[lugerholsterrepair]

Rod, I believe they are excellent as shooting aids! I was just explaining an early historical context of the reason they were first used by the German Military.
I use one with all the Lugers I take to the range. Sure beats dropping an expensive pistol on the concrete apron or in the dirt! One splat like that can knock the price of a repro lanyard right off your pistol.
I use the short Stosstrupp model and you are right, it can be used to steady the pistol.
I also use a 6 inch one that can be used two ways, one as a handle to pull it from the holster, the Swiss used these pretty extensively and two, to lay back along the wrist and grasp with the left hand to steady the pistol.
The lanyard loop was put on most Lugers for a reason...Jerry Burney