Military vs Police design

Eugen · 02-28-2017, 09:54 AM

Why the distinct difference in design? Why did the military want a holster strap that has a buckle and is designed with a strap that is attached to the lid and reaches south? Conversely, why did the police want a strap that is attached to the front of the holster that reaches north and attaches to a stud?

Essentially the same pistol; different holster designs. There must be a functional reason. Inquiring newbies want to know.

Norme · 02-28-2017, 10:05 AM

Hi Eugene,
The police were not armed with Lugers until WW1 ended when surplus arms became available. They were supplied with shortened Artillery holsters which, as you know, have closure straps that go North, rather than P08 holsters which have straps that head South West. I guess they liked the arrangement and decided to stick with it with new production.
Regards, Norm

wayne8661 · 02-28-2017, 10:07 AM

Ill take a stab at this. And I may be wrong. In the event an officer needed to quickly draw the weapon a button tab would be alot quicker to undo than fumbling around with a buckle.Also the vertical alignment would allow the flap to open in a smoother fashion with the liftstrap being used.

Just a guess

W

DonVoigt · 02-28-2017, 10:54 AM

Both valid reasons; and both are likely true.

The police strap type would also be cheaper to make, as it eliminates the buckle; JMHO.

Don M · 02-28-2017, 11:21 AM

I have heard that the military holster was designed primarily to protect the pistol from the mud and grime encountered on the battlefield.

Edward Tinker · 02-28-2017, 12:02 PM

I would agree that the strap version is slower to use, but more secure than the police. An army guy is more likely to crawl in mud, run, etc and the police holster can come open easier - while the police is still secure, it is easier to open

But mostly conjecture ...

wlyon · 02-28-2017, 08:24 PM

Never question why German's did anything. Because they are Germans I guess. Whatever they were very precise and very skilled. Guess that is one reason why we collect there products. Bill

02-28-2017, 09:54 AM	#1
Eugen User Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Newburgh,IN Posts: 790 Thanks: 392 Thanked 631 Times in 334 Posts	Military vs Police design Why the distinct difference in design? Why did the military want a holster strap that has a buckle and is designed with a strap that is attached to the lid and reaches south? Conversely, why did the police want a strap that is attached to the front of the holster that reaches north and attaches to a stud? Essentially the same pistol; different holster designs. There must be a functional reason. Inquiring newbies want to know. Attached Images __________________ “God created war so that Americans would learn geography.” ― Mark Twain

02-28-2017, 10:54 AM	#4
DonVoigt User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: near Charlotte NC Posts: 4,681 Thanks: 1,441 Thanked 4,350 Times in 2,040 Posts	Both valid reasons; and both are likely true. The police strap type would also be cheaper to make, as it eliminates the buckle; JMHO. __________________ 03man(Don Voigt); Luger student and collector. Looking for DWM side plate: 69 ; Dreyse 1907 pistol K.S. Gendarmerie

02-28-2017, 11:21 AM	#5
Don M Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,429 Thanks: 67 Thanked 292 Times in 191 Posts	I have heard that the military holster was designed primarily to protect the pistol from the mud and grime encountered on the battlefield. __________________ Regards, Don donmaus1@aol.com Author of History Writ in Steel: German Police Markings 1900-1936 http://www.historywritinsteel.com

02-28-2017, 08:24 PM	#7
wlyon Lifer 2X Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: May 2005 Location: Somewhere in Montana Posts: 2,633 Thanks: 3,172 Thanked 2,555 Times in 954 Posts	Never question why German's did anything. Because they are Germans I guess. Whatever they were very precise and very skilled. Guess that is one reason why we collect there products. Bill __________________ Bill Lyon

02-28-2017, 10:05 AM	#2
Norme Always A Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,417 Thanks: 226 Thanked 2,603 Times in 933 Posts	Hi Eugene, The police were not armed with Lugers until WW1 ended when surplus arms became available. They were supplied with shortened Artillery holsters which, as you know, have closure straps that go North, rather than P08 holsters which have straps that head South West. I guess they liked the arrangement and decided to stick with it with new production. Regards, Norm

02-28-2017, 10:07 AM	#3
wayne8661 User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Kennett Square Pennsylvania Posts: 591 Thanks: 15 Thanked 334 Times in 104 Posts	Ill take a stab at this. And I may be wrong. In the event an officer needed to quickly draw the weapon a button tab would be alot quicker to undo than fumbling around with a buckle.Also the vertical alignment would allow the flap to open in a smoother fashion with the liftstrap being used. Just a guess W

02-28-2017, 12:02 PM	#6
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,929 Thanks: 2,028 Thanked 4,527 Times in 2,090 Posts	I would agree that the strap version is slower to use, but more secure than the police. An army guy is more likely to crawl in mud, run, etc and the police holster can come open easier - while the police is still secure, it is easier to open But mostly conjecture ...