[Ron Wood]

Is it considered "over the top" to handle collector-grade Lugers (or any collectable firearm) with white cotton conservator's gloves? Do most of you folks do this?

There are a number of collectors that require the use of gloves (cotton or nylon) to handle collector guns, and that is a very good precautionary practice. This practice grows out of a modicum of concern regarding the effect of sweaty hands on original bluing. Believe it or not, there are some individuals whose hands are so “sweaty” either with salts or acid that their handling of unprotected guns will result in damage to the bluing in a relatively very short period of time. To my way of thinking, any collector and/or dealer that permits handling of their guns (and they should, if the gun is for sale and there is the prospect of a serious buyer) has the responsibility to “wipe down” their guns after display or handling.

Is it permissable to cycle the action, remove and replace the magazine, and generally "handle" a collector Luger?

If you know what you are doing, and that is a big IF, then there should be no objection to the actions you mentioned. But, I have personally observed an individual pick up a $5000+ Luger and repeatedly work the action and snap the trigger before someone could stop him. Idiots should not be allowed to pick up a collector gun but unfortunately your average idiot looks a lot like me. It is hard to tell beforehand.

Why is Renaissance Wax suggested for firearms that will never be fired? Couldn't a firearm preserved with RW be put back into service by simply cleaning the bore and lubricating?

Actually, a gun treated with RW would not require any cleaning before putting it back into service. RW is a microcrystalline wax that is totally inert and provides superlative protection against atmospheric corrosion. It seals the surface against oxidation and is one of the most benign and beneficial treatments that can be applied to a properly cleaned collector firearm. It is used by major museum collections (Smithsonian included) and I use it myself.

Are there any high-quality reprints of the original Luger owner's manuals out there? I'm assuming originals are cost prohibitive as well as scarce.

Originals are scarce and expensive, but repros abound and can very frequently be found, as Ed indicates, on eBay.

I hope I am not being rude by asking so many questions in a single post, and appreciate in advance your thoughts and time!

Rude? Absolutely not.