Did the newb screw up?

[sailmotion]

Thanks everyone. I can't tell you how relieved I am to discover I didn't purchase a $1K+ paperweight. Also, thanks for the multiple recommendations for someone to repair the grip. However, the recommendations have confused me a little. I was under the impression that ANY modifications (eg., re-bluing, modern grips, etc.) diminish the value of a "collectible". Was I wrong?

And regarding "collectibles", mrerick advised that shooting a collectible may be ill-advised due to the risk of breaking matching parts. While I certainly want my Luger to be and remain of "collectible" quality, I also want to enjoy it for the purpose it was intended - shooting. I have no "safe queens" and never really intended to have any. Is breaking parts a high or low level risk? I might assume a low risk, but maybe not a high one. Furthermore, is it sacrilege to show up at the range with a vintage Luger? On reflection, I realize in my many hours at various ranges, I have never once seen someone else shooting a Luger. Strange?

More good advice - "get a period correct magazine". I will now be looking for WWI era magazines. Are these the wood toggle variety?

I apologize for all the questions, but I feel like a kid who just got his first bike without training wheels and is unfamiliar with what to do with it. If you have the patience, I have the curiosity.