.

But if wasting money and destroying history gets your blood flowing, go right ahead.[/QUOTE]

I don't think it is our place to determine if someone else is "wasting money" or "destroying history". A person gets to spend their money as they please, and do what they want with what they have purchased. I certainly don't think I've "wasted my money" on the guns I have bought that I take to the range and shoot. There are certainly differing opinions on whether to shoot a "collectible" Luger or not, but that is up to the owner, and casting aspersions won't convince anyone to change their mind.

We are here to preserve history for next generations, not to facilitate irresponsible shooters who like to fiddle around on the shooting range with historical pieces just because they can afford to do so.

If you enjoy preserving historical items, you are welcome. If you enjoy destroying them, go somewhere else.

I think we differ in opinion. Shooting any Luger is not "destroying" it. You may certainly impart some wear, but properly maintained, and with some precaution, the gun will far outlast the generations. It has a hole in the end of the barrel. That is where the bullet comes out. The Germans, the Swiss, and others, were not afraid of shooting their "all matching" Lugers. Nor am I. The subject Luger of this thread, a 1937 S/42, is not particularly scarce, or rare. Unless it had some unique aspect to it, it is by its very existence, a "shooter". I don't see myself going "somewhere else". I rather enjoy the forum, and the knowledge and kindness of the forum members. You are certainly welcome to PM me, and we can take this discussion off the board.

Bugs, Both you and Gerben are right in your own way. I can see both points as valid as opposing as they might be.

This is no reason to get crossways among friends and fellow collector/shooters and ask them to comply or leave. Gerben ? Geeze...lighten up. There is room for both sides to come together isn't there?

I shoot an 02 carbine..yes, it's not collector grade but it's an original 02 carbine! It IS history and yes, I am using it up. I got it in a deplorable state, fixed it and now shoot it. I am very proud of it..BECAUSE I can shoot it. Not many people have ever shot one. Using and sharing a piece of history..
Anyway..I don't think that we should be driving a wedge between ourselves.

Our sister forum, also hosted by John D., has an excellent sticky on the subject:

http://p38forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29309

I'm not even going to comment further on the naìve points raised earlier.

Thanks Jerry. I think some folks just need a "chill pill". If a person wants to decorate their walls with Lugers they will never shoot...Good for them. I'm not that person. Anyone who wants to shoot whatever Luger they own is welcome to. Far more nice Lugers have been destroyed or damaged by Government decree over the past 10 years or so, than will be "damaged" by shooting, ever. I don't view welded up, drilled through guns as "history", rather, they are scrap metal.

Well said gunbugs. A man's property is no ones business but his own.

Vlim I truly respect your knowledge and your opinions are as valid as anyone else's but they are just that, opinions.
Every member here has an opinion on every subject we discuss.
Often they will be opposite opinions.
Who is right ... Who is wrong ... Who really knows.
To each his own ... live and let live lest you be consumed with hatred.
I am passionate about my opinions sometimes too ... but that doesn't make me right.

Gerben, I don't need any sticky to know that dust to dust will be the fate of all. What you might be thinking of "preserving" may not come to pass for many reasons unforseen or by those we know and recognize.

Regardless, my point is, that we shouldn't advocate casting out those of us who are not necessarily elite purists of history preservation lest we be seen as naìve snobs. One has to think..just who is the Princely person who might carry on this noble cause? Just some rich guy who can afford this stuff like we can. He might just shoot the shiff out of your historical preservation project...You preserved it for what? We cannot see the future.

The old saying 'You can lead them to water, but you can't make them drink'.

I'm disappointed to see common sense has taken a leave of absence here.

My two cents is that if I pay over $2000 for an all matching Luger I would expect it to function correctly. If I was to pay $600 for a mismatched shooter that would be a different story.

OK, I'm disappointed you want to remove me from the forum for wanting to shoot my carbine. When you disrespect all the shooters..by being an elitist snob, you are too devisive. I am ashamed that you think this way. Frankly it doesn't help. Divided we will fall. That's the way of today's world though. No tolerance for the thoughts of others. You are not welcome or called foolish. SAD.

No offense, Gerben, but I don't think you have a lock on "common sense" here. That is the mindset of the folks who would confiscate and destroy all of your, and my firearms. They see anything other than their view as not "common sense". We can agree to disagree on the subject of shooting Lugers, and part friends.