Luger...Old gun..new ammo

[Skinny 1950]

Just got an Artillery Luger dated 1917, everything is in really great condition except the bore. There is strong rifling and the lands are pretty good..the grooves are rough but serviceable. This is a pretty old gun and I am wondering if it will handle modern ammo with copper/brass jacket.
My plan is to take it to the range on Sunday and see how it shoots but I don't want to damage it with improper ammo.
Pictures and range report to follow if it will handle modern ammo ie: Sellier& Bellot 115Gr FMJ).

 

[raindog]

Sellier& Bellot 115Gr FMJ worked well in my P08 Lugers, it should be fine in your Artillery too. However, all these pistols are getting pretty old now and there is always a chance parts will break. If your Artillery currently has all matching numbered parts you might want to reconsider shooting it as a broken part replaced with a non-matched number replacement will significantly reduce the value of your Luger. Sometimes by as much as 1/2 and will effectively destroy it's collectable value. If it is already a non-matching gun this will not be as much of a concern.

If you still want to go ahead and shoot it, it might also be worth first replacing the recoil spring or checking it very closely, as a weak or broken recoil spring can cause toggle and frame damage. Remember, if original, that spring is approaching 100 years old and it is doubtful it is still up to spec.

 

[Skinny 1950]

Thanks for that ..I will inspect the spring before shooting as I would really hate to damage the gun. So it's off to Youtube to find out how to take it apart.

 

[ChiliDawg]

Firing pins are prone to breakage on these guns also. It's a good idea to put away the matching numbered one.