Luger P08

Luger P08
Production Information
Type	Pistol
Technical Specifications
Total length	23 cm
Empty weight	0.8 kg
Caliber	9x19 mm Parabellum 11.43 mm (.45 ACP)
Magazine	8 rounds
Range	50 meters (effective)
Velocity	114 m/s
Usage
Year introduced	1933
Used by	Germany
[Source]

The Luger P08 was a pistol that was used by Germany in both World War I and World War II.

Description

The Luger traditionally fired the 9×19mm Parabellum Cartridge and had an eight round magazine. However, some Lugers could fire the .45 ACP Cartridge or the 7.65mm Luger Cartridge. The Luger usually featured a standard eight round magazine, but the Luger could also be outfitted with a 'snail magazine', which was a round drum containing 32 rounds. Its total length was around 23 centimeters while its total weight was somewhere around 800 grams.

The effective range was limited to about 50 meters, muzzle velocity was approximately 114 meters per second and the iron sights were mounted in a frontal post, rear two notches design. Reliability of the Luger was fair although the gun was designed with ergonomics in mind. It often had to be carried in a special holster to prevent dust from jamming the weapon often leading the Walther P38 to be a preferred choice in the field. Still, the Luger P08 was a good design even if its asking price was quite high for the German military.

Variants

• Pistole '08: Standard production model of the Luger, introduced in 1908.
• Lange Pistole '08/P17 "Artillerie Luger": Variant of the Luger P08 converted into a light carbine, featuring a long 8-inch barrel and shoulder stock. Some models also have a 32-round drum magazine.

History

The Luger P08 was first produced in 1900 and was quickly adopted by German forces. As such, its first combat experience came in the form of World War I as a common sidearm. While popular, its main drawbacks such as limited reliability showed in the mud and blood of the trenches. Following the First World War, the Luger was once again adopted by German forces for the Second World War. Here it was more popular with officers as a specialty weapon, this also led to it being considered a treasure among soldiers looting the dead bodies of German soldiers, though by late 1944 any Allied soldier captured having a Luger in his possession was most likely executed if found by German troops. Nonetheless, they were still kept in the hundreds as trophies.  The Luger P08 ceased production in 1945 and by this time, thousands had been made.