Luger Story (Greenhill Military Paperback) (Paperback)

~ (Author) "1881, the year in which Hiram Maxim sketched out his first automatic firearm, was marked by civil unrest..." (more)
Key Phrases: federal arms factory, toggle grips, manual safety lever, First World War, Georg Luger, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This superb reference book by arms expert John Walter examines the rise of the Luger in the 1890s to the present day and is now published for the first time in paperback. The Luger is famous throughout the world, recognized as a supreme handgun and sought after by collectors. John Walter's clear account of the development, use and importance of the Luger establishes the truth behind this famous weapon. The Luger Story is an authoritative reference for collectors and anyone with an interest in the history of firearms.

From the Publisher

A unique and indispensable reference book on the Luger, the world's most famous handgun. A guide to the gun from its creation to the present day that covers all variants and production by more than ten manufacturers.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Greenhill Books (August 17, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1853674362
• ISBN-13: 978-1853674365
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,284,437 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Complete review of Lugers, associated people and companies, January 6, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Luger Story: The Standard History of the World's Most Famous Handgun (Hardcover)

The Luger Story covers the entire history of the Luger pistol, from the original design concept of the toggle action in the 1800's, to the last production run of pistols in the 20th century. A very interesitng volume for history-minded persons as the author includes biographical information about those persons associated with Luger development, as well as information about those companies pertinent to its manufacture. Also present is commentary on the times surrounding Luger advancement, and useful explanations are provided about what motivated development choices at particular times. The book includes an index of all Luger production runs, with relevant dates and other information, as well as a "rarity index." The result is a comprehensive volume about the Luger pistol and the facts relevant to its history.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is THE book about the Luger pistol, June 7, 2000

By	Joseph H Pierre "Joe Pierre" (Salem, OR USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Luger Story: The Standard History of the World's Most Famous Handgun (Hardcover)

The author, John Walter, is a leading writer on military firearms. His other books include, 'Luger', 'The Luger Book', and 'Rifles of the World.'

The Luger pistol is probably the most immediately recognizable pistol in the world. I doubt if any silhouette is better known, unless perhaps it is the Colt .45 Single Action Army. The first Luger was produced toward the end of the 19th century, when Georg Luger came up with it as an improvement on the Borchardt pistol.

This book is an extensive history of the Luger, from its inception (and before) to the present. It will be of great interest to Luger aficionados, as well as to firearms enthusiasts who are merely appreciative of its unusual design.

The Luger is unlike any other pistol in current production. Yes, it is still produced and available from Stoeger Firearms Company, an American company that has owned the Luger name since the 1920s. As a matter of fact, I have one that was manufactured in Houston, Texas, of stainless steel, with a six-inch barrel.

The Germans do not call the pistol the 'Luger,' but rather, 'Pistolen-08,' because it was adopted by the German Army in 1908. The Swiss adopted it first, in 7.65 mm in 1900, with the first pistols arriving for service in 1901.

The German Army adopted it in the 9mm 'Parabellum' (for war) caliber.

The Luger is easily identified in silhouette by the unusual toggle action, on the top rear of the receiver, and the raked grip, which makes the pistol a 'natural pointer.'

This book, in addition to a detailed text concerning the history and variations of the pistol, also contains many fine photographs of specimens, many in a special center section on coated paper. There are also several detail drawings of interest, and descriptions of many of the markings of the various versions offered.

This is a book that will be especially of interest to people who are attracted to famous firearms, and of course to Luger collectors.

Joseph Pierre,
Author, Handguns and Freedom..their care and maintenance
and other books