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Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol

German Luger

Technical Specifications

Date of Adoption 1913
Length 32 cm (12 in)
Range absolute - 2,200m
killing - 200-600m


The Luger is a semi automatic pistol made from steel and wood. The barrel and mechanism is a grey steel while the hand grip is made from wood. The pistol has a longer than regular barrel with a sight at the barrel tip and another sight with a calibrated scale at the base of the barrel. There is a trigger below the loading mechanism which is enclosed in a metal finger guard. The working mechanism is situated above the handle. On the left side of the pistol are catches which allow access to the loading chamber and its working parts. A button situated on the handle, next to the trigger, ejects the magazine case. The case is housed in the handle and is stainless steel with a wooden and contained 8 rounds. A safety catch is situated above the handle at the rear of the loading chamber. When the safety catch is activated, the word "GESICHERT" can be seen. A calibrated scale reading from 1 to 8 is engraved on one of the sights.

This particular long-barrel Luger belonged to an artillery officer of the 9th Bavarian Guards. It could be converted to a small-arm by attaching a special detachable stock to the of the pistol using clips. The pistol was produced by Deutsche Waffe Munitions from 1913-1918.


Thanks to the National Museum of Australia for their information and for the image of the Luger.