To buy or not to buy a Luger

[Gudabeg]

Originally Posted by cirelaw

Are there any like out there to compare anywhere? Don't jump into luger marriage! Could you post some pictures please? Is this your first luger? Why Dutch? Eric https://www.landofborchardt.com/1928dei_luger.html

There are several on pre98, Simpson LTD, and Gunboards that I have been looking at.

E.g. https://simpsonltd.com/search-result...?q=dutch+luger

If I were to get one it would be my first Luger.

The reason for a Dutch one is to go with my KNIL Calvary Carbine, and I have ancestry/family from the Netherlands (both the homeland and colonies) so there is that connection.

Originally Posted by 4 Scale

The best advice I received when I was a new collector was, buy what interests you. It is subjective. It is best to start with a 'shooter', a pistol with some combination of refinish, mis-matched parts or cosmetics that make it relatively inexpensive, $900-$1,200 is typical. I personally found that starting with a shooter allowed me to get to know Lugers better and I discovered my collecting interests as I proceeded.

Collectible examples have original finish, all or almost all matching parts, and are in good or better cosmetic condition. Most collectors don't shoot these nicer guns due to the risk of breaking a numbered part which can immediately convert the collectible into a shooter.

There is overlap between these categories and often debate between collectors about the borders of these categories. One man's shooter might be another's low or mid-range collectible. For I think most collectors, it is difficult to find a single pistol that satisfies the pleasures of shooting and owning a nicer gun; many of us have one or more shooters and several collectibles.

As far as where to find them, dealers, other forum members, and auctions have worked for me. Gun shows and local gun shops have been useless.

Be sure to read the FAQ. Also browse old threads, it's enjoyable and informative.

Best of luck to you and let us know what you get, preferably with photos.

Sounds good!

I've been mostly looking through the internet, but it seems like most Lugers tend to at the least be low grade collectable (starting around 2 K for Dutch pistols). Would it be better to broaden the search to simply Lugers of any kind to get more "shooter" ones (though at that rate it feels like I should just get an FN Browning 1922 to shot and later on get a nice Luger to collect)? Or do they tend to show up in private sales (e.g. private dealers, forum members, etc.) more?