Even those with extremely limited knowledge of firearms could identify a Luger.
In this article, well examine one of the 1911s greatest battlefield opponents, the 9mm P.08 Luger.
Many armies looked to test the Luger.
One of them was even the United States.
The American Luger
In April 1901, U.S.
So, in 1907, the Luger was being tested by U.S. Once again, despite decent performance in the tests, U.S.
Ordnance passed on the Luger.
At the end of the process, U.S.
Ordnance chose John Moses Brownings genius design: the .45 caliber M1911 pistol.
The Luger and the 1911 had been competitors even before they met on the battlefield.
From a commercial standpoint, America highlighted the Lugers international marketing success.
The well-made (but expensive) pistol consistently enjoyed healthy sales to the civilian market within the United States.
Between the world wars, the Luger continued to sell successfully.
Captured Lugers commanded premium prices from G.I.
Many wartime cautionary tales were written about a Luger being used as bait in a deadly booby-trap.
Some claims circulated about Germans executing Allied troops captured with a Luger.
While this may have happened, it was never a regular practice.
The Luger has long had a reputation of being a premium quality pistol.
However, Germanys manufacturing challenges during World War II created a scenario where many less-than perfect firearms were produced.
Suspect wartime manufacturing and quality control practices crept into Luger production as well.
As made in times of peace in German arsenals they are always good quality military arms.
A reasonably effective check on these arms is to compare the numbers stamped on the important parts.
If they are the same, they were properly fitted.
If they vary, you may have a pistol made from cannibalized parts which may mean poor functioning.
Both pistols were highly praised.
Both had long combat careers and served in several militaries.
The Luger seems more exotic and elegant.
The M1911 presents as more rugged and powerful.
From most accounts, that is the reality of the pistols in action.
Combat soldiers equipped with either handgun could consider themselves fortunate.
The 9mm cartridge (in its many variations) is regarded as more precise.
The .45 is about as subtle as a sledgehammer to the face.
For the most discriminating pistol shooters, their handgun is always a matter of specific preference.
Therein lies the major difference in pistol competitions conducted on the range and those had in a trench.
Im no expert pistol shot, so I need all the help I can get.
That is probably why I admire the Luger, but I prefer the M1911.
Thats more than good enough for me.
Every bit of combat-tested toughness is built into each Springfield Armory 1911 pistol.
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