Luger P08 (Pistole Parabellum 1908 / Parabellum-Pistole) Pistol (1908)
The Immensly Popular German P 08 series, sometimes referred to simply as the Luger.
The original P08 production models were chambered to fire a 7.65mm round and were adopted by the Swiss Army as early as 1900. The more recognized version of the Luger became the Pistole 1928 designation, as it was the adopted production model of the year 1908. This model in itself was an improved version of previous generation 9mm pistols known as 'neuer Art'.
In 1914, the P08 production began appearing from other lines as in the Koniglich Gewehrfabrik Erfurt series, and it was about this time that the optional shoulder stock came into the design.
Despite the restrictions set aside by the Treaty of Versailles regarding Germany's defeat, the pistol continued to be made, either within the German border or in production lines elsewhere in Europe - by this time chambered for the more known 9mm Parabellum round. The British even produced the P08 model series of pistols through the Vickers-Armstrong and Company firm with parts supplied from Germany. These versions were eventually shipped through Holland for the Netherlands East Indies armies abroad.
The P08 series proved to be an extremely reliable and robust handgun, considering the locking device was of a complicated design. This fact also proved the P08 to be extremely complicated to produce in the numbers required during war time. Reports were, however, favorable as to the firing action of the system, allowing for an easy of use in the point-and-shoot department.
The Luger would continue to be produced right up to the opening years of the Second World War when its ultimate successor - the Walther P38 was starting to come around. Official production of P 08 Luger's would last until 1942 with a total of some two million models produced including variants and sub-variants.
The Luger would go on to become a collector's favorite hand gun with some of the prize collectors being Allied troops themselves - confiscating the hand gun as a trophy of their exploits in and throughout the war. Though expected to be replaced in large numbers by the oncoming Walther P 38, production numbers of that pistol never materialized to expected levels, allowing the Luger to be found in most frontline and reserve situations.
In the end, the pistol has proven to stand the test of time, resurfacing every now and again under production by some company around the globe. A specialized variant of theP 08 series existed as the P17 Artillerie model which featured a barrel 8-inches longer than the standard P 08. This variant was designed to hold a full 32-rounds of ammunition (held in a drum magazine) though it was not in production by the time the Second World War rolled around. Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
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Specifications for the
Luger P08 (Pistole Parabellum 1908 / Parabellum-Pistole)
Pistol
Country of Origin: Imperial Germany
Manufacturer: Deustsche Waffen-und-Munitionsfabriken - Germany (among others)
Initial Year of Service: 1908
Overall Length: 223mm (8.78in)
Barrel Length: 98.00mm (3.86in)
Weight (Empty): 1.92lbs (0.87kg)
Cartridge: 7.65x22mm Parabellum; 1908 (P08) 9x19mm Parabellum
Action: Semi-Automatic
Feed: 8-Round Detachable Box
Muzzle Velocity: 375ft/sec (114m/sec)
Range: 164ft (50m; 55yds)
Sights: Iron Front and Rear
Variants:
Pistole P08 - Base Series Production Designation; introduced in 1908.
Ordonnanzpistole 00 (OP00) - Swiss designaton of 7.65x21mm Parabellum Luger; introduced in 1900.
P08 (Navy) - Navalized Luger model; 6-inch barrel; two-position rear sight.
Lange Pistole 08/P17 Artillerie ("Artillery Luger") - Pistol Carbine Form introduced in 1908; 8-inch barrel; 8-position tangent rear sight; shoulder stock; issued with holster; optional 32-round drum magazine.
Luger .45 - Developmental evaluation Luger chambered for the .45 ACP for the US Army.
M1900 - American copy of the Luger P08.
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