barrels
 

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Re: barrels
 

The early 7.65mm barrels were usually what is referred to as the 'tapered' barrel. I agree that it is a more graceful appearing barrel and actually gives the 'sinister' Luger a longer, lighter look than the later barrels. It is found on many early models, not just the Swiss. It is a very desirable variation to have, in my opinion. The 7.65mm of later years is comparable to the 9mm barrels with only the caliber being different. I am not sure why the manufacturing change (possibly tooling standardization) but to my knowledge there are three distinct barrel types, the tapered barrel, the fat barrel and the standard barrel. It would be interesting to know if there is a distinct advantage to either, but I have never seen the thin or tapered barrel in nine millimeter. I have examples of the 7.65mm in both the standard and tapered models.

Re: barrels
 

Hi Rick! I have wondered the same thing about the slim .30 barrels...I believe that the earliest barrels were designed with both function and asthetics in mind, so it stands to reason that they would have made as thin of barrel wall as possible, that would be attractive but remain safe....on the other side of the coin, the 9mm is a larger bore and would naturally require a larger barrel in a relative way....after that, with military spec's to consider, it is just a matter of economics...I think the graceful lines of the 1900/06 .30 cal lugers is an outstanding combination of form and function, ...in short , art!....till...later...G.T.