Military vs Police design
 

Why the distinct difference in design? Why did the military want a holster strap that has a buckle and is designed with a strap that is attached to the lid and reaches south? Conversely, why did the police want a strap that is attached to the front of the holster that reaches north and attaches to a stud?

Essentially the same pistol; different holster designs. There must be a functional reason. Inquiring newbies want to know. :confused:

Hi Eugene,
The police were not armed with Lugers until WW1 ended when surplus arms became available. They were supplied with shortened Artillery holsters which, as you know, have closure straps that go North, rather than P08 holsters which have straps that head South West. I guess they liked the arrangement and decided to stick with it with new production.
Regards, Norm

Ill take a stab at this. And I may be wrong. In the event an officer needed to quickly draw the weapon a button tab would be alot quicker to undo than fumbling around with a buckle.Also the vertical alignment would allow the flap to open in a smoother fashion with the liftstrap being used.

Just a guess

W

Both valid reasons; and both are likely true.

The police strap type would also be cheaper to make, as it eliminates the buckle; JMHO.

I have heard that the military holster was designed primarily to protect the pistol from the mud and grime encountered on the battlefield.

I would agree that the strap version is slower to use, but more secure than the police. An army guy is more likely to crawl in mud, run, etc and the police holster can come open easier - while the police is still secure, it is easier to open

But mostly conjecture ...

Never question why German's did anything. Because they are Germans I guess. Whatever they were very precise and very skilled. Guess that is one reason why we collect there products. Bill