What are the differences between a 1906 and 08 Luger?
 

What are the differences? When did they make they change to coil spring, in 1906, or 1908? I read it once and don't remember,

Hey! I'll take a shot at stating some of the differences between an '06 and an '08:

- 1908 available in 9mm only; 1906 in 7.65 and 9mm

- 1906's generally have a grip safety which was eliminated on 1908's

- 1908's include the first full military production, military proofed guns as well as a commercial model

- 1908 Thumb Safety marked "Gesichert"; 1906 had polished area instead

- 1906 safe is in the upper position; 1908 is in the lower position

- A rare 1906 in 27000 serial range was available with a stock lug; no stock lug on 1908's

- 1908 magazines are generally tin plated; 1906's are nickel plated

Someone more knowledgeable than me may comment on the coil spring, and other differences!

Clark

Well, technically, the 1908 is the german army designation. The 1908 'model' would also be the same model used essentially after mid 1913 until the mauser bump/hump occurred (as commercial variations made for the US and other markets were in 7.65mm and the same as those made in WW1).

After mid 1913 there were stock lugs on the model 1908 (the german army did not change their designation).

Ed

Yes I am aware of that. This designation thing has really caused me a lot of pain with P-38's and P-1's. I say you can just as easily call a P-1 a P-38, for there are P-38's made after 1957 with alloy frames and than the civilian version took on the designation P-38. To me, a 1920 commercial is a P-08, being it is a model 1908. Your Forum has the category P-08 Commercial Lugers so we know what we are talking about. If we want to nit -pick we can call them parabellums right?

I just told a guy it was correct to call a a commercial 1920 a P-08 as a Simpson is a P-08. But yes, technically a P-08 is a Imperial era Luger, BUT.wait, is it a Mauser S/42 made after 40? With it stamped on the side?