Ed, I agree that "P08" was the German military's designation for the luger. I would go further in my own personal definition of P08, as a 9x100mm(4"bbl) military accepted luger. That way, for one to properly identify a military luger all one has to say is the date on the receiver (or first issue, if undated 1908 or 1909 production), Manufacturer, P08 and serial number including suffix letter if present and NS (no suffix) if not. For example:1917 DWM P08 #1234a. On the other hand, to properly identify a commerial or contract luger, is more complicated: 1906 Commerical (or AE,Swiss,Bulgarian, Portugese,etc), caliber, short or long frame, safety & extractor markings, serial number. eg: 1906 AE 7.65X120mm Long Frame, Geladen & Geshiert safety marked #26152. Tom H.
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