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A WWII classic, this luger is a joy to shoot simply to watch the cocking mechanism pop up and cycle on each shot just like the real steel. Excellent finishing make this definitely a collectors item. Good power to boot too! Metal parts included: adjustable rear sign, trigger, magazine catch, magazine, safety, back slide mount and cocking mechanism.
Brief Service History
The Swiss Army evaluated the Luger pistol in 7.65 mm Parabellum (.30 Luger in USA) and was adopted in 1900 as its military side arm, and designated as the Ordonnanzpistole 00 or OP00.
In 1900 the US purchased 1000 Lugers (in 7.65 mm Parabellum) for field trials, after a Late 1890s/1900 competition that included the Colt M1900, Steyr Mannlicher M1894, and an entry from Mauser. Later, a small number were sampled in the then-new, more powerful 9 mm round. Field experience in the Philippines and ballistic tests would result in a requirement for still bigger and larger rounds. Further trials and testing of a variety of pistols by the US, including a DWM entry, would eventually lead to adoption of the M1911.
The DWM entries in the later (1906) competition in .45 ACP are among the rarest of all handguns. DWM, Savage, and Colt were the final three contenders after others were eliminated. DWM withdrew for reasons that are still debated—though the Army did place an order for 200 more samples. The final stages of the competition were left to Colt and Savage. The Luger did become a popular civilian firearm in the U.S. for the next two decades.
The Luger pistol was accepted by the German Navy in 1904, and in 1908 (as Pistole 08) by the German Army after the caliber was changed to 9 mm Parabellum because the 7.65 mm Parabellum cartridge was considered too weak. It replaced the older Reichsrevolver that was in service until then. A variant, the Lange Pistole 08, had a stock and longer barrel, and sometimes used with a 32 round drum magazine (Trommelmagazin 08); this model is also known as the 'Artillery Luger'.
The Pistole 08 was the standard side arm for the German Army during both world wars, but was being replaced by the Walther P38 by 1938. By that time the Luger pistol was simply too expensive for military use due to its high standard of manufacturing. Another reason for the demise of the Luger pistol's military use may have been its sensitivity to dirt and dust resulting in malfunctions. The rarity of this weapon made it a sought souvenir and trophy by Allied forces for its accuracy and superiority to the P38. At that time Mauser was manufacturing both the Walther P38 (under the "byf" code) and the Pistole 08. The Luger pistol was also used by the Soviet Union during World War II, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luger_pistol).
Investment: R2600.00
Available Accessories
Takana Gas Drum Magazine
Takana Wooden Stock
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