Luger mag capacity revisited <IMG SRC="/luger/graphics/smile.gif" BORDER=0 ALT=":)">

Hugh · 06-11-2001, 12:44 PM

There was recently a lively discussion on the correct magazine capacity for the Luger. I just obtained a copy of the book GERMAN SMALL ARMS MARKINGS FROM AUTHENTIC SOURCES by Gortz & Bryans. In the "Special Contract Conditions with DWM, 1908", for the delivery of 5,000 P08; section 3 "Proof Testing & Firing", paragraph b2, it is stated: "another magazine-load of eight rounds shall be fired off-hand in rapid fire into the bullet backstop".

Under the section "Inspection and Acceptance of Pistols 08 and Parts Thereof (1913)", which is a translation of the instructions given to the Royal Prussian Erfurt Factory, is the following statement:

"D. Rapid Fire - Power Proof is followed by test firing the pistol for proper operation of the action by shooting two magazine loads (16 rapid-fire test cartridges). Both magazines are filled with eight rapid-fire test cartridges and placed to the left of the pistol with their slotted sides facing up."........

Annex H to the above instructions is titled "Breaking-in Firing of Pistols 08". Section A-6 states: "The magazine of each pistol will be loaded with eight cartridges by the corporal, assisted by workers and will be placed behind the pistol."

This should answer the question of the capacity of the Luger magazine, at least as far as the German Imperial Army was concerned.

06-11-2001, 12:44 PM	#1
Hugh RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Southeast Texas Swamp Posts: 2,460 Thanks: 2 Thanked 166 Times in 65 Posts	Luger mag capacity revisited There was recently a lively discussion on the correct magazine capacity for the Luger. I just obtained a copy of the book GERMAN SMALL ARMS MARKINGS FROM AUTHENTIC SOURCES by Gortz & Bryans. In the "Special Contract Conditions with DWM, 1908", for the delivery of 5,000 P08; section 3 "Proof Testing & Firing", paragraph b2, it is stated: "another magazine-load of eight rounds shall be fired off-hand in rapid fire into the bullet backstop". Under the section "Inspection and Acceptance of Pistols 08 and Parts Thereof (1913)", which is a translation of the instructions given to the Royal Prussian Erfurt Factory, is the following statement: "D. Rapid Fire - Power Proof is followed by test firing the pistol for proper operation of the action by shooting two magazine loads (16 rapid-fire test cartridges). Both magazines are filled with eight rapid-fire test cartridges and placed to the left of the pistol with their slotted sides facing up."........ Annex H to the above instructions is titled "Breaking-in Firing of Pistols 08". Section A-6 states: "The magazine of each pistol will be loaded with eight cartridges by the corporal, assisted by workers and will be placed behind the pistol." This should answer the question of the capacity of the Luger magazine, at least as far as the German Imperial Army was concerned.