Mark, welcome to the forum. If you worry, then buy a "shooter"... Far better to pay $700 and break a part than an $1800 (plus commission, plus tax) and have your now $2000 transform to a $700 shooter price.
Now, how often does this actually happen, i.e. breaking a part. I would say, infrequently, these were made for shooting. That said, I have shooters in my collection and my collectables that I don't shoot.
Buying at auction is a great deal! And can be far more expensive than buying from other means. All depends on who is bidding agaisnt you...
Ed
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Edward Tinker
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Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers
Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV
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