Why did the High Seas Fleet have such long barrels
 

Hi All,

Maybe a stupid question but, why did sailors feel they needed the longer barrel pistol?

Richard

Hi Richard, The need was for a short rifle to arm landing parties. However, since seamen needed their hands free to work the ship, the Imperial Navy came up with the P04 design with detachable stock, which could be worn on a shoulder strap.
Regards, Norm

Well, there you go...thanks Norm!

Hi Norm, I wondered, why were there 2 different barrel lenghs, 4' and 6' Were they luger shortened for some reason? Eric

Eric,
Don't understand your question. Are you asking why are there 4" and 6" Navy Lugers or why are there 4" and 6" Lugers in general?

Didn't the treaty of Versaille limit barrel length and therefore many Navy Lugers were rebarreled to 4", but still kept their Navy markings?

Ron, I was asking why navy models were made with 2 different barrel lenghts? Were they modified for some reason? ~~Eric

Eric, this is pure speculation on my part, but I think the 4 inch barreled Navy Lugers were issued for personal protection of the person to whom it was issued, while the 6 inch barreled Lugers were for crew/ship protection at a distance, hence the shoulder stock as part of the kit.

John I think you nailed it. Its a rainy day in Florida so I will pull out the books! Just a guess, During the Weimer,They we reusing prior parts. Each part is matching and properge. This is a luger used in all 3 periods. It started out a 1914 Erfurt artillery then reworked in 1920 and again assigned to the Nazi North Sea Fleet. One luger 3 masters. It made it through complete! Jan has 2 other saples of the artillery conversions. both DWM! Rare to begin with! Darn good Guns!!