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The Firearm of the week is the German P08 Luger. The unique toggle-locked design was patented by Georg J. Luger in 1898. The Luger was made popular by its wide spread by Germany during World War I and World War II.
The Luger was the first pistol for which the 9mm parabellum cartridge was developed. The 9mm continues to be a very popular cartridge today and is the round US Forces use in their Beretta side arms.
I have always wondered what parabellum means? The Germans used the term to name a number of their cartridges. Parabellum in the Latin saying si vis pacem, para bellum means If you wish for peace, prepare for war.
There are several variations of the P08, the German Navy adopted a 6” barrel version, called Pistole 04. The German army adopted the 4” barrel version, called the Pistole 08. The Lange Pistole 08 was adopted by the artillery corps, which had an 8” barrel, a stock that attached to the hand grip and even a high capacity drum magazine.
The P08 Luger was eventually replaced by the Walther P38 which will be next week’s FAOTW.
Lugers were prized by allied soldiers during WWII. Thousands were brought back to America and are still in circulation today. William “Bill” Ruger liked the 55 degree angled grip and duplicated it in his .22 LR pistol. Check out Ruger’s Mark III series .22 LR pistols to see the similarities.
My P08 was made in Erfurt, Germany in 1918. I have the original leather holster that goes with it (not pictured). You can see on the toggle, Germany’s Imperial Crest. Once the Nazi party came to power, then Nazi markings were stamped on the weapon. The P08 is well designed, well made and accurate shooters. Who would have thought the 9mm para would still be around after nearly 100 years?
Protect your liberties, Big Mullet