Luger

Luger (Pistole 08). This automatic pistol was known to its users as the P 08 or, from the name of its cartridge, the Parabellum: the term Luger is Anglo-American. Designed by George Luger in 7.62 mm calibre in 1899, it was adopted by the Germans in 9 mm in 1908. It was produced in many versions, including a long-barrelled artillery model which took a detachable shoulder stock and a 32-round drum magazine, but the most usual had an 8-round magazine and a 102 mm barrel.

The Luger had several defects. Its working parts, pulled back by a toggle mechanism on top of the action, allowed dirt and moisture to enter; its trigger-pull was irredeemably rough; and it was not well suited to mass manufacture. It was phased out in 1943, but lives on, especially on the screen, as the quintessential German pistol of the two world wars.

Bibliography

• Walter, John, The Luger Story: The Standard History of the World's Most Famous Handgun (London, 1965)

— Richard Holmes