[mrerick]

I started acting on my interest in Lugers just a few years ago. My meager knowledge pales at the feet of the others on this forum that so kindly share their experience and skill.

With that said, I've been rather conservative on what I bought, and learned as I went. I have some nice things now, and some that would have less collector interest. So far, I haven't had any serious surprises. I expect that day will come at some point; but (of course) hope I don't make major mistakes.

I've made good investments in the books that have been authored over the years about our firearms. They have saved me quite a bit of time and trouble.

What knowledge I've managed to gain, I try and share back to the forums. That's what make a community, and the strength of that community is important.

The best way to learn to judge a finish is in person. We have a collector oriented gun show here in NC that I've attended. There I saw some outstanding examples of Lugers in original high percentage finish. The owner graciously allowed me to closely inspect them, and that has helped me ever since.

Marc