[Thor]

I would recommend Jan Still's Third Reich Lugers. Study it intensely and get to know a lot about finishes, fonts of letters, number styles and placement. DONT be in a rush to buy your first. Ask questions, watch the forum a couple of months, save your pennies. Then look for an original byf 41 or 42 that is all matching for a first COLLECTION PIECE. Continue to buy books, read, then decide which direction you want to go. The very first Luger might be a mismatched parts shooter. They are less expensive, fun to shoot, and will feed your desire to learn more about Lugers. Education and research should be the first step, but it rarely is, most folks just take the plunge......then ask questions. It is human nature to do this when you get excited about one of these cool guns for the first time, but getting the cart before the horse, will undoubtably cost you. Good luck and good collecting!