Durability of the Luger

[Johnny Peppers]

The firing test of the .45 Cal. Luger did not go particularily well, and especially so with Frankford Arsenal manufactured .45 ACP ammunition. Luger recommended that the loadings be identical to those furnished by DWM, but the powder was not readily available in the United States. You also have to remember that the horse Cavalry was still in use at this time, and the lack of an exposed hammer was considered important to the testing boards. The Model 1905 Colt could have the hammer cocked with one hand in the event of a misfire, while the Luger required two hands to recock. The two examples of the .45 Cal Luger furnished to Springfield were not put through the full endurance tests, which would have been done had the entire order of 200 been delivered.