[CamaroDMD]

I have reached a point in my life where I think I can finally set aside the funds to purchase a P08 Luger. I have wanted one for quite some time but I'm not really sure where to begin.

Let me just lay out what I want the gun to be and maybe I can get some advice here on how to search, what to look for (and to avoid) and how much to expect to pay.

First and foremost, what I want is a shooter (I'd prefer a 9mm example). I don't consider myself a "collector" of firearms for the purpose of collecting...I love to shoot. I have a fairly large gun collection and every piece in it is meant to be shot, no safe queens here. So, the gun doesn't have to be in pristine condition.

I think I want a military version over a commercial version (although I will admit that I don't know much about the difference). I know I have seen some that have grip safeties and I don't want that. I have always had a very strong interest in WWII history so I would prefer a WWII era German military example ideally. I like having the reich eagles on the gun (I have a pair of Mauser 98 rifles with eagles) so it would be a nice match.

As far as the condition of the gun...I want it to be in decent shape but I don't care if it shows it's age a bit. I'd like to fine one with a nice bore and a fair amount of original finish left. I would prefer to find one that is numbers matching and hasn't been refinished. I don't know why, but I have always loved the Luger's that say "Gersichert" next to the safety...I think I just like seeing the German wording on the gun.

Anyway, all I want is a standard German sidearm. I don't need anything rare or anything that came from a specific unit. I don't know how much something like this typically costs though. I can tell you that I have almost $700 saved up right now and I'm slowly adding to it. I would like to learn about the guns before I make a purchase so I figured that now is the time to start researching.