To Shoot, or not to shoot? THAT is the question

Zamo · 11-04-2007, 05:54 PM

Gentlemen,
In reading the posts in this and other forums, I see that a great many collectors would be positively aghast at the thought of "firing" their Lugers.
I can certainly see taking great pains to be very careful with a highly prized and very valuable Luger, but I can't see NEVER shooting it. Certainly the great average of everyday Lugers. I might not be inclined to shoot a truely "one of a kind" or even "one of 1000" type specimen worth in excess of $50,000 or more...Maybe if I had a Luger worth more than what I paid for mine, which was exactly what I got for the 1980 Yamaha YZ465G vintage dirt bike I sold to get it, I may be more inclined against shooting it.
I can easily understand having an "everyday" shooter, and plan on getting one, but even after I have a nice, low value shooter, I can still see taking a nice Luger carefully out to the range for a few rounds now and again. Probably on the scale of a magazine or two every six months to a year...maybe less. Maybe (though unlikely) more.
Having owned and fired numerous firearms for the last 30 years, it certainly seems to me that the greatest harm a pistol might endure is not while shooting it, but either the act of holstering and unholstering it, or the act of carelessly carrying it "in the field". Those and poor maintenance (rust from fingerprints, use of corrosive ammo, etc.) seem to be much greater a bain than firing a few dozen cartridges in a controlled range environment in my experiance.
These are weapons of war, designed and created to be shot thousands of times.
While I understand I am only the current custodian of a piece of history, I intend to shoot mine, that it may be fully enjoyed by someone who appreciates its whole value before the inevitable day when our American pistols have to be chopped and rendered paperweights like our poor cohorts in the UK have had to do.
Having said this, how many of you feel the same way, and how many have your hands up to your mouths right now?
How many shoot your nice Lugers once in a while, versus simply keeping them underglass in a climate controlled environment like old stamps?
Let me assure you, I in no way mean any disrespect to either breed of collector, I am simply curious as to whether I am an abomination or not.
I shoot my firearms. Use is not abuse.
I would also dare to say that it is inevitably more likely any blue wear any of my firearms sustain will probably be due to too much cleaning versus too much shooting. I am a former Marine, and was "educated" early on about firearms maintenence and frequent and diligent cleaning.
Just curious, where do you fit in?

383 magnum · 11-04-2007, 06:02 PM

I have a Russian captured mismatched Luger that I use for a shooter. I have however, shot original pistols and will probably continue to do so every once in a while. I shot several boxes through my artillery because that was one I just had to try out. The only Lugers I have that I have not fired are my byf 42 that is in 95 percent condition and my NIB Mauser/Interarms Parabellum.

Edward Tinker · 11-04-2007, 07:03 PM

I was in the army and during unit armorer training they said more guns are ruined by cleaning than shooting.

That said, if you own a $2500 collectable and you break a part that is numbered, you are screwed and have lowered your collectable to a shooter (depending on the part and to whom the prospective collector you are trying to sell to).

So, I have "shooters" and I have collectables. If you want only shooters, then buy shooters. Although if you are willing to take the chance with your collectables, well, if/when they break, then take your chances. I think the chance of breaking a numbered part is slim, but personally it is so much easier to buy a shooter and shoot it, then one of my Simson's or other lugers...

Ed

PS: This subject has been brought up before, which is okay, and you can see what others previosuly said on this subject, to include a "poll" on what parts have broken in your lugers.

lugerholsterrepair · 11-04-2007, 07:17 PM

Zamo, Your arguments sound appealing untill you are one day at the range and find your very valuble Luger (Ed is on the low side for many pistols) turned into junk and it's value cut in half by such careless nonchelance not to mention naivete.
Of course it's your money and you can spend it as you like.
Myself, I find I have to stretch the household budget for a $5000 dollar pistol. It would be the height of stupidity for me to shoot a mint Imperial Navy or Artillery when I get the same experience from a parts shooter Navy & Artillery.
How anyone could make the argument that it's OK to risk an $8000 dollar pistol for a few rounds a couple times a year is beyond me.
Even if it were a thousand dollar all matching pistol..why?
If you think numbered parts don't break I have some news..they do and they will.
Like a motorcycle accident or an accidental discharge..it's not a matter of if, but when.
Please explain why it would be important to shoot an expensive collectable pistol instead of a shooter? This I would like to know...Jerry Burney

Navy · 11-04-2007, 08:27 PM

I have found that when I have the urge to shoot one of my beauties, I first swap out the toggle train for a pieced together one, get a aftermarket mag and then bang away.

Afterwards, several days of cleaning.

I seldom act on this urge.

Tom A

Railsplitter · 11-04-2007, 09:57 PM

The owner of those old stamps could use them to mail a letter. Instead they are under glass in a climate controlled environment. Why? Because that is what the owner chooses to do with them.

As for me, when you have the kind of luck I do, I shoot a shooter.

MFC · 11-04-2007, 10:29 PM

I've shot my collectable Lugers once (one full mag.) each, and may never shoot them again. I guess I feel the need to know that they function properly. I have a mismatched shooter I can enjoy shooting as much as I want.
Mike C.

rayman1 · 11-04-2007, 11:05 PM

I have a 1914 Erfurt Artillery Luger that I like to shoot. I put a 1st Model snail drum in it and with the buttstock/holster attached, I plug away. Why? Because I can. There's probably some high-end collectors that would cring at hearing/seeing that but I get to enjoy something they won't do - shoot that old pistol. But I do understand the concept of preserving ultra-rare pieces, and as a teacher and novice student of history I support it.

Edward Tinker · 11-04-2007, 11:24 PM

There were about 25,000 1914 erfurts made if I remember correctly. My 1914 erfurt artillery has been reblued, and it is my artillery shooter also.

One thing I have been amazed at in my many visits with collectors, out of personally going to probably 20 members houses, 95% are what I would consider average joes, i.e. they are working men, unsure if you would consider them high-end collectors.

Ed

Hugh · 11-05-2007, 12:05 AM

Guess I'm luckier than most in a way, I have about 6 "shooters" so see no need to shoot my "collectors".

11-05-2007, 04:52 AM

Here's my take on this, boys, and some of you will need to change your underwear after reading this, of that there is no doubt.

Somewhere over in the northern part of the USA is a gentleman who now has my Colt .45 collection - escapees from the Great Betrayal in 1997 when those ofus on the Big Island lost all our handguns.

I guess by your standards that they hold little attraction to any American collector, but here they are, listed for your interest -

Singer Sewing Machine Co - near mint - the first handgun I ever shot, age 6.

Union Switch and Signal - near-mint - plus US Army holster

US Navy model of 1914 - near-mint all-matching plus holster

US Army model of 1917 - marked on frame LML with a centre punch - but all matching

Remington-Rand Corp. - 90%

Colt .22 Ace - as near mint as makes no difference.

Over my lifetime, until they left my possession for ever, every one of these pistols had the Almighty bejasus shot out of them with service hardball. On one occasion my dad and I actually shot over 1000 rounds out of the Singer and the Navy in a single day, helping a friend to get rid of his suddenly illegal ammunition - he had been 'done' for DUI for the third time and lost his firearms certificate as a result.

If it is yours, you go ahead and do what you like with them, when you are gone, you really won't care - there are no ranges in the afterlife.

tac

RalphH · 11-05-2007, 12:21 PM

Greetings, Gentlemen,

This is one thing tacfoley and I agree on.

I only have one Luger, all matching but the extractor. My wife has a Stoeger stainless 6" Luger. We shoot both without any reservation.

My personal niche is collecting and restoring very early, large caliber, centerfire revolvers. Most have required extensive work to return them to 100% mechanical soundness. Almost all have required making dedicated loading tools and custom bullet molds. Oldest is 1854 Lefaucheux that was converted at sometime during it's life to fire centerfire as well as pinfire cartridges. S/N places it well before the Civil War.

Some are very rare, with only a handful still in existence. Bringing them back to life and shooting them is as important to me as collecting them in the first place. The thrill and enjoyment of shooting a piece of history, 100 or 150 years old, is beyond description.

I did break one of my most rare and expensive revolvers during the first firing session, but it is repaired now and no one can tell the difference. I don't think the value has changed much because many of these old guns were repaired from time to time to keep them in service.

I am in my 70's and not in the best of health. I just hope when I am gone , my wife will see to it that my collection goes to someone that will appreciate the love and care that I have put into it, and continue shooting them, one and all.

Just my 2 cents.

lugerholsterrepair · 11-05-2007, 04:05 PM

Shooting pistols such as the ones Tac lists and Ralph as well is not as dangerous as shooting Lugers where most parts are numbered.

I only have one Luger, all matching but the extractor. There is a reason why the extractor is no longer matching. It broke! These parts are quite fragile actually.

Smoke em if you got em boys but when their gone their gone....

Jerry Burney

11-05-2007, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lugerholsterrepair
Shooting pistols such as the ones Tac lists and Ralph as well is not as dangerous as shooting Lugers where most parts are numbered.

I only have one Luger, all matching but the extractor. There is a reason why the extractor is no longer matching. It broke! These parts are quite fragile actually.

Smoke em if you got em boys but when their gone their gone....

Jerry Burney

I never had a .45 I didn't shoot... I loved them guns to bits. Not literally, though

tac

Alx · 11-05-2007, 10:53 PM

When I look at my fine and completely matching 1915 DWM P08 number 48 l, I am glad I fired before I realized just how pristine it is, and would be very reluctant to risk that again. The gun is in that amazing condition now because it has been kept from the normal usage and wear that would have other wise reduced it to a shooter long ago. Seems wasteful to now begin wearing out something that has survived over 90 years without showing its age, and firing a gun will eventually wear it out, every round a bit more.
A hundred years from now, there will be alot fewer collector grade near-mint Lugers than now, just for this reason. Hopefully not this one.

wlyon · 11-05-2007, 11:58 PM

Shooting collectible lugers must be the decision of the owner. Personally I cannot afford to ruin a matching luger. That's why I have a couple shooters.The others I will save in the best condition I can until they are sold someday. No matter how well they were made they are all 65 years and older. Bill

Pete Ebbink · 11-06-2007, 10:43 AM

For collector-grade pieces, I will fire 2-5 rounds through each before they go into my safe.

This is after I have cycled 6-8 dummy rounds through the gun.

I know the inherent risks...but I will not have a gun I keep that I know will not still do what the gun was intended for...

So far...no breakages...even with M1900's.

Not doing so...I would feel like I spent top-dollar on a "de-activated" pistol...

But for regular range-shooting, take your shooters out and work on your marksmanship. My shooters get 100-500 rounds each year...

pipeman45 · 11-06-2007, 01:07 PM

If I own it--- It will be fired.
I don't collect anything rare, I acquire shooters.

Tim Reynolds · 11-06-2007, 03:25 PM

What is the difference in shooting your Luger or driving an old classic car.You only live once and you might as well live it the way you see fit.

Edward Tinker · 11-06-2007, 03:38 PM

there is a big difference in how the luger collecting community views it. If I wreck my 66 mustang, I can put on a new hood, new bumper and paint it, and its still worth $10k (not that mine is in good shape right now). But with a luger, you break a major numbered part and the value of say a $3500 navy luger is now less than $1000... (and to many collectors, ANY numbered part)...

I can't afford that to happen. It is why I have $500 - $800 shooter lugers, i break a part, its still a $500 or $800 shooter luger...

11-04-2007, 05:54 PM	#1
Zamo User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Washington State Posts: 142 Thanks: 4 Thanked 13 Times in 9 Posts	To Shoot, or not to shoot? THAT is the question Gentlemen, In reading the posts in this and other forums, I see that a great many collectors would be positively aghast at the thought of "firing" their Lugers. I can certainly see taking great pains to be very careful with a highly prized and very valuable Luger, but I can't see NEVER shooting it. Certainly the great average of everyday Lugers. I might not be inclined to shoot a truely "one of a kind" or even "one of 1000" type specimen worth in excess of $50,000 or more...Maybe if I had a Luger worth more than what I paid for mine, which was exactly what I got for the 1980 Yamaha YZ465G vintage dirt bike I sold to get it, I may be more inclined against shooting it. I can easily understand having an "everyday" shooter, and plan on getting one, but even after I have a nice, low value shooter, I can still see taking a nice Luger carefully out to the range for a few rounds now and again. Probably on the scale of a magazine or two every six months to a year...maybe less. Maybe (though unlikely) more. Having owned and fired numerous firearms for the last 30 years, it certainly seems to me that the greatest harm a pistol might endure is not while shooting it, but either the act of holstering and unholstering it, or the act of carelessly carrying it "in the field". Those and poor maintenance (rust from fingerprints, use of corrosive ammo, etc.) seem to be much greater a bain than firing a few dozen cartridges in a controlled range environment in my experiance. These are weapons of war, designed and created to be shot thousands of times. While I understand I am only the current custodian of a piece of history, I intend to shoot mine, that it may be fully enjoyed by someone who appreciates its whole value before the inevitable day when our American pistols have to be chopped and rendered paperweights like our poor cohorts in the UK have had to do. Having said this, how many of you feel the same way, and how many have your hands up to your mouths right now? How many shoot your nice Lugers once in a while, versus simply keeping them underglass in a climate controlled environment like old stamps? Let me assure you, I in no way mean any disrespect to either breed of collector, I am simply curious as to whether I am an abomination or not. I shoot my firearms. Use is not abuse. I would also dare to say that it is inevitably more likely any blue wear any of my firearms sustain will probably be due to too much cleaning versus too much shooting. I am a former Marine, and was "educated" early on about firearms maintenence and frequent and diligent cleaning. Just curious, where do you fit in?

11-04-2007, 07:03 PM	#3
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,915 Thanks: 1,989 Thanked 4,506 Times in 2,080 Posts	I was in the army and during unit armorer training they said more guns are ruined by cleaning than shooting. That said, if you own a $2500 collectable and you break a part that is numbered, you are screwed and have lowered your collectable to a shooter (depending on the part and to whom the prospective collector you are trying to sell to). So, I have "shooters" and I have collectables. If you want only shooters, then buy shooters. Although if you are willing to take the chance with your collectables, well, if/when they break, then take your chances. I think the chance of breaking a numbered part is slim, but personally it is so much easier to buy a shooter and shoot it, then one of my Simson's or other lugers... Ed PS: This subject has been brought up before, which is okay, and you can see what others previosuly said on this subject, to include a "poll" on what parts have broken in your lugers. __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

11-04-2007, 07:17 PM	#4
lugerholsterrepair Moderator Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arizona/Colorado Posts: 7,761 Thanks: 4,863 Thanked 3,101 Times in 1,427 Posts	Zamo, Your arguments sound appealing untill you are one day at the range and find your very valuble Luger (Ed is on the low side for many pistols) turned into junk and it's value cut in half by such careless nonchelance not to mention naivete. Of course it's your money and you can spend it as you like. Myself, I find I have to stretch the household budget for a $5000 dollar pistol. It would be the height of stupidity for me to shoot a mint Imperial Navy or Artillery when I get the same experience from a parts shooter Navy & Artillery. How anyone could make the argument that it's OK to risk an $8000 dollar pistol for a few rounds a couple times a year is beyond me. Even if it were a thousand dollar all matching pistol..why? If you think numbered parts don't break I have some news..they do and they will. Like a motorcycle accident or an accidental discharge..it's not a matter of if, but when. Please explain why it would be important to shoot an expensive collectable pistol instead of a shooter? This I would like to know...Jerry Burney __________________ Jerry Burney 11491 S. Guadalupe Drive Yuma AZ 85367-6182 lugerholsterrepair@earthlink.net 928 342-7583 (CO & AZ) Year Round 719 207-3331 (cell) "For those who Fight For It, Life has a flavor the protected will never know."

11-04-2007, 10:29 PM	#7
MFC User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,237 Thanks: 183 Thanked 281 Times in 162 Posts	I've shot my collectable Lugers once (one full mag.) each, and may never shoot them again. I guess I feel the need to know that they function properly. I have a mismatched shooter I can enjoy shooting as much as I want. Mike C. __________________ Mike C.

11-04-2007, 11:24 PM	#9
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,915 Thanks: 1,989 Thanked 4,506 Times in 2,080 Posts	There were about 25,000 1914 erfurts made if I remember correctly. My 1914 erfurt artillery has been reblued, and it is my artillery shooter also. One thing I have been amazed at in my many visits with collectors, out of personally going to probably 20 members houses, 95% are what I would consider average joes, i.e. they are working men, unsure if you would consider them high-end collectors. Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

11-04-2007, 06:02 PM	#2
383 magnum User Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 120 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I have a Russian captured mismatched Luger that I use for a shooter. I have however, shot original pistols and will probably continue to do so every once in a while. I shot several boxes through my artillery because that was one I just had to try out. The only Lugers I have that I have not fired are my byf 42 that is in 95 percent condition and my NIB Mauser/Interarms Parabellum.

11-04-2007, 08:27 PM	#5
Navy RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Dc 'burbs in Virginia Posts: 2,482 Thanks: 0 Thanked 16 Times in 10 Posts	I have found that when I have the urge to shoot one of my beauties, I first swap out the toggle train for a pieced together one, get a aftermarket mag and then bang away. Afterwards, several days of cleaning. I seldom act on this urge. Tom A

11-04-2007, 09:57 PM	#6
Railsplitter User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 112 Thanks: 0 Thanked 13 Times in 11 Posts	The owner of those old stamps could use them to mail a letter. Instead they are under glass in a climate controlled environment. Why? Because that is what the owner chooses to do with them. As for me, when you have the kind of luck I do, I shoot a shooter.

11-04-2007, 11:05 PM	#8
rayman1 User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 20 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I have a 1914 Erfurt Artillery Luger that I like to shoot. I put a 1st Model snail drum in it and with the buttstock/holster attached, I plug away. Why? Because I can. There's probably some high-end collectors that would cring at hearing/seeing that but I get to enjoy something they won't do - shoot that old pistol. But I do understand the concept of preserving ultra-rare pieces, and as a teacher and novice student of history I support it.

11-05-2007, 12:05 AM	#10
Hugh RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Southeast Texas Swamp Posts: 2,460 Thanks: 2 Thanked 165 Times in 64 Posts	Guess I'm luckier than most in a way, I have about 6 "shooters" so see no need to shoot my "collectors". __________________ *TRUMP FOR PREZ IN '20!*

11-05-2007, 04:52 AM	#11
tacfoley Guest Posts: n/a	Here's my take on this, boys, and some of you will need to change your underwear after reading this, of that there is no doubt. Somewhere over in the northern part of the USA is a gentleman who now has my Colt .45 collection - escapees from the Great Betrayal in 1997 when those ofus on the Big Island lost all our handguns. I guess by your standards that they hold little attraction to any American collector, but here they are, listed for your interest - Singer Sewing Machine Co - near mint - the first handgun I ever shot, age 6. Union Switch and Signal - near-mint - plus US Army holster US Navy model of 1914 - near-mint all-matching plus holster US Army model of 1917 - marked on frame LML with a centre punch - but all matching Remington-Rand Corp. - 90% Colt .22 Ace - as near mint as makes no difference. Over my lifetime, until they left my possession for ever, every one of these pistols had the Almighty bejasus shot out of them with service hardball. On one occasion my dad and I actually shot over 1000 rounds out of the Singer and the Navy in a single day, helping a friend to get rid of his suddenly illegal ammunition - he had been 'done' for DUI for the third time and lost his firearms certificate as a result. If it is yours, you go ahead and do what you like with them, when you are gone, you really won't care - there are no ranges in the afterlife. tac

11-05-2007, 12:21 PM	#12
RalphH User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: North central Ohio Posts: 41 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Greetings, Gentlemen, This is one thing tacfoley and I agree on. I only have one Luger, all matching but the extractor. My wife has a Stoeger stainless 6" Luger. We shoot both without any reservation. My personal niche is collecting and restoring very early, large caliber, centerfire revolvers. Most have required extensive work to return them to 100% mechanical soundness. Almost all have required making dedicated loading tools and custom bullet molds. Oldest is 1854 Lefaucheux that was converted at sometime during it's life to fire centerfire as well as pinfire cartridges. S/N places it well before the Civil War. Some are very rare, with only a handful still in existence. Bringing them back to life and shooting them is as important to me as collecting them in the first place. The thrill and enjoyment of shooting a piece of history, 100 or 150 years old, is beyond description. I did break one of my most rare and expensive revolvers during the first firing session, but it is repaired now and no one can tell the difference. I don't think the value has changed much because many of these old guns were repaired from time to time to keep them in service. I am in my 70's and not in the best of health. I just hope when I am gone , my wife will see to it that my collection goes to someone that will appreciate the love and care that I have put into it, and continue shooting them, one and all. Just my 2 cents. __________________ Regards, Ralph Boy, I love these old guns.....

11-05-2007, 04:05 PM	#13
lugerholsterrepair Moderator Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arizona/Colorado Posts: 7,761 Thanks: 4,863 Thanked 3,101 Times in 1,427 Posts	Shooting pistols such as the ones Tac lists and Ralph as well is not as dangerous as shooting Lugers where most parts are numbered. I only have one Luger, all matching but the extractor. There is a reason why the extractor is no longer matching. It broke! These parts are quite fragile actually. Smoke em if you got em boys but when their gone their gone.... Jerry Burney __________________ Jerry Burney 11491 S. Guadalupe Drive Yuma AZ 85367-6182 lugerholsterrepair@earthlink.net 928 342-7583 (CO & AZ) Year Round 719 207-3331 (cell) "For those who Fight For It, Life has a flavor the protected will never know."

11-05-2007, 10:53 PM	#15
Alx User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Nashville, Tennessee area Posts: 263 Thanks: 5 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	When I look at my fine and completely matching 1915 DWM P08 number 48 l, I am glad I fired before I realized just how pristine it is, and would be very reluctant to risk that again. The gun is in that amazing condition now because it has been kept from the normal usage and wear that would have other wise reduced it to a shooter long ago. Seems wasteful to now begin wearing out something that has survived over 90 years without showing its age, and firing a gun will eventually wear it out, every round a bit more. A hundred years from now, there will be alot fewer collector grade near-mint Lugers than now, just for this reason. Hopefully not this one.

11-05-2007, 11:58 PM	#16
wlyon Lifer 2X Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: May 2005 Location: Somewhere in Montana Posts: 2,619 Thanks: 3,144 Thanked 2,531 Times in 943 Posts	Shooting collectible lugers must be the decision of the owner. Personally I cannot afford to ruin a matching luger. That's why I have a couple shooters.The others I will save in the best condition I can until they are sold someday. No matter how well they were made they are all 65 years and older. Bill __________________ Bill Lyon

11-06-2007, 10:43 AM	#17
Pete Ebbink User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The USA Posts: 5,919 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts	For collector-grade pieces, I will fire 2-5 rounds through each before they go into my safe. This is after I have cycled 6-8 dummy rounds through the gun. I know the inherent risks...but I will not have a gun I keep that I know will not still do what the gun was intended for... So far...no breakages...even with M1900's. Not doing so...I would feel like I spent top-dollar on a "de-activated" pistol... But for regular range-shooting, take your shooters out and work on your marksmanship. My shooters get 100-500 rounds each year...

11-06-2007, 01:07 PM	#18
pipeman45 User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Kentucky Posts: 539 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	If I own it--- It will be fired. I don't collect anything rare, I acquire shooters. __________________ Dave

11-06-2007, 03:25 PM	#19
Tim Reynolds User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 40 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	What is the difference in shooting your Luger or driving an old classic car.You only live once and you might as well live it the way you see fit. __________________ If the magazine does not match,it is a mismatched Luger

11-06-2007, 03:38 PM	#20
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,915 Thanks: 1,989 Thanked 4,506 Times in 2,080 Posts	there is a big difference in how the luger collecting community views it. If I wreck my 66 mustang, I can put on a new hood, new bumper and paint it, and its still worth $10k (not that mine is in good shape right now). But with a luger, you break a major numbered part and the value of say a $3500 navy luger is now less than $1000... (and to many collectors, ANY numbered part)... I can't afford that to happen. It is why I have $500 - $800 shooter lugers, i break a part, its still a $500 or $800 shooter luger...