[ithacaartist]

If you're after a nice shooter, you could assemble one with some sweat equity. I have an '06 American Eagle in the usual 7.65mm. I got it cheap because of its issues--broken grip safety spring, refinished (although gently; it was blasted, not buffed), and a mis-matched barrel. I bought a 6" standard configuration barrel, had it turned to capture the "pencil taper" within--part of the elegance of the early Lugers. G.T is installing it on the upper, and when this is complete, I'll be able to try my hand at a little refinishing prep, and then some rust bluing. $750 for gun, $50 for machining, $75 pus old bbl. for install. My work, of course, is free to myself. I think doing this is a way to get really close and personal with the pistol and learn/know it inside and out. If one were to pay the cost of expert professional refinishing, that would probably blow the budget entirely, but I guess what I'm saying is that if you're at all handy, there's all manner of little successes that await you if you're trying to spiff up a not-so-minty Luger.