Parabellum artillery model. Parabellum - a detailed review of the German pistol. The performance characteristics of Parabellum

At the end of the summer of 1907, the German army conducted tests to replace the standard revolvers in service with field artillery crews with modernized Gewehr 91 carbines. The results of army tests showed that the carbine is not always convenient and sometimes interferes with soldiers when conducting artillery shooting. An ordinary Parabellum pistol, even when using an attached butt, could not replace a carbine, since it was intended exclusively for close combat.

Over the next few years, the design of the Parabellum pistol was optimized so that the weapon could combine compactness and the ability to fire at long distances. Together with Georg Luger, a major of the Bavarian army took part in the development of a new pistol model. Adolf Fischer. It was Fischer who, on November 30, 1912, presented the first prototype of the Luger Artillery Pistol for evaluation by the state selection committee.

One of the tasks facing the engineers was to, without changing the fundamental design of the Parabellum pistol, using standard parts, obtain a weapon with the desired ballistic characteristics. First of all, in order to increase the firing range, instead of the standard barrel, it was decided to use a long 200 mm barrel.

For the possibility of firing at long distances, the weapon was equipped with an adjustable whole, which was installed in the upper part of the barrel. The division scale of the rear sight made it possible to aimed shooting from a pistol at a distance of: 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 and 800 meters. The button for moving the sight slider is located on the left side of the rear sight. Prototypes and early Parabellum Artillery pistols (Trial prototype and Early Luger Artillery) a special adjustment screw was installed on the rear sight, which made it possible to additionally more accurately adjust the rear sight.

When adjusting the screw in the vertical plane, the rear part of the rear sight with a slot for aiming moved in the dovetail groove. In order to increase the adjustment range of the rear sight in front of the bolt box of the Luger Artillery pistols, a special groove was made.

Prototypes and early Artillery Luger pistols also had a front sight with an adjusting microscrew. The screw made it possible to move the front sight in the groove of the base and more accurately adjust the sight of the weapon. In later serial weapons, in order to simplify manufacturing and reduce costs, the front sight was installed as usual, without an adjusting screw.

In the process of testing and upgrading the Parabellum Artillery pistol, changes were also made to the design of the rear sight. There are four main varieties. The first version of the rear sight has an adjusting microscrew mounted on top of its aiming slot. The second option has both a microscrew and a locking screw mounted in front of the rear sight on the right. The third version of the rear sight has neither a micro screw nor a screw in the front. The fourth option corresponds to most of the late production pistols. It does not have an adjustment microscrew, but a screw is installed in the front of the rear sight on the right.

The Artillery Luger pistol uses 9 mm Parabellum cartridges (9 × 19 mm Parabellum) as ammunition. The total length of the pistol without the stock is 327 mm, the barrel length is 200 mm, the weight of the weapon is 1100 grams. The pistol was supplied with an attached butt, which was installed in special grooves made in the back of the handle, as well as in a pistol.

By the summer of 1913, work on a new model of the Parabellum pistol was completed. The weapon essentially differed from the standard Luger models, only with a long barrel and a sector sight mounted on it. If we compare the drawings of the Parabellum P-08 pistol and the drawings of the Luger Artillery pistol, it becomes clear that there are not so many differences between these pistol models, which of course facilitated their manufacture.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the German Empire was federal state, uniting 22 monarchies, 3 free cities and the land of Alsace-Lorraine. Her ground troops, unlike the fleet, were subordinate to local, not federal authorities. Many decisions, including the adoption of one or another type of small arms, were approved by the monarchs of individual German lands. The Parabellum Artillery pistol was adopted by the Prussian army on July 03, 1913, after the signing of the corresponding document by Emperor Wilhelm II. The Bavarian army adopted the pistol on July 27, 1913, by the decision of Prince Ludwig (future King Ludwig III).

The weapon received an official designation "Lange Pistole 08" (Long Luger, Long Luger Pistol) or "Lg. Pist. 08", "LP. 08". Term Luger Artillery was never official and was not used in documents. It was subsequently introduced by dealers and eventually became a staple among collectors. Many weapon researchers consider it incorrect, since the Luger Lange Pistole 08 was adopted not by all artillery, but only by its separate branch - field artillery. In addition, the pistol was used to arm military pilots, personnel of medical units, machine gun crews, etc. Moreover, the widest use of this weapon was in infantry assault units, so the Long Luger would be more correct to call Luger Sturmpistole (Luger assault pistol, Luger assault pistol).

At the dawn of military aviation, its main armament was a stock of bombs and conventional small arms, most often self-loading pistols. On April 23, 1912, in his report, the chief general staff Germany noted that arming aircraft with conventional Parabellum P.08 pistols is not effective. Since that time, tests of Parabellum pistols with an elongated barrel began. Pistol Luger Lange Pistole 08 proved to be quite convenient for use in air combat. Long barrel, improved sights and the presence of an attached butt made it possible to conduct aimed fire at a longer distance. In this case, the pilot could fire using only one hand.

The only problem for the aviators was the low ammunition capacity of weapons and the need to change magazines. To eliminate this problem, the development of an increased capacity store was started.

Initially, work on the disk store was carried out to equip them self-loading rifle Mondragon (Mondragon M1908), which was also used to arm German military aircraft. Based on these first rifle disc magazines, a disc magazine was later created for the Luger Artillery pistol (Round drum magazine for Luger Artillery).

Disc or drum magazine "snail" type for a pistol, which was named "Trommelmagazin 08" or "T.M.08" was developed by a Hungarian engineer Friedrich Blum. Friedrich Blum's German patents for the drum magazine for the Luger pistol DRP 305 564 and DRP 305 074 dated July 8, 1916 describe not only its design, but also the method of loading the magazine with cartridges. Several companies were involved in the manufacture of disc magazines: Gebrüder Bing A.G. (Nuremberg), Allgemeine Elektricitäts-Gesellschaft (Berlin), Vereinigten Automaten-Fabriken Pelzer & Cie (Cologne). The appearance and features of the markings of different manufacturers were slightly different.

The disk store held 32 rounds. The coil spring located inside the magazine was cocked with a special key, which, after the spring was compressed, was fixed in a socket on the cover of the magazine drum. The first 12-15 rounds could be loaded into the magazine without the use of special tools. For further equipment, a special loader (Magazine Loaders) with a lever was used.

A canvas or leather case was used to carry the disk magazine. The use of covers became relevant especially after it was decided to use disk magazines and Luger Artillery pistols to arm the assault units of the German infantry. Assault pistols Luger in the army received the designation P.17. Compact, multi-shot pistols Luger Artillery (P.17) proved to be very convenient and effective in assault combat in enemy trenches.

Subsequently, these weapons were replaced by submachine guns and the early Bergmann submachine gun (Bergmann MP18) used disc magazines from Parabellum pistols. During the First World War, units of the German army were equipped with disk magazines and special chargers at the rate of one set of equipment for five disk magazines.

Collectors distinguish several main varieties of Luger Lange Pistole 08 pistols. They differ from each other in the place of manufacture (Erfurt, DWM or Mauser), purpose (military or commercial) and, of course, marking features.

Pistols Luger Artillery Erfurt 1914 military order (Luger Artillery Erfurt 1914 Military contract) made at the Royal Rifle Factory in Erfurt. This is one of the first Luger Lange Pistole 08 pistols of the military order.

The upper part of the chamber of these pistols is marked "1914". On the upper surface of the front bolt lever there is a brand of the manufacturer in the form of the inscription "ERFURT" under the crown.

The researchers point out that the serial numbers of Artillery Luger Erfurt pistols can consist of 1-5 digits with a letter.

Since the beginning of the First World War, the Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken Aktien-Gesellschaft (DWM) company has also been manufacturing Artillery Luger pistols for the German army.

Pistols Luger Artillery DWM 1914-1918 years of release (Luger Artillery DWM 1914 Military contract) have the company's hallmark of intertwined letters DWM on the top of the front bolt lever. On the upper part of the chamber there is a marking indicating the year of manufacture of the weapon.

The serial numbers of the DWM 1914 Artillery Luger pistols, according to the reference data, can also have from 1 to 5 digits with a letter. Researchers point out that during the First World War, about 5,000 Luger Artillery pistols were manufactured in 1914 (serial numbers in the range 262 - 1995a), in 1915 about 15,000 pistols (serial numbers 294 - 7283a), in 1916 a little more than 20,000 pistols (numbers 203 - 2660b), in 1917 about 90,000 Artillery Lugers (numbers 248 - 4884w), in 1918 no more than 25,000 pistols (105 - 997e).

Quite rare, but you can still see pistols at gun auctions Long Luger red nine (Luger Lange Pistole 08 Red Nine), on the surface of the cheeks, the handles of which are cut out and filled with red or black paint, the numbers "9".

The reason for this marking is again connected with the history of Mauser K-96 pistols. The main part of the Mauser K-96 pistols was chambered for 7.63 mm caliber, but Mauser Prussian contract 1916 pistols were chambered for 9 mm Parabellum caliber. To avoid confusion with ammunition on the cheeks of the handles of these weapons, the number “9” was usually applied in red and the pistols were called. By analogy, in some cases, the nine was also applied to the cheeks of the Parabellum pistol handles.

Pistol Luger Artillery with double marking 1920/1917 (DWM Double Date 1920/1917 Dated Weimar Artillery Luger) a rather rare variety that appeared during the Weimar Republic, which arose on the site of the former German Empire in 1919. At this time, immediately after the end of the First World War, according to the Treaty of Versailles, the German army was reduced to 100 thousand people. military pistols German army were destroyed, altered or re-registered. Artillery Luger pistols with double markings are just an example of a rare weapon that, after re-registration, remained in the armed forces of the Weimar Republic.

In 1920, DWM began to produce for export pistols Luger Artillery, model 1920 commercial, converted (Luger 1920 Commercial Artillery Rework).

These pistols were made in the 20s-30s of the 20th century. This weapon did not have military acceptance stamps and markings on the surface of the chamber. At the top of the front bolt lever, they have the branded DWM stamp. There were commercial marks on the weapon.

The researchers claim that in addition to the Luger 1920 Commercial Artillery Rework pistols in 9 mm caliber, DWM produced commercial Luger Artillery 1920 pistols chambered for 7.65 mm cartridges.

In addition to the royal rifle factory in the city of Erfurt and the Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken Aktien-Gesellschaft (DWM) company, the Mauser company began to manufacture Artillery Luger Pistol pistols after 1930. One of the famous importers of Parabellum pistols in the United States was the Austrian immigrant Alexander F. Stoyger (A.F.Stoeger), whose gun shop was located in New York. He described himself as the only authorized importer in the US and Canada of genuine Mauser, Luger weapons and ammunition.

Several hundred pistols Artillery Luger Mauser-Stoyger (Luger Artillery Mauser A.F. Stoeger contract) were made in the period 1930-1934 and sent to the United States. Early pistols were stamped DWM on top of the front bolt lever. On the surface of the chamber of these pistols, the emblem of the United States - the American eagle - was applied. The inscriptions on the fuse and ejector for pistols Luger Artillery Mauser A.F. Stoeger contract fulfilled on English language: "SAFE" and "LOADED". On the right side of the bolt box, the marking text “GERMANY”, “A.F.STOEGER INC / NEW YORK.” is made, on the right side of the frame: “GENUINE LUGER - REGISTERED U.S. PATENT OFFICE.

In 1934, the Shah of Persia (Iran) ordered 4,000 Parabellum pistols from the Mauser factory. About 1000 of them were pistols of the Luger Lange Pistole 08 model with serial numbers 3001 - 4000. The weapon was intended to arm the Shah's personal guard.

These pistols have a very recognizable appearance due to the fact that all the inscriptions on them, including the numbers on the rear sight scale, are made in Farsi (Persian). The coat of arms of Persia is depicted in the upper part of the pistol chamber. The literature indicates that the weapons were sent to Persia in three batches between December 1935 and June 1936.

Most of the pistols Mauser Artillery Luger,Persian order (Mauser Persian Luger Artillery) in the 70s of the 20th century they hit the European commercial market and for this reason these pistols are sometimes found at gun auctions.

After fulfilling an order for Persia, the Mauser company manufactured about 100 Luger Artillery pistols for the police of Bangkok, the capital of Siam (Thailand). The serial numbers of these weapons range from 3453 to 3552. These pistols are called Mauser Artillery Luger, Siamese order (Mauser Siamese Luger Artillery). A distinctive feature of the pistols of the Siamese order is the presence of Siamese markings on the rear surface of the frame.

On the surface of the front lever of the Siamese Artillery Parabellums, there is a branded brand of the manufacturer in the form of a “barrel” with the text “MAUSER”. The year of manufacture of the weapon is marked on the surface of the chamber.

After the end of the Second World War, the Mauser factory during the French occupation produced various models Parabellum pistols, including the Luger Lange Pistole 08.

At the top of the front bolt lever of these pistols there is a branded brand of the manufacturer with the text "MAUSER". There is no marking on the top of the chamber.

The use of the Luger Lange Pistole 08 in aviation, especially after the advent of the 32-round magazine, led to attempts to develop a pistol that would have the ability to switch fire from single to automatic. Several designers, including Georg Luger himself, tried to create a fully automatic weapon from a Parabellum pistol.

Probably one of the first are the developments of Manuel and Everardo Navarro from Celaya (Mexico). On October 13, 1914, they registered US patent No. 1113239. According to Navaro's design, the fire mode was switched by moving a leaf spring mounted on the trigger lever of the pistol. After moving, the spring could be fixed with a handle - a screw. In the forward position of the spring, the trigger worked in the normal mode, i.e. The pistol fired single shots. In the rear position of the spring, the weapon fired bursts. During automatic firing, in order to cease fire, it was necessary to release the automatic fuse lever.

Stanislaw Gurtys from Poznan on October 16, 1926 received a German patent DRP 492 163, which also provided for a firing mode switch mounted in the form of a lever on the cover trigger. A prototype or patent model of the Parabellum pistol based on Gurtis' design was made from the Luger Artillery pistol serial number 6474a.

A small number of experimental pistols Luger Artillery to Selective Fire more advanced designs were made during the First World War. The fire mode switch is mounted on their trigger lever and is a spring-loaded button that moves the trigger sleeve.

Pistols with a firing mode switch (Luger Artillery to Selective Fire) remained experimental, since with automatic fire the rate of fire of the Parabellum pistol is very high, and the cranked bolt locking mechanism did not provide a reliable hold on the weapon and, accordingly, accurate aiming.

Initially, as a butt for the Luger Lange Pistole 08 pistol, it was supposed to use an all-wooden holster-butt. Undoubtedly, this was influenced by the design of the pistol holster-butt. Several prototype Artillery Lugers were issued with this solid walnut stock holster. The total length of the fully wooden holster stock is 370 mm, the maximum height is 165 mm, the thickness at the cover is 52 mm. Unlike Mauser's, the Luger's butt holster covered the entire pistol grip.

On the left side of the holster-butt there are two loops for attaching belts. The button for opening the lid is also located on the left side of the butt above these loops. Inside the holster there is a compartment for placing a ramrod. On inner surface cover is equipped with a clamp for attaching a combination screwdriver.

By November 1913, the decision was made to use a plank-shaped, flat wooden stock, superficially resembling a stock, as the stock for the Luger Artillery. However, the stock for the Luger Artillery pistol is 28 mm longer than the stock for the Naval model. At the end of the butt there is a metal tip, which is inserted into the grooves of the pistol grip. Fixing the butt in the weapon is carried out by turning the locking lever installed on the left side of the butt tip. The total length of the wooden flat stock for the Luger Artillery pistol is 343 mm, the thickness is 15 mm, the maximum height of the butt is 114 mm, the thickness of the butt tip is 23 mm, and its height is 41 mm. Unlike the stock of the Marine Luger, the surface of the Long Luger butt did not have a marking disc, but was marked with the letter "G" under the crown (Erfurt mark) or "S" under the crown (DWM mark).

A leather holster is attached to a wooden flat butt with straps. The holster on the side has a special compartment for storing a ramrod. The valve of the holster is fastened to a strap, which is attached to the wooden part of the stock on the left side with screws. On back side holsters are equipped with two loops for attaching belts. The Luger Artillery pistol is worn in a holster-butt on straps over the shoulder. Leather cases for two spare magazines could be worn both on the belt and on the belt along with the holster.

Another difference between the holster-butt of the Lange Pistole 08 pistol and the holster-butt of the Luger Naval P04 was the appearance of a protective cover for the butt tip. The protective cover of the tip is attached to the stock with straps and a clasp.

The Parabellum Artillery pistol was actively used only during the First World War of 1914-1918. After the defeat of Germany and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, a significant part of these pistols were either destroyed or converted into Parabellum P08 short-barreled pistols. Luger Artillery pistols that have survived to this day are the pride of many private collections and museum expositions. The antique market values ​​Parabellum Artillery Models quite highly. The price of only the more common of them is in the range of 2,000 - 3,000 dollars. 1914 Luger Lange Pistole pistols cost between $3,000 and $7,000. Of course, the rarest and most valuable are the prototype Luger Artillery pistols and especially rare varieties of serial pistols, which are estimated at between 10,000 and 50,000 dollars.

Auto self-loading pistol Georg Luger, better known as "Parabellum" (from Latin para bellum - prepare for war), became legendary German weapons beginning of the 20th century.

Due to the structure and angle of the handle, soft, almost sporty descent, when shooting, the muzzle practically does not lead away from the aiming line. Experts recognize that not every modern model can compete with it in terms of convenience and accuracy.

In the course of improvements and modifications, the design, developed more than a century ago, was brought to the optimum. Thanks to this, weapons that were in demand then can be relevant today.

The history of the development of the Luger pistol "Parabellum"

Borchardt's K-93 was taken as the prototype. In the course of the work of two designers - Hugo Borchardt and Georg Luger - the first models of the new weapon were developed. Changes have been made to maximize the concentration of the power of the powder charge on the ejection of the bullet. This was made possible by reducing the mass of the shutter, especially the interaction of other parts. Dimensions and weight were reduced without compromising performance. A short cartridge of 7.62 mm caliber is being developed, which, due to a more powerful charge, does not lose its power.

In 1898, a new modification was proposed for Swiss army officers. After testing, a large batch was purchased by the government.

They are also purchased and put into service with Russia, Brazil, Portugal and Turkey. For military testing, the American government acquires a thousand samples.

Four years later, the German government decides to rearm the army. 8 samples were put up for consideration, the tests took place for more than two years. Many of the samples put up for the competition were finalized and modernized in two years. For example, Luger converted to 9 mm caliber.

The German Naval Commission drew attention to the model with a barrel length of 150 mm. According to the documents, it passed as a naval model 1904, 9x19 mm Borchardt-Luger pistol.

In 1906, the pistol takes its final form (caliber 9 mm, barrel 100 mm, fuse at the bottom), in Europe it will be called Parabellum, the Americans - Luger.

In 1908, the luger p08 was adopted by Germany as a regular handguns. A model with a 200 mm barrel, a sector sight, and a wooden butt was also ordered. The main purpose is the calculation of guns, machine-gun teams.

Also purchased for the Prussian army, Saxony, Württemberg.

German pistols were appreciated by the participants of the First World War, large batches of orders went, his victorious march through the armies of the world began. Production has increased, several arms companies have been licensed to manufacture. Approximately 2 million pieces have been produced.

Then the defeat of the German army, the shameful Treaty of Versailles, a ban on production.

They remembered in Germany about Parabellum, or rather, about its ammunition, in 1938. Then there was intensified preparations for war. The weapon itself was expensive, so it was replaced by the Walter-R.38 with a Parabellum cartridge of 9 mm caliber. The Luger is no longer produced, but the component parts continued to be produced for a long time.

Until the mid-60s, Mauser and Interarms continued to supply it to the American market. Although they were perceived by collectors as replicas of the legendary model.

Parabellum pistol device

moving part

It consists of a barrel with a receiver, connected by thread. The receiver contains the details of the locking and percussion mechanism. Inside there is a moving shutter with an ejector, a percussion mechanism. The inner side of the barrel has 6 longitudinal notches, which is typical for weapons of that time. There is a front sight on one side, a thread is applied on the other. With the help of hinges, the barrel channel is locked.

Impact mechanism

Single trigger mechanism (USM): classic striker with a force of 1.8 kg. This is a small effort, which is more typical for sporting weapons. The design allows only single fire, loading is automatic.

Fuse

A flag type fuse is used. If you lower the flag down, then it locks trigger lever and whispered. Because of the stopper receiver with the barrel it is impossible to move the shutter.

pistol shop

The box-type magazine, placed in the handle, holds eight cartridges, which are located in one row. The latch is located on the left side of the handle, at the base of the trigger guard.

After the shot, the cartridge case was thrown back through the ejector hole by a spring. When all the ammunition is used up, the bolt remains in the rear position.

pistol grip

Embossed handle, inclined at 120. Due to this, instant shooting without long aiming is possible. The accuracy of the hit is ensured, the toss of the barrel is reduced.

The principle of operation of the gun

Automation is based on the principle short stroke trunk. The shutter is in the forward position - " dead center". This ensures reliable locking, the breech is locked by a system of pivotally connected levers of the crank mechanism.

Shot. The recoil drives the barrel with the receiver in the opposite direction to the shot. When the rollers meet with the inclined projections of the frame, the breech is unlocked, the movement of the barrel and the box stops. The shutter continues to move, ejects the spent cartridge case, the return spring returns it to its original position. The movement sends the cartridge into the chamber, cocks the trigger.

Ammo for Parabellum

Luger M1900 is a 7.65x21mm parabellum, (7.65mm Luger) cartridge with a bottle-shaped case. This model is in service with a number of countries.

Since 1902, the 9mm cartridge 9x19mm parabellum has been produced. Adopted by Germany and 30 other countries.

Tactical and technical characteristics (TTX)

Pros and Cons of the Luger Pistol

Experts admit that for that time Luger had a perfect design. But he had both advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages over competitors:

• Shooting accuracy. Due to the design, the accuracy of shooting, when compared with competitors, has increased by 20-25%. Even an untrained shooter at the maximum distance (about 50 m) was able to hit the target;
• Handle features. Due to the comfortable, corrugated handle, inclined at an angle of 120, the shooter could conduct instant shooting without prior aiming;
• Design reliability. All components were made with great precision, qualitatively adjusted to each other. If you follow the instructions, carry out proper care, then the weapon will serve faithfully for a long time;
• Cartridge. Possessed high power, stopping and lethal effect;
• Rate of fire. Compared to competitors, Parabellum had a high rate of fire - 32 shots / min.

• Complexity and high cost of production. Considering the need for precision and special quality, the production process becomes more complicated, high-quality steel is needed. Therefore, the cost is 40% higher than that of competitors;
• Ammunition. Only the standard 9mm cartridge can be used, it is not possible to use it with a reinforced charge. In this case, the weapon may fail;
• Sleeve flight. When firing from the waist position, the cartridge case will shoot back at the shooter's head;
• Design. The mechanisms are not completely closed from moisture and sand, so a misfire may occur. It is necessary to use a special closed holster.

Modifications Parabellum

M.1900. Initial model. From "K-93" - the presence of a bracket that prevents the bolt from rebounding after closing. Removed later as unnecessary. A safety lever is used to block the receiver. Cartridge caliber 7.65x21 mm, barrel 122 mm.

M.1902. Designed for 9 mm caliber. The muzzle is thick-walled and short (102 mm). The number of grooves has been increased to 6. The lengths of the receiver and frame have been aligned.

M.1904. Luger, which became massive. The results of the improvement set the standards for subsequent models. An ejector with a vertical tooth was used, which was combined with an indicator of the presence of a cartridge in the chamber.

M.1906. Structural changes: the return spring in the handle has been replaced with a twisted, cylindrical one. The fuse was moved down, began to fix the sear. The upper part of the shutter was given a semicircular shape, the gripping surface of the hinge became flat, corrugated, in the shape of a rhombus. Removed brace to prevent rebound. Available in caliber 7.65 mm (barrel length 122 mm) and caliber 9 mm (barrel length 102 mm).

M.1908. ("Pistol 08" or P08). Difference from the previous model: the automatic fuse was removed, only the flag was left.

Artillery model (Lange P08, LP 08). Luger variant chambered for 9 mm. Intended for calculations of field artillery, machine-gun teams. It was used for shooting up to 800 m, equipped with a wooden butt-holster.

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In the history of weaponry, there are not many legendary examples of weapons that have remained iconic and set the tone for their industry for decades. A prime example serves Parabellum, which is also called: Luger Artillery Pistol.

What is a Parabellum weapon

German pistol Parabellum - name legendary weapons with automatic layout. It was created at the beginning of the 20th century and was in service with about 30 countries of the world. The uniqueness of the Parabellum pistol lies in the fact that its production is carried out to this day, and although in terms of its characteristics such a weapon is inferior to modern pistols made of plastic alloys and alloy steel.

so many Parabellum pistols were produced, for all time

During the manufacturing period, more than 3 million pieces were produced in 2 modifications of the P08 and the 1900 model. The use of a pistol is noteworthy, despite the high cost and complexity of the design of the parabellum pistol, the artillery model was in service with many European countries and it was not uncommon for the warring parties to use the same pistol.

After the start of mass production, the name parabellum was used by the manufacturer DWM only for commercial purposes, and such a pistol was adopted by different countries either under the name of the Luger pistol or under other names. The Luger pistol, Parabellum, got its name by the name of the chief designer, who introduced versions of the pistol into circulation by modifying the standard Borchardt pistol.

History of creation

The development and improvement of the pistol called Parabellum took place in several stages:

• 1898- the beginning of design research by Georg Luger to improve the Borchardt pistol, his colleague in arms production. The design change was subjected to the levers of the pistol, which, when folded, rested against the frame of the device, instead of a leaf spring, it was occupied by a twisted one, which made it possible to reduce the weight and dimensions of the pistol;
• 1898- production of a working prototype of a new pistol, called model No. 3. Initially, the pistol was developed for the Luger caliber of 7.65 mm;
• 1899- practical tests of the pistol with participation in the competition for the supply to the Swiss army. In the same year, the designer submitted an application for trial operation and participation in the competition for arming the Swiss army with his product. After conducting experimental tests, a decision was made to adopt the pistol into service with the Swiss army. The manufacturer has committed to supply 3,000 units for testing in the army;
• 1899- patenting constituent parts pistol designer Luger as new mechanisms;
• 1902- from that moment on, deliveries to the arsenal of a number of European countries (Turkey, Russia, Germany). Deliveries were made in small batches of 1000 copies for practical testing in the field;
• 1903- changes were made to the design by choosing a new Parabellum caliber - 9 mm. By this time, the leading design developments began to use this particular cartridge as the main one. The specific power of the projectile exceeded the 7.65 mm caliber ammunition by 35%;
• After 1903 began mass production of pistols in industrial scale and deliveries to the armed forces of European countries and the United States.

The performance characteristics of the pistol Parabellum

The performance characteristics of the standard initial model were:

Parabellum pistol device

The principle of operation lies in the differences from the progenitor - the Borchardt pistol and the basic principles of operation of this type of weapon. The recoil of the barrel is the basic principle of the pistol. Recoil occurs due to the removal of powder gases after the stroke of the barrel when fired. When firing a shot, the barrel moves in the direction of locking under the action of pressure, after which the cartridge is sent into the bore.

The device of the Parabellum pistol is represented by several components:

moving part

Represented by the barrel and ammunition box. These parts are connected by a threaded connection. The barrel has standard aiming organs - a front sight and a rear sight, locking parts are installed in the box at the percussion mechanism.

The barrel has 6 rifling, which is feature pistols of that time. In the production of a pistol with a caliber of 9 mm, the barrel length was reduced to 102 mm.

Impact mechanism

Represented by a classic striker with a force of 1.8 kg in firing position, such a force is typical for sporting weapons and is considered light enough, which is appreciated by consumers and military personnel. The Parabellum device allows you to fire only single shots and the reloading of the cartridge occurs automatically.

pistol shop

German Parabellum caliber

It has a capacity for 8 cartridges of 9 mm caliber and is made in a single-row sequential form. Versions with a drum type of loading are possible, which increases the capacity of cartridges up to 32 units (this version is called artillery).

After the shot is fired, the cartridge case is ejected from a special ejector under the influence of a spring. After shooting all the cartridges, the shutter stops in the charging position.

pistol grip

Made at a strong inclination relative to the trunk, which is uncharacteristic of the design ideas of the early 20th century. The tilt angle was 120 degrees. The handle is embossed and provides a grip for instant shooting without long aiming.

Fuse

It is located in the back of the pistol and has a locking type of mechanism and consists of a lever and a bolt frame. Dismantling the P-08 is not an easy task and requires a lot of time.

Unusual pistol butts

During the production and operation of the pistol, survey work was carried out to improve the system of the pistol, adding new functionality by installing various stocks.

Folding buttstock for firing around the corner and fighting at long distances. Such a butt was installed in place of the regular one by replacing it and made it possible to lengthen the pistol up to 450 mm. Changes were patented in Germany in 1920, this type of weapon was not widely used, since it had specific qualities of magnification total weight and impracticality of application in the field military conditions.

The drum butt was installed in the form of an additional stop, provided inside with space for additional ammunition. The increase in ammunition was up to 32 rounds, however, it entailed an increase in overall dimensions, which made it difficult to conduct combat in cramped urban conditions and in small spaces;

The carbine butt is a specific version of the execution, along with the installation of a butt from a carbine or from a machine gun (in the USSR, experiments were carried out with the installation of components from a Kalashnikov assault rifle). However, this option has not received any wide distribution due to the high specificity of the design, the complexity of making changes and the high cost of the design.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any weapon, the parabellum pistol had a number of advantages and disadvantages. Advantages compared to its competitors include:

• accuracy of fire- in comparison with competitors it is better by 25-35%. Due to the design features, the accuracy of firing at the maximum distance made it possible to hit a target at a distance of 50 meters, even for an unprepared non-professional shooter;
• handle ergonomics- allowed to fire without preliminary aiming "on the move" in conjunction with the angle of the handle;
• design reliability- was ensured due to the high accuracy of the production of components and the high-quality fitting of parts in production. Observing the sequence and frequency of weapon maintenance will ensure a long and trouble-free operation of the pistol;
• rate of fire- in comparison with competitors of that time is high. It is possible to fire 32 shots per minute, which, even in the artillery version, will allow the entire magazine to be fired.

The disadvantages of the model include:

• difficulty in production- in the production of such a pistol, due to the precise fitting of parts, it is rather complicated, which did not allow it to be produced in hundreds of thousands a year;
• the high cost of the gun- based on its advantages and disadvantages. The use of high-quality steel and precise parts made the cost of the pistol 40% higher than its competitors;
• cartridge cases up- when firing from the stomach, the shells will fly out in the face of the shooter;
• inability to use reinforced cartridges- the design assumed the use of only a standard cartridge of caliber 9 mm.

In popular culture

The gun is popular in popular culture - cinematography reflecting various eras. Often parabellum can be seen in films about the civil war, when it was popular among both reds and whites. In films about the Second World War, the pistol was in service with the warring parties, as well as during the First World War.

Parabellum pistol video

The German pistol Luger - Parabellum P 08 is often mentioned in the literature about world wars and revolutionary events of the early 20th century. Parabellum became a symbol of use by Bolshevik commanders and Chekists, as it was issued as a premium weapon and used by Chekists during operational work.

It is believed that the first pistol was invented by the Italians in the city of Pistoe, from the name of which the word “gun” itself came from. Hand firearms in the form of all kinds of squeakers, arquebuses and muskets were created much earlier, but they were suitable for use only by foot soldiers. For cavalrymen, a lighter and more compact type of weapon was required. The pistol became such a weapon. Today we will talk about the most outstanding samples.

Grandpa Colt "Peacemaker"

“God created people different, and Colonel Colt equalized them in rights” - something like this says one of the versions of the catchphrase. There were attempts to create a multi-shot pistol before, but it was the Colt revolver that became the next starting point in the development firearms. In 1836, Samuel Colt made and patented his first revolver, called the Colt Paterson.

It was a 36-caliber pistol with a rotating drum for five capsule charges. Moreover, the drum did not rotate manually, but with the help of a mechanism, which made the revolver truly semi-automatic. USM (trigger mechanism) - single action, i.e. the trigger had to be cocked before each shot. The Paterson was followed by a number of capsule revolvers (Walker, Dragoon, etc.). But all of them had a significant drawback - very big time reloading (the primer was loaded first, then the powder charge, then the bullet), which, in fact, made the revolver useless after five shots in battle. More advanced weapons were needed.

In 1873, a revolver was created that became a real legend, a symbol of the Wild West and the most popular weapon in Westerns. He received the name Colt Single Action Army, Model 1873, or in the common people - "Colt Peacemaker". And it was about him that the catchphrase was coined. Unlike earlier capsule models, the Peacemaker was a centerfire revolver, loaded with metal cased unitary cartridges. The revolver was adopted by the US Army as a service weapon and remained the main army pistol until 1892.

Characteristics:

• Weight - 1.021 kg uncharged.


• Length - from 260 to 330 mm, depending on the model.


• Caliber - 45 Colt (11.43 mm).


• Drum capacity - 6 rounds.

"Peacemaker" was distinguished by high power, rate of fire (for that time) and reliability. Therefore, following the army models, the revolver also received a civilian, lightweight version for a smaller caliber. The 1873 model became so popular that it was produced until 1941 and sold a total circulation of more than 357 thousand pieces. It is still produced in limited batches on special orders.

hard worker revolver

At the end of the 19th century, a massive rearmament of the army began in Russia. In parallel with the choice of a rifle (the famous Mosin three-line model of 1891 became the winner of the competition), a competition was announced for a new revolver. The weapons factory of the Nagant brothers, located in the Belgian city of Liege, won it.

The Russian military made a number of demands. So, the caliber of the pistol had to correspond to the rifle - 7.62 mm. At the same time, the revolver had to have sufficient lethal force, good accuracy of fire and a weight in the range of 800-900 g. And also, be easy to use, technologically advanced in production and reliable in operation. Surprisingly, all these requirements were implemented in the revolver of the Nagant system.

In 1893, the revolver was adopted by the Russian army in two versions - soldier's and officer's. In the latter, self-cocking was implemented, while in the first it was not (to simplify the design and reduce the consumption of cartridges).

Characteristics

• Weight - 0.795 kg unloaded, 0.880 kg with cartridges.


• Length - 220 mm.


• Caliber - 7.62 mm.


• Drum capacity - 7 rounds.


• The initial speed of the bullet is 272 m / s.

Revolvers of the Nagant system turned out to be so successful that they were distributed all over the world - from Argentina to Vietnam. Nagans were produced both in Belgium itself and in Russia, Poland and other countries. The total circulation of the pistol was more than 2 million pieces, the largest number of which was used in Russia and the USSR.

Even after the advent of more powerful, faster-firing and advanced semi-automatic pistols, the revolver enjoyed well-deserved love for a long time for its unpretentiousness, reliability, the ability to fire after a misfire and high accuracy. During the Second World War, revolvers were produced in parallel with the TT and were widely used by both the Red Army and the Wehrmacht in the form of trophies.

Comrade Mauser

It is difficult to find a more brutal and charismatic example of hand weapons than the Mauser K96 self-loading pistol - main competitor revolver as a symbol civil war. The integrity of the image of a red commissar in a black leather jacket or a bearded basmach was complemented by a huge Mauser in a polished wooden holster.

The pistol was created by the Federle brothers, who work for the Mauser arms company. In 1895, it was patented for one of the owners of the company, Paul Mauser, under the index "Mauser K96" (Eng. Mauser C96).

Initially, the pistol was developed under the powerful cartridge "Mauser 7.63 × 25". Subsequently, the K96 received many modifications for various types of ammunition, including the 9 × 19 Parabellum. There were modifications capable of fully automatic fire! The pistol itself came with a wooden holster made of walnut. It could be used as a stock, turning the pistol into a lightweight carbine with considerable accuracy and range.

Characteristics:

• Weight - 1,250 kg without cartridges.


• Length - 312 mm with a 140 mm barrel.


• Caliber - 7.63 mm (9 mm and others).


• Magazine capacity - 10 rounds.


• The initial speed of the bullet is 425 m / s.

Heavy, complex and very expensive weapons were not particularly interesting to the military as a mass army pistol. For example, a Belgian-made revolver cost about 30 rubles, Russian - 22 rubles. With a Mauser K96 price of more than 100 rubles, it was a very prestigious and, to some extent, status weapon. Only wealthy military and civilians could afford it.

Why did the Mauser gain such popularity, despite the huge cost? The answer lies on the surface: for their fighting qualities. A bullet fired from a Mauser flew one and a half times faster than a Nagan one (425 m / s versus 272). The effective range of the Mauser, especially with the butt attached, was more than 100 m and was not available to any other pistol of that time. In addition, the magazine capacity of 10 rounds exceeded the standard 6-7 for revolvers. A well-trained gunner with a Mauser was a very dangerous opponent.

There were also disadvantages (besides the high price): large mass and dimensions, rifle reloading, manufacturing complexity. Nevertheless, the Mauser has become a true legend. In the USSR, he was a favorite type of award weapon and often starred in films ("White Sun of the Desert", "Elusive Avengers").

The K96 model was produced until 1939, in total, more than a million pistols were manufactured by the Mauser company.

Mister luger, or maestro parabellum

"Si vis pacem, para bellum" - "if you want peace, prepare for war." So says the well-known Latinism, which has become the second name for another legend of small arms - the Luger pistol. And if the Mauser attracted the eye with a rough, awesome beauty, then the parabellum was the complete opposite. Elegant in execution, perfect in lines, it still remains one of the standards of weapon beauty.

In 1893, the German gunsmith Hugo Borchard created a pistol model with an original crank (crank-rod) locking mechanism. On the basis of this pistol in 1898, another German designer Georg Luger created his much more compact and convenient 7.65 mm pistol. In 1902, a competition began to select a pistol for the Kaiser's army, the winner of which in 1904 was a modernized Luger pistol for 9 mm caliber, which overtook such serious competitors as the Mauser and Browning. Especially for the pistol, a new cartridge was developed in the size of 9 × 19 mm, called 9 × 19 luger, or 9 × 19 para (short for "parabellum"). It is still used today in most self-loading pistols. 9×19 pair is the most massive and widespread pistol cartridge in the world.

Why was parabellum so good? Firstly, a successful cartridge that combines a strong penetrating and stopping effect. Secondly, the gun was light, compact, convenient and reliable. Thirdly, the Luger is amazingly accurate. One "but": it was expensive and difficult to manufacture. A large number of spare parts and the complexity of the mechanism required a lot of metal. In addition, this reduced the reliability of the pistol when used in harsh military conditions.

Specifications (for 9mm):

• Weight - 0.88 kg without cartridges, 1 kg with cartridges.


• Length - 217 mm.


• Caliber - 9 mm (7.65 mm in earlier versions).



• The initial speed of the bullet is 320 m / s.

The P08 Luger pistol was the main army pistol of the German army in the First World War and remained so in the Wehrmacht until the appearance of the simpler and cheaper Walther P38. During World War II, Walter and Luger pistols were produced in parallel for some time. In total, from the beginning to the end of mass production, about 3 million pieces of various modifications of the Luger were produced.

"Colt 1911"

The military in the United States, despite historical love to revolvers, they understood that self-loading pistols had a number of undeniable advantages. Therefore, before the First World War, the question arose of replacing army revolvers with semi-automatic pistols. A feature of the American competition for a new pistol was that the US military certainly wanted to get a large, 45-gauge (11.43 mm) caliber pistol.

Browning, working for the Colt company, finalized his 38-caliber (9 mm) model for the competition under the cartridge so desired by the Americans. In 1911, the Browning self-loading pistol was adopted under the designation "Colt mod. 1911" (Eng. Colt M1911). This is how the legendary pistol was born, which served in the richest army for more than 70 years, sold around the world with a total circulation of more than 3 million pieces and is actively produced to this day by many arms companies.

Structurally, it was a pistol with an open single-action trigger, food was supplied from a 7-round magazine placed in the handle. There was an additional fuse on the back of the handle.

Characteristics

• Weight - 1.106 kg unloaded, 1.256 kg with cartridges.


• Length - 206 mm.


• Caliber - 45 (11.43 mm).


• Magazine capacity - 7 rounds.


• The initial speed of the bullet is 246 m / s.

The Colt did not have the aesthetics and accuracy of a parabellum or the range of a Mauser, but in the aggregate of all the characteristics it was the best army pistol of the First World War, and also very powerful. In addition to the US Army, the 1911 Colts were used by all warring parties. And this is despite the strong recoil, limited ammunition and a short firing range.

In 1926, the M1911 was slightly modernized. New model received the index "M1911A1" and without any changes served as the main pistol of the US Army until the mid-1980s. Until now, it is actively used in many special forces of the army and police around the world.

Browning "Hi-Power"

Another famous creation of the ingenious Browning was the brother of the Colt M1911, the Browning High-Power (English Browning High-Power, HP). They say that death overtook the designer (John Browning died of a heart attack) at the workbench when he "sawed" this particular pistol.

After creating the M1911, Browning worked on a pistol for the French army. Due to patent restrictions, he could not simply copy the M1911, so there are some changes in the High Power design compared to the Colt. Nevertheless, both pistols are made according to the same scheme and are similar both externally and structurally.

After the death of John Browning, his colleague Didier Savon completed work on the pistol, chief designer FN company. It was he who developed the 13-round magazine for the new Browning, because of which the Browning of the 1935 model received the nickname High-Power - “great power”.

In addition to some technical details, the main differences between the Browning HP and the M1911 Colt was the use of a successful Luger cartridge 9 × 19 pairs, due to which the HP was slightly smaller and lighter than the progenitor. Now we can say with confidence that it was with the advent of the Browning of the 1935 model that the formation of the appearance of the modern pistol was completed. And at present, most full-size army and police pistols are made according to the Browning scheme chambered for 9 × 19 pairs and have a large-capacity magazine.

Characteristics

• Weight - 0.885 kg uncharged.


• Length - 200 mm.


• Caliber - 38 (9 mm).


• Magazine capacity - 13 rounds.


• The initial speed of the bullet is 350 m / s.

"Hi-Powers", like the Colts, were produced in huge batches (more than 1 million in total) by various factories on both sides of the ocean. Moreover, both the allies and the Axis countries were armed with a pistol. For the Wehrmacht, HPs were produced in occupied Belgium directly at the FN factory. The Browning Model 1935 was the weapon of choice for the commandos of both combatants for its reliability, convenience and large magazine capacity. Among the soldiers of the Red Army, Brownings were very rare and highly valued for their reliability and quality.

Despite the emergence of new types of weapons made of composite materials, many countries still prefer time-tested steel models. Currently, the HP Browning, like the Colt M1911, is one of the best-selling and commercially successful weapon models.

Tula Tokarev

Another sibling of the M1911 and the Browning HP, the TT pistol was developed in the USSR by gunsmith Fedor Vasilyevich Tokarev for a competition to replace the revolver with a new self-loading pistol.

It will be difficult for an unprepared person to find even a couple of differences between the TT and the FN M1903 browning. Nevertheless, there was no talk of full copying. The most important difference was the use of a very powerful 7.63 × 25 Mauser cartridge with high initial speed bullets. The Russian military, as in the case of the revolver, wanted to have a unified weapon, if not by cartridge, then at least by caliber. So from defective barrels for Mosin rifles in the USSR, barrels for revolvers and TTs were made, and later for PPSh. Very practical in a total war!

Characteristics

• Weight - 0.854 kg uncharged.


• Length - 195 mm.


• Caliber - 7.62 mm.


• Magazine capacity - 8 rounds.


• The initial speed of the bullet is 420 m / s.

In the early 1930s, the TT, along with a modified 7.62 × 25 cartridge, was put into service. The army began an active replacement of the obsolete revolver with new TTs. As testing and operation revealed shortcomings and constantly carried out work to improve the design. So, a model was developed with a longer handle and a 12-round magazine. But its introduction was prevented by the outbreak of war. In 1942, an experimental batch of TTs was produced with a double-row magazine for 15 rounds.

But the main activities during the war years were not aimed at improving performance, but at simplifying the design and increasing the manufacturability of production. From this point of view, the TT was superior to imported pistols. It consisted of fewer parts, was easy to assemble and disassemble, and could be produced on substandard equipment by less skilled workers and even children.

Alas, "tete" were not very reliable. It even came with a spare barrel! The production of the pistol continued until 1952, after which the Makarov pistol replaced the TT.

In the 1990s, TTs became very popular again, especially in criminal structures and some special units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the FSB. Today, the gun can be found in all the hot spots of the planet. Its compactness, low cost and powerful cartridge capable of penetrating most second-class bulletproof vests are valued.

"Walter P38"

After the defeat in the First World War, Germany was forbidden to develop and produce a number of weapons systems, including full-sized army pistols. Nevertheless, work on new pistols in Germany was underway. In 1929, the Walther company developed the Walther PP pistol (Walther PP), a little later - a shortened model of the PPK (Walther RRK) chambered for 7.65 × 17 - favorite weapon James Bond.

PP and PPK served as the basis for the Walter MR full-sized pistol chambered for 9 × 19 Luger. After a series of changes, the revolver was transformed into the legendary "Walther P38" (Walther P38). The famous parabellum, despite its popularity, was too expensive and difficult to manufacture. Due to the large number and precise fitting of parts, the Luger was very sensitive to contamination. In the new pistol, they wanted to solve these problems, which, admittedly, was only partially successful.

In 1936, the manufacturer received a patent for a system for locking the bore with a latch rotating in a vertical plane. This system formed the basis of the new army pistol. A couple of years later, Walther's P38 pistol won the competition and was adopted by the Wehrmacht.

Nevertheless, the German trait of perfecting any technical product played a cruel joke. The new "Walter P38" turned out to be not much easier to manufacture than the "Parabellum P08" and not much cheaper. The Luger pistol cost the Wehrmacht 35 Reichsmarks, and the Walther 31. The P38 consisted of 58 parts - more than any other Browning pistol of the Second World War.

Characteristics

• Weight - 0.880 kg unloaded.


• Length - 216 mm.


• Caliber - 9 mm (luger 9 × 19).


• Magazine capacity - 8 rounds (rare modifications - 13 rounds).


• The initial speed of the bullet is 355 m / s.

But the Walther had a long barrel, which made it possible to fire through the embrasures of tanks and other armored vehicles. In total, more than a million P38s were produced. At the front, the pistol has established itself as a reliable, powerful and accurate weapon. After the war, the production of the model ceased, but in 1957 it was resumed for the needs of the Bundeswehr and the German police.