Re: Artillery Luger
I haven't seen the article, but would be interested in knowing when the P08 was ever tested by the US, or where the author came to the conclusion that the P08 almost beat out the Colt 1911. The 1900 model was tested with a recommendation that the pistol not be adopted, and the .45 cal Luger was to be tested with the intent of adopting a .45 cal sidearm in the tests of 1907. After testing one of the hand built .45 Lugers prior to the formal tests the testing board made these recommendations:
"From a careful consideration of the characteristics of each weapon and of the tests made by the board, it is of the opinion that..the Luger automatic pistol, although it possesses manifest advantages in many particulars, is not recommended for a service test because its certainty of action, even with Luger ammunition, is not considered satisfactory because the final seating of the cartridge is not by positive spring action, and because the powder stated by Mr. Luger to be necessary for its satisfactory use is not now obtainable in this country."
Initially Savage turned down the request to submit 200 .45 cal pistols for the tests, and the recommendation was made that 200 of the Lugers be bought in order to proceed with the tests. Luger initially agreed to furnish 200 of the .45 cal pistols, but later changed their mind and declined to submit the pistols.
Savage did later submit the 200 pistols, but was beat out by the Colt.
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