Pistole P 08 (Luger)

The Pistole P 08 was but one of the major variants of the family of pistols collectively known as the Luger. The name Luger is misleading for the very design was produced by Hugo Borchardt, and later further developed by a George Luger. Over two million Lugers have been manufactured in at least 35 variants and more subvariants.
The P 08 was admitted into German army service in 1908 (thus the 08) and continued to be the standard German military pistol even after its replacement, the Walther P 38, was taken into service in 1938. Usually the P 08 had a 9mm caliber, and the 9mm (0.354 inch) Parabellum cartridge was specially designed for the pistol. However, some 7.65mm (0.301 inch) versions were also common. The P 08 is and very likely always will be a "classic" pistol due to its appearance and spectacular career. It is very well made and easy to handle and aim. It is so well finished because it depends on a complex scheme using an upwards-hinging toggle locking device that will not function if the needed machined grooves do not match perfectly. This can in fact be a disadvantage for a military pistol since during combat dust and debris can clog the mechanism, let alone normal wear and attrition. In reality this was not a problem since the pistol was quite robust. However, it asked too much from the production resources and was thus replaced by simpler designs. It also needed many precisely matching spare parts. The last German Luger was produced in late 1942, but was never completely replaced by the P 38 in German armed forces. It reappeared several times after the war commercially and will certainly be produced in the future. The Lugers were some of the most sought after war trophies in both World Wars, and many still exist as collectors' proud possessions.

Click on one of the thumbnails below to view the full picture.

Technical data and/or diagram of Pistole P 08 (Luger).

The P 08 in service with a section of house-clearing infantry during the early stages of the advance into Russia during 1941. The soldier with the pistol is armed with Stielgranate 35 grenades and is festooned with ammunition belts for the section MG 34 machine-gun.

A Stug III with a short 75mm gun supports advancing infantry during an attack on the Voronez front during January 1943. Although the pistol being carried by the soldier on the right is blurred, it appears to be a P 08.

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Click on one of the thumbnails below to view the full picture.
	Technical data and/or diagram of Pistole P 08 (Luger).
	The P 08 in service with a section of house-clearing infantry during the early stages of the advance into Russia during 1941. The soldier with the pistol is armed with Stielgranate 35 grenades and is festooned with ammunition belts for the section MG 34 machine-gun.
	A Stug III with a short 75mm gun supports advancing infantry during an attack on the Voronez front during January 1943. Although the pistol being carried by the soldier on the right is blurred, it appears to be a P 08.