Being old (71) and opinionated
I feel I need to add my 2 cents to this topic. I'm no stranger to collecting. Muscle Cars (70 Chevelle SS's in particular) and M1 Garands are among my varying interests and I've owned "originals" and "restored" versions of each.
As I have aged I have "kicked myself" for not driving and enjoying my SS's (5 in total) even though I enjoyed the profit when I sold them, it's hard to compare looking at a banking statement versus driving a 450 HP Big Block Chevy car!!
the cars win out every time but due to health issues I had to sell them.
So what does this have to do with Lugers? Well since I've had a life long desire to own a "Luger", I never had the time or knowledge to understand the variables of this fine firearm. But I decided whatever I buy, I will shoot and enjoy. If you look at my posting "how do you turn this into THIS" you will see a Luger with a very undesirable (to me) finish that I can now feel good about shooting.
I have nothing but respect for "hard core collectors" because I was one, so don't take me wrong. I just, personally, wish I would have used my collections for more enjoyment with it's intended purpose, rather then keeping them as "Garage or Safe Queens"