Looked at a well cared for LP Mod. 53 today in the orig. box with paperwork.
I'm not familiar with this model. Looks well made like most Walther products but I have no idea of the reputation this piece has as a shooter, reliability, availability of parts, etc.
I wouldn't be considering a pistol but we just got a Baikal IZH-46M and it has opened up a whole new enjoyable short range airgun interest.
Asking price is $200 + tax at a local gun shop. I believe this is reasonable just going by the condition and manufacturer, BUT, I'm not looking for another collection piece right now so it would need to be a pistol we could also enjoy shooting.
Firing it down his "pipe target trap" in his shop doesn't tell me enough.
excellent shooter, usually pretty reliable, parts iffy, price very good. Usually they sell for $300-350, more if its in the box with papers and in good condition. Buy it, you could always resell it for substantial profit later if for some reason you don't like it.
Most of these shoot around 350, 400 would be unusual. They were designed for 8-meter practice for firearms shooters - the piston-in-grip gives a recoil similar to 'real' gun, making them a challenge to shoot well, but enjoyable once you figure it out. Price is right (if it works okay), as you could realistically turn it for $275 - 300 in the box.
That's a very good price if the gun is in good shape.
As you mentioned the quality is obvious. The guns are very sturdy and reliable, but as already mentioned take some effort to learn to shoot well. They are beautifully finished and have an excellent trigger.
My LP 53 seems to shoot smoothest with very light pellets, that have a small skirt diameter (it has virtually no chamfer at the breech, so many normal pellets will protrude slightly when loaded). I have used Beeman Lasers, RWS Hobbys with the skirts sized down, and JSB Match Pistol in it, and it will shoot near 400 fps with any of those.
I sold my LP 53 recently on one of the online gun auction sites, it was near mint in the box with additional front sights, manual, test target and tools.
It went for $470, so the price of these pistols are on the rise.
My advice would be...buy it QUICK !
I wasn't looking to purchase another collectors piece, only shooters.
BUT! (I don't think I need to explain myself to this bunch.)
I wasn't able to get down there on Saturady but I'll be looking at the 53 again on Wednesday. I'll bring my Oehler 35. If she passes the chrono test, she'll be coming home with me. Everything else looks in good order.
