[AGE]

Adam,

Most of the forum guys are collectors and the reference books are vital to avoid being swindled when buying their prizes. I drooled at Lugers for maybe 40 years before buying one (it was a $500 shooter). It was and still is a great gun and it shoots great with a little tweaking (it also looks good but is a reblue). I am a shooter, not really a collector, so I am happy with my choice. I am retired so $$$ are always a consideration. Therefore, I have little interest in Luger references. I do have a 40+ year collection of quality firearms, mostly handguns. Probably every one of these has been modified in some way, so originality is not a concern to me. They look good, shoot great, etc.

All I'm saying is there are different strokes for different folks. Do what you want to do (or what you have to do). If you get into actual shooting enjoy, the Lugers shoot great and my motto is "if it won't shoot, out it goes".