There's a lot of interesting stuff about the development of the LP08 in the new Görtz/Sturgess book. Apparently it was initially intended for arming air crew as well as artillery men, and the testing commission reported that "one hit per eight shots fired could be expected at 500 meters, cockpit to cockpit". For ground use, head sized targets could be engaged at 600 meters, and standing targets at 800 meters. In penetration tests it was found that the 9mm parabellum round would pierce a French infantry helmet at 800 meters.
I can't believe that any of this is realistic, and if it hadn't been for the development of the drum magazine which enabled the LP08 to be an effective trench clearing tool, it would soon have been rendered obsolete. Regards, Norm
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