[Lawdog67]

I've been browsing these boards and learning what I can. I have some random questions that have occurred to me that I haven't yet been able to figure out...

- I understand that re-finishing a collector piece can seriously impact its value. I know that all-original parts are highly prized. But I also see a lot of talk on here about replacing mainsprings and the like. Are internal springs less important to the "originality" of a pistol? Meaning, does it harm a gun's value - even if it's made more functional - by replacing its springs?

- Does dry-firing a Luger damage it in any way?

- Someone else asked about what the going market rate is for entry-level "shooter" guns. I know it's higher than what people were saying just a few years ago. Do you all see a sharp rise in prices for these guns lately? If so is there an increased demand? Or are the prices going up just due to inflation & that sort of thing? Meaning, am I okay to look around and compare and learn for the next several months - or am I going to pay a higher purchase price for waiting?

- Finally - I live in east / central Texas. I have only rarely in my life been able to pick up & examine a Luger. Usually I see them at gun shows, but they tend to be behind glass or otherwise off-limits to the curious. I've never even seen one fired (except on video). Is there anywhere else I can go and examine one (or several) at length and learn what they feel like, how they compare, and so on? As you all know, there's only so much that pictures and words can do.

Thanks for anything you can tell me, and I apologize if these questions have already been asked!

- David