Lugers and Officers
 

Hi,

Got a question about Lugers and officers. My understanding is that during the Third Reich period, officers had to purchase their own sidearms, and greatly preferred smaller pistols, e.g. PP, PPK, HSc, Mod 1910/1914/1935, etc. Non-coms were issued sidearms from the armories and consisted of Lugers and P-38s.

So, recall the scene in "Band of Brothers" where the G.I.s surprise a German officer on horseback, shoot him, and confiscate his sidearm, which is a Luger. How unlikely is that? Did some officers carry Lugers out of choice? I've heard elsewhere that some did.

Any ideas? Thanks for reading.

Weasel

This has been discussed, you might find several discussions on this if you use the search function.

Although many officers (senior officers) liked smaller pistols, many, many officers carried lugers and P38's, especially in war time conditions.

Ed

An Officer when stationed in a combat area could sign out a 9mm pistol (a Schmeisser would be my choice) for the duration of his stay and them sign it over to his relief. TH

I believe what Tom is referrint to (Schmeisser) is properly termed an MP-40. I LOVE mine!
Tom A