1917 Erfurt

Orv Reichert · 12-17-2001, 03:28 AM

I was told a number [more than 50] of years ago, that removing a sideplate was a common method of making a Luger safe for transport and 'child-proof'. It will not function without the plate.

I was also told that surrendering Germans often removed the plate at that time to assure that the gun could not be used against them at once.

It was also said to be a common method of 'safing' the gun for long term storage just as some folks are now removing the bolts from rifles and hiding them...[which results in estate sales of rifles with no bolts!]

I have no documented proof...just stories. But, like you, I had wondered why it was so commonly mismatched?

My other question is....why are P38 locking blocks, likewise, the most common mismatched part on a P38?

12-17-2001, 03:28 AM	#11
Orv Reichert RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SW Washington State Posts: 339 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Sideplates I was told a number [more than 50] of years ago, that removing a sideplate was a common method of making a Luger safe for transport and 'child-proof'. It will not function without the plate. I was also told that surrendering Germans often removed the plate at that time to assure that the gun could not be used against them at once. It was also said to be a common method of 'safing' the gun for long term storage just as some folks are now removing the bolts from rifles and hiding them...[which results in estate sales of rifles with no bolts!] I have no documented proof...just stories. But, like you, I had wondered why it was so commonly mismatched? My other question is....why are P38 locking blocks, likewise, the most common mismatched part on a P38?