beginning...
 

I am a beginner. My first Luger is a 31 byf. It turned out to be am import. It is a great shooter. I must admit after surfing the web and going to gunshows I am un-nerved by the thousands of dollars I have seen invested in this "hobby". Does anyone on this forum believe it is possible to collect Lugers casually anymore? By this is it possible to have "nice" Lugers at a reasonable price? I was advised by a collector to save my money and buy the best example of any Luger I am interested in having that I can afford. Does anybody out there just collect shooters? I welcome any feedback. Jim

Jim, No you are doomed. Lugers have gone out of sight and are not for the faint of wallet. Casually? No collectable today because of eBay can be collected casually. Anything and anyone can see what it's worth by pricing it on the web. Sorry but those days are over. Even shooters are priced way above excellent newer guns. You and I are about two decades late and a dollar short. Jerry Burney

Hello,

There are a couple of guys I know right off the top of my head, that collect "Shooter" grade Lugers. I myself being one of them and in the military making the "Big Bucks" can't afford to purchase alot of the collector grade lugers that you see here on the forum and on alot of the other websites. I have to stick to the $550.00 shooters. It all depends on your motives, are you going to eventually sell them to make a profit, or do you want to collect because you are a enthusiast? As long as you are happy with the pistol, who cares if it is collector grade or not, you still have a represenative luger that looks and shoots like any other luger. Do what makes you happy, and buy what makes you happy! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

Welcome to our little forum!

I am one who has a few shooter grade Lugers. I wanted examples that I can shoot and donot have a lot of money to spend. If you haunt the local shows, you can find sound guns at $400-$700. My mismatched artillery was $700 and my 1906 was $600. They are out there but scarce.

Steve

A collectable will rise in value a lot more than a shooter... But as Steve and USMC said, if you enjoy them, it is better to have something than nothing! Just try to find the best that you can afford. I have come across a few deals while collecting, and also saved up and bought a few more expensive ones. Patience helps a lot!!

And USMC, ensure you get college and varied experience and then talk the civvie talk when you get out, us retirees do ok on the outside! :D

Ed