Gundude, for a quick look at quality Lugers, check out the Luger room at Simpson ltd. (great photos) and Ralph Shattuck's World of Lugers (no photos and a one time cost of $6.00). This will give you an idea of what quality Lugers cost, and both of these sources are absolutely reputable. Good hunting!
DougT

Ron, Ed, Doug.... Thanks for the great advice. I'm starting to see some come up for under a grand now. Like a 1940 that looks in good shape. I may bid on that. I'd give $700 for something decent. I don't need the most valuable or rare piece, just an original Luger to call my own. If it gets me started down that dangerous path of collecting them, so be it. I just don't want to start out at the $1,000 stage, if you know what I mean.

Yeah, they will become ever more valuable, no matter what. I suspect even some of the junk will be worth money eventually. But I don't like junk.... :-P

I am currently collecting Colt Police Positives, if that gives you any idea of how I collect. I've never paid more than $250 for one, but the prices are screaming skyward here of late. That's what I like to see in my collection. Good quality guns that I paid a reasonable amount for, but are now worth a great deal more......

(Not that I would ever sell one of my babies, but you guys know what I mean)......

Thanks again gents.