Various luger cleaning rods
 

Whats their proper use? Eric

Hi Eric,

The rods were used in combination with a thick cotton wire called 'Flax'. This wire was wrapped around the threading on the rod.

From 1934 onwards, the cleaning rods were abandoned officially and the RG34 cleaning kit was introduced instead. The RG34 was used for the rifles, pistols and machine guns.

There was also a special version of the RG34 for cleaning the .22lr training sets, the RG34a.

WOW!You got it right on!! I'll try some cotton line or maybe a pipe cleaner!

That's the first I've heard of the RG34. Also, haven't seen any displayed or on hand or offered for sale; or in reference books.
Rather interesting.
Jack

Jack,

Most collectors tend to believe that the RG34 was issued for rifle maintenance only. Period documentation (and the photo above) show that the RG34 was indeed used for pistol maintenance as well. No P08 should be without one :)

Do You know where to find one?

RG34's are on eBay all the time. There's even 1 on the bargain table at my local gun store. Just go on eBay militaria in the personal field gear.

Great TKS!

helps with removing ear wax in the trenches also. same with reaching a back itch if you cannot reach it.

Luger Cleaning Rods
 

I have the rod shown at the bottom of the first photograph. Can anyone explain when it was used, by whom and how to identify if it is original? I could not find any markings on it.

The end cap screws off on the handle and has grease inside.

Was given to me by a friend, so I have no history on it.

Thanks

James..Does the rod unscrew from the barrel? Is the end cap serrations crosshatched/checkered or lined only one way?

Vlim's photo seem to show a postwar model RG, probbably for the FAL/G1. The RG34 had a spoon to clean the inside of the K98k's locking lugs. It is very rare to find one these days and they command prices just like the little P.08 screwdriver.

Eric..NO!!! WOW!You got it right on!! I'll try some cotton line or maybe a pipe cleaner!

NO!! Pipe cleaners are made with twisted steel wire..They can scratch the inside of your bore..DON"T use it!!!

Hey I tried!!!

There were some Rg34s that were made/issued with a third brush for the 9mm. This brush was held in place by a clip under the lid. The 9mm brush had an aluminum collar on it so that it would only pass through a 9mm barrel and not a 7,92mm rifle barrel.

The cotton laces in the second photo is genuine; If these are not original for p08 do you know from what gun it is ; I have exactly the same 20 packets

They are relatively standard, and used for all sorts of guns.