Originally Posted by John Sabato (Post 294094)

Don,

Although I am not fluent in the German language, I was obliged to study the language for about 4 years way back in the middle of the last century....the German word "sicher" does as you indicate mean "safe" (or "secure") The use of the prefix Ge- as in Gesichert, indicates the past tense in a similar manner that the suffix -ed does in English....Therefore the appropriate translation of the word in German context would be "secured" or made safe. In a similar manner, the use of the "Geladen" on the extractor is translated as "loaded".

The use of the word "SAFE" on the guns intended for export to the USA, is intended to mimic those guns made in the USA where the word SAFE was used. Not many firearms made in this country were manufactured with loaded chamber indicators, so the Germans really didn't know what to mimic. They literally translated "Geladen" into the word "Loaded"...

I can't point you to a reference for this speculation, but my rusty (not trusty) German language skills combined with my small arms history knowledge and experience are the basis for my opinion.


So in the context of German language, the 'Gesichert" label in use for the Luger safety would be translated as "secured" (or "safe") in the American context.

Now if that didn't totally confuse you... I will try harder to raise the level of obfuscation on the issue in my next installment. :D

Originally Posted by Ron Wood (Post 294114)

I also thought it was a joke, hence my comment about "bless you" and "nothing to sneeze about". :)
Ron

Originally Posted by kurusu (Post 294097)

And I think Tango3 was just joking. :rolleyes:

Anyways, the early Portuguese Lugers say seguranca which means safety.

Originally Posted by Ron Wood (Post 294079)

Bless you! Luger complication is nothing to sneeze about. :rockon:

Originally Posted by DonVoigt (Post 294089)

Tango3,
I think you are "hooked" enough to buy several books and start studying the ins and outs of lugerdom. ;)

Originally Posted by Tango3 (Post 294119)

I have a bizarre sense of humor, I'm told.

Eric

Originally Posted by cirelaw (Post 294091)

Here is a picture of an Austrian barrel on a shooter. Is this the same as yours?

Originally Posted by kurusu (Post 294123)

Just don't ever loose that sense of humor.:D

Originally Posted by cirelaw (Post 294121)

I blame it on the nuns!

Originally Posted by Tango3 (Post 294125)

I'll try not to, Mario. Heck, I'm pretty sure that I couldn't even if I wanted too!

My wife sometimes becomes exasperated with my humor, saying that it's like living with a middle school age teen. I counter this by pointing out that she's lucky I hadn't taught Kindergarten for 38 years.

Here's a meant-to-be humorous essay question I once asked an 8th grade Geography class, "How can Germany be full of millions of Germans when apparently there are no Gerwomans since they're never mentioned?" Drove them crazy! Another time I asked them to answer this: " Why is there Berlin? True or False? Justify your answer".

Eric

Originally Posted by Tango3 (Post 294125)

...Here's a meant-to-be humorous essay question I once asked an 8th grade Geography class, "How can Germany be full of millions of Germans when apparently there are no Gerwomans since they're never mentioned?" Drove them crazy! Another time I asked them to answer this: " Why is there Berlin? True or False? Justify your answer".

Eric