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Doubs · 07-26-2003, 04:38 PM

Fellows, I did a little research on the 9mm cartridge in my Luger books. They don't have a great deal of information to give on the cartridge specs.

Anyway, the bottom line seems to be that the "original" 9mm cartridge gave velocities from about 1033 - 1197 FPS, depending upon barrel length and the powder charge. (Walters, "The Luger Story"). The figure of 1250 FPS that I used yesterday comes from Fred Datig's book "The Luger Pistol". Most of the Luger books are light on specifics about the 9mm cartridge and that could be because there have been so many different loadings and special purpose cartridges that it's a lengthy subject in itself.

I also second Thor's comments about recoil springs. IF you are going to shoot your Luger a lot, make sure your spring is up to the task. Wolff Springs offers a "3-pack" of Luger recoil springs rated at 36, 38 (factory) and 40 pounds. Get one and save your Luger from a beating.

Thor's comments concerning collector guns is also in agreement with my general feelings. I do not shoot my collector pieces (with a couple of notable exceptions - a 90% Artillery has had a couple of mags through it, as has a 90% 1906 AE) and have several mis-matched "shooters" that satisfy my need to enjoy a Luger session at the range. My "shooters" all have new Wolff springs.

07-26-2003, 04:38 PM	#14
Doubs User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Byron, Georgia Posts: 1,736 Thanks: 819 Thanked 1,769 Times in 586 Posts	Fellows, I did a little research on the 9mm cartridge in my Luger books. They don't have a great deal of information to give on the cartridge specs. Anyway, the bottom line seems to be that the "original" 9mm cartridge gave velocities from about 1033 - 1197 FPS, depending upon barrel length and the powder charge. (Walters, "The Luger Story"). The figure of 1250 FPS that I used yesterday comes from Fred Datig's book "The Luger Pistol". Most of the Luger books are light on specifics about the 9mm cartridge and that could be because there have been so many different loadings and special purpose cartridges that it's a lengthy subject in itself. I also second Thor's comments about recoil springs. IF you are going to shoot your Luger a lot, make sure your spring is up to the task. Wolff Springs offers a "3-pack" of Luger recoil springs rated at 36, 38 (factory) and 40 pounds. Get one and save your Luger from a beating. Thor's comments concerning collector guns is also in agreement with my general feelings. I do not shoot my collector pieces (with a couple of notable exceptions - a 90% Artillery has had a couple of mags through it, as has a 90% 1906 AE) and have several mis-matched "shooters" that satisfy my need to enjoy a Luger session at the range. My "shooters" all have new Wolff springs.