FIRST PURCHASE

1911boy, the first order of business, in my opinion, is to secure some of Mr Still's excellent books. Luger collecting is best enjoyed and savored slowly. Another added benefit is you will be an informed buyer which MIGHT make your purchase more cost effective and legitimate. If you know the areas of interest regarding War time production you might consider the following.

For Lugers produced by DWM and ERFURT during WWI try Still's IMPERIAL LUGERS
This also includes German Navy(6" Barrel with special two position rear sight)Lugers and German Army Artillery Lugers (8" barrel with special rear tangent sight and drum magazines)

For Lugers reworked or manufactured in the Weimar Era (1920s and early 1930s) for police or Military use or commercial sales consider WEIMAR LUGERS

For Lugers made by Mauser during WWII try THIRD REICH LUGERS

All Still's books are excellent reference books and very worth the money considering each is less than 1/10 the price of even a shooter grade Luger and MIGHT save you MANY thousands or at least hundreds of dollars by being an informed buyer of Luger pistols, Good luck and the hunt is half the fun!

1911boy,

Thor's advice is worthy, and these books are a necessity if you find that you are serious about acquiring the Lugers to make a collection.

I believe, however, that there is another response for your question.

Firstly, we don't know enough about your interests to make a recommendation. Is your interest in history (and if so, what particular part of 20th Century history), or is it in the Luger as an object? The answer to this question will not only suggest the arena for your choice, but will also point a direction toward the variety which might comprise a representitive collection -for you-.

You might be enlightened by entering all the Luger topic forums in this Forum and reading the profiles which have been posted about individual pistols. See if anything strikes your fancy, find out what makes you want to know more.

How much money are you considering spending on your first Luger?

A collection quality Luger can be obtained for an amount between $800 and $3,500. Your choice will be influenced by the amount you can spend, and the amount you must spend will be determined by your choice. This is not really contradictory, all it means is that there are some optimum Lugers out there for you, but you must answer these questions in your own mind first.

Once you do so, there exists the possibility to give you a rational response to your query--not before.

--Dwight