[AGE]

Jack,

I think you picked a good solution (for now) for your sideplate problem. Get a blank one for now made by the proper manufacturer and watch for a proper numbered one. I would suggest inquiring to Tom Heller (LugerDoc) for all of your needs. I have a 1915 Mauser all matching that came with a standard matching (but unfluted) firing pin. You may see posts on this, but various experts discourage shooting such guns without replacing the firing pin with a fluted one. I put my existing firing pin aside and bought an unnumbered fluted pin from Tom for shooting. Anyway, my gun can be restored to all matching, but I can shoot it with a safe (I hope) firing pin.

Enjoy your gun. I worked in White Plains for awhile, but I refused to live in NY state. I lived in CT where the laws were much more liberal at the time. I personally enjoy many guns and shoot often (about 200 rounds a week). I differ from a lot of the hard core collectors. If I can't shoot it or if it won't shoot, out it goes.