064 THE LUGER

1-975064

Patented in 1898 and produced from 1900, Georg Luger's iconic semi-automatic pistol became synonymous with Germany's armed forces throughout both world wars. Featuring full-color artwork, analysis, and archive and present-day photographs, this engaging study tells the story of the Luger.

Initially chambered for the 7.65x21mm round, from 1902 the Luger was designed for DWM's 9 x19mm round, which even today remains the most popular military handgun cartridge. It was adopted by the Imperial German Navy in 1904, followed by the German Army in 1908, receiving the name Pistole 08. Despite being supplanted by the Walther P38, the Luger remained in widespread service with all arms of Nazi Germany's armed forces throughout World War II, and even equipped East Germany's Volkpolizei in the years after 1945.