New Guy with 1918 Erfurt Luger

JLD1504 · 03-23-2025, 03:39 AM

As a Brit sometime resident in Italy and who owns a 1920 DWM P08 re-chambered in 9x21 I can offer the following thoughts.

From the photos the barrel looks original it has just been re-chambered from 9x19 to 9x21 and Gardone proof marks added. I might guess the additional number is possibly a sequence number of chamber conversions proof tests?

It is interesting that you report this pistol is 'wildly inaccurate' - mine is as accurate as other P08 I own and comfortably holds the 9 ring (10cm) on an ISSF Olympic target at 25m. There are some variables worth looking at perhaps to identify the issue of the reported inaccuracy. Firstly check the barrel condition and 'crown' of the barrel (at the muzzle) - any signs of significant wear and/or damage at the crown? any leading of the barrel or has it only fired jacketed ammunition....? Clean the chamber and barrel carefully and thoroughly to remove lead (if any).

If all looks good including the chamber - do the 'drop test' - separate the frame and receiver/barrel - hold the barrel vertically chamber up and place a 9x21 round bullet into the chamber entrance and let it drop in under gravity (its own weight alone). What happens? Does it chamber completely or not - if not then remove the cartridge examine, clean the chamber and/or try different cartridges until this test works! For safety reasons DO NOT attempt this test with an assembled pistol!

If this test works then, you should consider the ammunition you are using. My recent experience with Fiocchi 9x21 115gr in Italy is not good and groups are not great, nor as good as previously. I would suggest you try a selection of different batches or ammunition from friends including reloads to see if the accuracy improves? I would suggest you use jacketed 115gr bullets initially not lead bullets. With any new pistol shoot the pistol rested either from a rest or bag type rest - I would suggest you start and shoot at 10m if your TSN Poligono allows that? At 10m rested you should achieve a 20-30mm group or better rested. There is no need to shoot at 25m until you are certain about the accuracy of the pistol.
Let us know how you get on doing the above....

03-23-2025, 03:39 AM	#36
JLD1504 User Join Date: Oct 2023 Posts: 8 Thanks: 6 Thanked 12 Times in 4 Posts	As a Brit sometime resident in Italy and who owns a 1920 DWM P08 re-chambered in 9x21 I can offer the following thoughts. From the photos the barrel looks original it has just been re-chambered from 9x19 to 9x21 and Gardone proof marks added. I might guess the additional number is possibly a sequence number of chamber conversions proof tests? It is interesting that you report this pistol is 'wildly inaccurate' - mine is as accurate as other P08 I own and comfortably holds the 9 ring (10cm) on an ISSF Olympic target at 25m. There are some variables worth looking at perhaps to identify the issue of the reported inaccuracy. Firstly check the barrel condition and 'crown' of the barrel (at the muzzle) - any signs of significant wear and/or damage at the crown? any leading of the barrel or has it only fired jacketed ammunition....? Clean the chamber and barrel carefully and thoroughly to remove lead (if any). If all looks good including the chamber - do the 'drop test' - separate the frame and receiver/barrel - hold the barrel vertically chamber up and place a 9x21 round bullet into the chamber entrance and let it drop in under gravity (its own weight alone). What happens? Does it chamber completely or not - if not then remove the cartridge examine, clean the chamber and/or try different cartridges until this test works! For safety reasons DO NOT attempt this test with an assembled pistol! If this test works then, you should consider the ammunition you are using. My recent experience with Fiocchi 9x21 115gr in Italy is not good and groups are not great, nor as good as previously. I would suggest you try a selection of different batches or ammunition from friends including reloads to see if the accuracy improves? I would suggest you use jacketed 115gr bullets initially not lead bullets. With any new pistol shoot the pistol rested either from a rest or bag type rest - I would suggest you start and shoot at 10m if your TSN Poligono allows that? At 10m rested you should achieve a 20-30mm group or better rested. There is no need to shoot at 25m until you are certain about the accuracy of the pistol. Let us know how you get on doing the above....