As any pistol that has a "combat/police history" especially Luger's that go back almost 100 years, sure some will be wall hangers, and a POS as Ping pointed out as far as a shooter.
Some survived with little abuse and were
not "shot out". (Like my 1916 DWM)...
With all matching numbers..
Yes, it is finicky with certain ammo. It does not like cheap a** foreign 9mm. But with Wal-Mart Remington 115gr FMJ's it will shoot them all day with no jams, FTF, FTE, nuthin...Just a bang....Same with the Winchester 124gr, 9mm NATO rds.
I bought two brand new Luger mags from Meggar. They work fine. Original mags, may have also contributed to cycling issues.
OK, I can live with that, as I didn't purchase it to carry as an SD piece anyway. According to the preview vid, I would agree that the original "period" 9mm ball was loaded "hotter" and was needed to cycle the toggle, cause mine is still very stiff to cycle.
They like to be very "clean"....That's why the Luger holsters totally cover the entire pistol and utilize a pull strap to "lift" the pistol out enough to grab it. To keep dirt, mud, snow, sand, etc,...the heck out of it...
It is very simple but yet heavily IMHO, overly engineered. Lots of things all have to work in the stroke of the toggle. (Which to me is extremely fast".)
I'm sure there are
original "ol' war horse" 1911's that are still in Grampa's closet that did their duty, and now wouldn't be trusted to safely fire. Than again, if they had TLC and care, I'll take one tomorrow. My Grandfather brought back two Colt "United States Property" gov't issued 1911's from his time in the Pacific during WWII. (Stolen in the 70's).
According to him, he "inherited" one from a fallen Marine, and the other he was issued in Australia. They were in exceptional condition, and I'm sure if I had them today, would still enjoy shooting them. (Albeit a trip to a gunsmith or Colt for a onceover).
I had my trusted and local gunsmith give my Luger the onceover and he said looks great, NO +P ammo, stick to good ol' FMJ's and enjoy it.
Which I do...
Shameless pic time....
Great episode. BTW...