Hi Bart - and Welcome..!
Ahh - yep, the first purchase can be somewhat intimidating, for sure..!! Here are a couple of suggestions:
DO - only buy from a reputible source. And yes, some of those have Websites, like Ralph Shattuck at World of Lugers, who you mentioned. Personally, I have bought quite a bit from him and never been disapointed. And he is quick to offer advice - even if it means he doesn't make the sale to you then.. There are other dealers as well - some are good, and others, well - just be careful.
DO - now that you have a budget in mind, try to narrow your search for a particuliar period Luger and decide what you want from collecting. For example - do you want a RIG (Luger, holster, tool, etc.) - or do you want just a nice pistol without the RIG? Do you want to shoot it - or will it be a "wall hanger"? Its my opinion that most budding enthusiasts buy their first Luger just because they "stumble" onto it - and end up selling their first piece because they decide later to focus on a certain era or variation. It's great that the first one gets them into the hobby - but kind of "map out" where you want to take it..
DO - ask a lot of questions to the Forum - and don't be shy about asking what folks think about a particuliar Luger or our experience with a seller or dealer - BEFORE you buy!. Most of us will volunteer that information either privately or publicly.
DO - get ready to become addicted to these very unique pistols - whether you decide to acquire an Import marked, mis-matched shooter - or a totally MINT collectors piece, each is unique..!!
DO NOT - just bid on an open auction. IMHO, that's the worst way to buy your first Luger..!! Remember, the sellers motive is to sell the Luger for as much as they can - not be concerned with what you really want - nor answer your questions before you buy. (Maybe I've been burned too often on Auctions..!).
DO NOT - get discouraged if you don't find that "perfect" Luger the first day you start looking..!!
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