks open there you go. Also a teeny little pin is along the frame rail on the right side with a little proof mark indicating the work was done and approved. FWIW.

This rig is classed as "factory altered" with that modification.

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Hey Gary I finally got the Estate Luger, thanks so much!

glad you like it. Several folks were hot for that one.

I thought it Tom whom I spoke with on the phone..

if you didn't talk to me, it would have been Noodle (Eric),

Whomever, they knew a little bit and owned a Luger. Noodle?

Glad you like it!

Thanks Noodle, for some reason I thought you sounded; Tom

Another tid-bit of Luger info, around 1913