Hello Adam,
I think the advice about investing in some good luger references was/is well-intentioned.
Considering that not all Luger Forum members come from the same economic standing, the advice was given in hopes that a $ 20-30 book purchase on your part may prevent you from making a costly mistake in buying a luger from a stranger.
I will never probably own a $ 20K or $ 30K luger, but there is nothing preventing me knowing all I can about such expensive lugers and I jump at any/all chances to see such in person.
Even a $ 300-500 luger can be a "big buy"...depending on each person's situation.
Since you are getting a luger from one of the good guys on the Forum, you should be safe and happy with your first luger...one of the best bets is to buy lugers from your friends and other fellow collectors that you trust. Dealers and gun auction sites are also good...but have inherent risks and usually cost more.
I took similar advice from the good folks here and somewhere along the line got "hooked" not only on lugers but luger books. Can't get enough of each...
Regards,
Pete... <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />