LUGER FACTS VS. FICTION

Lugers were a standard police and military issue sidearm in both world wars and are described in the common manuals issued to personnel. Am I wrong in believing the criteria for issuance of lugers was whether the soldier was in the front lines (hence a large combat caliber weapon was desired) and if the individual had equipment to manage and defend (e.g., artillery, mg) or was responsible for leading combat troops (such as NCO's).


Smaller 7.65 cal weapons were recommended for fighter pilots and air crew (though lugers were common) and armored personnel primarily to save space with small size.


Until the early 1940s, did not officers have to buy their own sidearms? Hence, you don't see many 7.65 pistol holsters with military acceptance stamps until the 1940s. NCO's and others using lugers needed issue holsters and so you see lots of 1930s dated luger holsters.


These are undocumented beliefs I would like to confirm.


dave