[ithacaartist]

Welcome, Mike.

A legal pistol in this country has its entire itinerary recorded as soon as it crosses the border. Since Simpsons is an 01 FFL, and an importer to boot, they will absolutely be able to tell you where they acquired. As Marc suggests, ask them directly. Brad Simpson is a member of this forum, too!

When I read "run of the mill", I got that same feeling as when watching one of those "fail" videos on YouTube--when a BMX-er, skateboarder, etc. slips and lands crotch-wise on a handrail, or face first at the bottom of the steps. In your excellent pics, it appears to be pretty nice (original finish, overall condition), and since it all matches, that adds up to its being an entry-level collectible.

Import marks, for some, are a detraction, but yours is an example of Simpson's laser-engraved, state-of-the-art current technique, with marks as small and discreet as regulations allow. That anomalous suffix on the receiver may be an issue, but we shall see. So far, although it may not have been the way the gun left the factory, this mark would be a legitimate part of its life and travels.

Though the P.08 has always been a robust pistol, numbered parts can and do break when they're in use, and such an occurrence would knock the gun out of the collectable category in no uncertain terms. If you're going to shoot it, it might be a good idea to swap out the extractor and firing pin for something more expendable. That won't help you if you crack a toggle link, but these two parts are among the most commonly broken--also easiest to swap out. The firing pin in particular should be upgraded for shooting to the later, "fluted" style, the grooves in which allow for safer release of pressure should a primer be pierced. The old style--which yours should be--makes a perfect gas piston to transfer forces back into the action to cause damage.

Some guys prep their Lugers with a new set of springs before shooting, to avoid the chance of damage allowed, for example, by a weak recoil spring, which would permit the action to bottom out.

First go-to ammo is Winchester White Box 124 or 115 gr. FMJ. There are many equivalents, with some variation. Avoid "+P" or NATO, which is generally too potent.

Otherwise, congrats...and enjoy!