I admire your tenacity, honesty and your drive to do right by this historic weapon ... the gun deserves that. I love that you haven't 'given up' on this gun, nor should you.
This is a fun project but stay focused on the goals. The #1 goal should be to not let this project spiral out of control money wise. Carefully carry on 1 step at a time, stay patient and talk to our forum members like you wisely have been.
This gun has been to war and needs rehabilitation and plenty of care ... myself I would love to own this gun just for the sheer joy of pursuing it's rebirth.
By the way I would thoroughly check the alignment both vertically and horizontally of the upper receiver forks. Even a slight misalignment here can effect the functionality of the gun.
Good luck William and welcome to The Luger World and this Forum.
Anything I can do to help just let me know OK ???