There will likely remain a few critics for the survival of the 'Russian Luger' no matter how compelling the theory/information I have presented that it is another Bulgarian variation because these critics are either simply ignorant (no offense intended), or they have a vested interest.
Some collectors are willing to accept any thing which is stated by an expert or an authority, or they are afraid of hearing disappointing news which will kill their ‘dreams’.
I can consider myself fortunate to have examined the finest and rarest Lugers and Mausers in the world and while talking with these important owners, I have heard information which many collectors do not know or are unaware. I can sometimes forget information which was shared with me from many years ago, but recently my memory was refreshed with certain information which will stab again the ‘Russian theory’ for whatever remains of its mistaken identity.
I suppose that those critics who continue to support the identity of the ‘M1906 Russian Luger’ will also uphold the ‘M1900 Russian Luger’ described in extensive detail on the web site ‘Land of Borchardt’ (LOB) created by Charles Whittaker. I wish to quote again a statement from LOB:
“The fact that eight M1900 Russian Parabellums have been identified is irrefutable testimony to its existence, and when the next noted Luger author picks up the pen for the next chapter in Luger history, hopefully, will acknowledge and recognize the Model 1900 Russian Parabellum as a legitimate and unquestionable LUGER VARIATION…It seems certain from looking at the table that the 1900 Russian Parabellum is a genuine Luger variation”
I being a modest collector in search of knowledge, maybe the critics and Charles Whittaker can explain why a M1902 Luger Carbine with crossed rifles on the chamber surfaced soon after the first M1900 Russian Luger appeared at a gun show? You figure it out, and fit it into the ‘Russian theory’! Clue: it is similar to the Luger Carbine in .45 caliber.
All the best,
Albert