In many ways the 9mm Luger Pistol (a.ka. german luger) is to semi-automatic what the Colt Single Action Army is to revolvers.
Its classic flowing lines make it one of the most appealing looking auto pistols in terms of appearance. It is the pistol that introduced the 9mm Parabellum (9mm luger) cartridge, a cartridge that became one of the most popular handgun rounds ever made.
As a military sidearm, it saw service in both world wars and was adopted by the armies of a number of European nations. Not surprisingly, collectors keenly seek Luger pistol and some models are extremely valuable.
LUGER CREATOR
|
|
Two men created the Luger. Georg Luger and Hugo Borchardt both worked at the company that was closely associated with the manufacture of the pistol--the Deutsche Waffenund Munitionsfabriken (DWM).
DWM was the result of the business activities of two brothers, Ludwig and Isidor Lowe. |
Their company, Ludwig Lowe und Companie originally specialized in the manufacture of machine tools and sewing machines.
After gaining a government contract in 1870 during the Franco-Prussian War, the company began to manufacture rifle sight assemblies. Lowe und Companie's skill and precision at this venture soon led to further government contracts, both domestic and foreign. It was not long before sewing machines were traded for weapons as the successful company began making firearms full time.
In 1886, Ludwig died and Isidor began a joint venture with Waffenfabrik Mauser, AG to produce rifles for Turkey. As time passed, the activities of these two companies intertwined together around the successful manufacture of firearms.
Lowe acquired controlling interest in Waffenfabrik Mauser as well as Deutsche Metallpatronenfabrik Lorenz, a German ammunition factory.
![]() |
The resulting company purchases and corporate shuffling led to the creation of the Deutsche Waffenund Munitionsfabriken (DWM).
Georg Luger and Hugo Borchardt were friends and colleagues at the Lowe firm and both had a serious interest and no small measure of success |
with self-loading firearm designs and patents as well as ammunition.
Hugo Borchardt, a German born, naturalized U.S. citizen, worked at several small companies before working for the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. of New Haven, Connecticut.
His first patent was given while with Winchester for a machine to cut lubrication grooves into bullets. He also designed the 1878 Sharps rifle which was named after him. In 1890, after employment at various companies in the U.S. and Europe, Borchardt joined the Lowe firm and later designed a large toggle-action semi-automatic pistol that bears his name.
Georg Luger, an Austrian, became involved with firearms as a result of his involvement with Ferdinand von Mannlicher. Luger experimented with rifle designs for bolt action and self-loaders for twenty years before joining Lowe in 1891.
![]() |
Luger used Borchardt's pistol (luger pistol) as a basis for his now famous pistol. His final design was a pistol that was smaller and lighter than the big cumbersome Borchardt. |
As a result the new pistol had much more potential as a military sidearm than the Borchardt.
Characteristic
- Principle of operation: Recoil-operated.
- Caliber: 9 mm (.354 inch).
- Ammunition: 9-mm Parabellum (German, British, Italian, or U.S. manufacture).
- Capacity of magazine: 8 rounds.
- Sights:
Front: Inverted V blade.
Rear: Open V notch, nonadjustable. - Length of barrel: 4.25 inches.
- Weight (empty): 1 pound 14 ounces.
- Range:
Effective: 25 yards.
Maximum: 1,150 yards. - Muzzle velocity: 1,040 feet per second.
German WW2 Weapon Replica from Amazon
![]() |
MFS 9mm Luger 115gr–FMJ /50 List Price: Sale Price: $16.92 You save: $0.03 (%) |
DescriptionMFS 9mm Luger 115gr–FMJ /50 - Manufacture ID: 20010MFS 9mm Luger 115gr–FMJ /50- Caliber: 9mm Luger- Grain: 115- Bullet: Full Metal Jacket- Per 50 |
![]() |
WE P08 Luger Short Type Barrel Airsoft Gas Blowback Pistol Sale Price: $109.99 |
DescriptionWE is quickly becoming one of the favorite brands of airsoft gas pistols for all airsoft hobbyists because of their quality. Their guns have a realistic feel and the details are amazing. They shoot hard with blow back action that will make you feel like you are shooting the real deal... |
![]() |
9mm Luger Pistol Laser Bore Sight Sale Price: $32.90 |
DescriptionSM39015 Features: -Precision accuracy. -Reliable and durable. -Fastest gun zeroing and sighting system. -Reduce wasted cartridges and shells. -Compact. -Lightweight. -Easy to pack and travel. -Comes with a carrying case... |
![]() |
WE P08 Luger Gas Airsoft Gun Blowback M Sale Price: $104.99 |
DescriptionSpecifications: - Velocity: 450 FPS (0.2 g BB) / Range 180 - 200 feet - Barrel Length: 5 inches / 12 cm - Magazine Capacity: 15 Rounds Features: - Gas Blowback - Full Metal Construction - Single Stack Magazine - Functional Safety |
![]() |
Denix Luger P08 Parabellum List Price: Sale Price: $119.95 You save: $19.05 (14%) |
DescriptionDesigned by George Luger, it was issued to Paratroopers and German Officers during World War I and the early stages of World War II. It is notable in firearms history for being the firearm with which the 9 mm Parabellum cartridge was introduced, though the type was first introduced with a 7... |
Please click here to go back to Militariana main page..
Related posts:












Well made animation but lacks demonstration of short recoil
of barrel extention with breechbolt and toggle. Animated pistol
only shows simple blowback operation which not included on
Luger pistols.
Besides, Lugers have magazine catch buttons only at left side.