Okay folks... In I go with both feet!
Like so many other visitors to this site, I am considering the purchase of a Luger. The problem is that I am just as ignorant about Lugers as I was in 1999 before I purchased my first
M1 Garand. I am hoping that after I get the luger that I do not have another neurotic breakdown and create a 457 file site like I did for the Garand! <img border="0" alt="[ouch]" title="" src="graemlins/c.gif" />
In any case, I am looking for any tips or ideas that any of you could offer me in making my selection and finding a decent and reputable person to buy from. I probably shouldn't admit this, but frankly I am starting blind here, and need some general guidance on what to look for, and where to look for it.
Not only am I interested in what to look for technically, but I am also interested in hearing of any offers or leads to where I might find something. I checked into private party transfers and for a firearm this old they are legal in my state if done through an FFL.
Anyhow... What I seek is simply a representative example of a third reich wartime luger. I am not concerned about it being collectable, but at the same time I would like to find something that has matching numbers so it can go up in value at least a little. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />
I WILL be shooting this firearm but I do not expect that usage to be 'heavy'.
As noted above, I am interested in this as a historic piece as well - and it may get shown alongside of other period guns as an example of 'we had this, they had that' for educational purposes. I am also quite interested in the mechanical aspects of this firearm and have since I was a kid been struck by the uniqueness of the action.
Soooooooo this of course begs the question: What should I be looking for and where can I find it? Especially since I am on a tight budget.
I have read back through much of this section of the forum and also a couple of other areas here... have seen a lot of pretty stuff and a lot of stuff that confounded me.
In any event if you have ideas or suggestions please do post or you can toss me an e-mail if you feel you'd really prefer that.
Thanks!
Charles