Ron & Randy,
Thank you for your input and comments regarding this interesting topic. My way of thinking in regards to old German semi-automatic pistols and carbines is from the 'old-school' and the most probable manufacturing techniques of the period.
Hereunder are my comments to the various points which you have outlined which are not intended to attack the general originality of the carbine; I am not saying anything about being fake, but only questioning whether the special barrel was made by the DWM factory (or using Ron's word) by 'WaffenfabrikUS'. I welcome Ron's comments/theories supporting both sides of the discussion (without making an argument!):
1) Ron makes a very valid point that the sights would be obstructed/interrupted using a large size silencer such as a Maxim suppressor and, therefore, a 'point and shoot' plinker can be accepted;
2) I must admit that I have not heard of 'ZimmerschieÃ??en' using suppressors and I shall accept Ron's description of these shooting events. In addition, I agree with Ron on the single shot explanations by using a large suppressor even for target shooting;
3) Ron's explanation of a suppressed Luger carbine for poaching is reasonable, but the DWM factory would probably not supply a firearm which was intended for illegal hunting. I also doubt that DWM would sell a Maxim silencer as an accessory and this was only available through a (US) retailer. I wonder how much it could cost a customer to have DWM manufacture a special order barrel just for a suppressor which would not cycle the action, obstruct the sights and not be effective in sound reduction when using high velocity ammunition - was it practical and worth it?;
4) The use of a silencer points more to the US market than compared to the European market. I have never seen a silencer listed in an old (pre-1920) European dealer catalog;
5) Giving the benefit of the doubt, more Luger Carbines with threads/extensions would need to be discovered and closely examined. If only a few are known to exist today, this is not an adequate sample to make a conclusion if the special barrel was made by the DWM factory or not. Bear in mind that the carbine is in the 21000 serial range and not the 55000 special order serial range;
6) It would not be completely impossible for a US company such as Pacific Arms to add a thread and only reblue the barrel which would result in it being undetectable to our eyes. Look at some of the 1920 Long Barrel Lugers and you will notice that the quality of the blue practically matches the frame. I can accept the fact that the barrel is longer and original to the gun, but the thread could be an US made extension.
7) Even though I know Geoff Sturgess, I do not agree with many of his theories or research. For example, his article on the 'Anglo-Swiss Lugers..' was a bunch of **** which has been severely criticized by a few authorities/experts in the field. It was more of an attack against certain collectors and dealers instead of a professional presentation! Therefore, whatever the possible regulations (past or present) which were required in the UK does not mean that it can be applied to other countries. How come we do not see more Luger Carbines (without forgetting Mauser C96 pistols and carbines) which were destined to England having threaded barrels?
Would you like me to continue? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />
Cheers,
Albert