First Issue Unaltered SN 130

Heinz · 10-05-2002, 02:24 PM

As a neophyte in Luger collecting the comments on "altered" v " unaltered" caused me to go to my reference books to read and "look at the pictures."

There is a question about the need for this alteration that has been bothering me.

Jan Still cites June 22 1912 Navy correspondence as stating Luger safeties were to be altered to the down position to prevent their release unitentionally. Mr. Still leaves it at that. (Imperial Lugers pg 162) John Walter attributes this change (Luger Story p 113) as due to inadvertly tripping the safety in the holster.

The holster/safety tripping issue always seemed a stretch to me. In looking at the pictures I note that the 1904 variation flat spring Navy has the safety in the down position.

Mixing the 1906 "up position" safety with a 1904 "down position" safety would seem far more inherently dangerous and a compelling reason to change the position than some posible hang up in the holster. Also by 1912, all German military P08s would have down position safeties.

Comments? Is there documentation for the holster issue?

Tom A. Still a great Navy, and now less dangerous :-)

10-05-2002, 02:24 PM	#13
Heinz User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Greenville SC Posts: 1,004 Thanks: 377 Thanked 411 Times in 180 Posts	As a neophyte in Luger collecting the comments on "altered" v " unaltered" caused me to go to my reference books to read and "look at the pictures." There is a question about the need for this alteration that has been bothering me. Jan Still cites June 22 1912 Navy correspondence as stating Luger safeties were to be altered to the down position to prevent their release unitentionally. Mr. Still leaves it at that. (Imperial Lugers pg 162) John Walter attributes this change (Luger Story p 113) as due to inadvertly tripping the safety in the holster. The holster/safety tripping issue always seemed a stretch to me. In looking at the pictures I note that the 1904 variation flat spring Navy has the safety in the down position. Mixing the 1906 "up position" safety with a 1904 "down position" safety would seem far more inherently dangerous and a compelling reason to change the position than some posible hang up in the holster. Also by 1912, all German military P08s would have down position safeties. Comments? Is there documentation for the holster issue? Tom A. Still a great Navy, and now less dangerous :-)