"The cavalier willingness of people here willing to risk collectable-quality Lugers is truly a cause for concern and dismay. Remember, ultimately you are only custodian of these pistols. If you destroy their collectibility it is forever, for all the collectors to come."
It is not reasonable to assume or attempt to "require" that collectibles not be shot, JMHO.
We cannot "save" them all. That said, a truly "rare" pistol does deserve some respect; it is just that all matching lugers are not rare enough to become wall hangers, safe queens, or items of investment and not enjoyment.
Besides, some "collectors" can do more damage attempting to disassemble a pistol than shooting one will. I expect we have all seen the "evidence" of such failed attempts.
Dave from Ithaca has reduced the problem to its root- just "replace" or "substitute" another pistol.
Personally I enjoy shooting my shooters and have half a dozen in various calibers and configurations at any given time.
I'm missing my shooting artillery now- the one that HerrKaiser bought from me.
Freedom to choose!!!!
