Luger Barrel Lenghts vrs Useage~~

[cirelaw]

Why did the Navy Lugers come in different barrel lengths. Four, six and converted eight inch Imperial artillerys that were taken and reissued to Nazi Naval useage in some examples. What uses were the navy model made specifically for and to whom were they issued? Was their use determined by their barrel lenght and adjustable added sights. I have been unable to locate real data on precision and stoping power. This includes a comparison of Luger Vrs Walther P38~ They all are wonderful and a true honor to own after so many years and prior owners who also fealt the same and further preserve both! Eric

[ithacaartist]

Eric, I can't speak of the finer points, but generally the longer-barreled guns were issued in circumstances where a carbine would be handy. Of course, the definition of a carbine is a long gun that shoots pistol ammo. The longer models would have been more effective at longer ranges than a standard shorty, and the detachable butt-stock increased its versatility--assembled, for longer distance shots, and removed--just the pistol--for close quarters. I hope others can fill in for you how they were issued, to whom, and the reasoning behind it.

[cirelaw]

Thanks Dave!! You have to luv them, I was brought up with the program "Combat" Vic Marrow and Rich Jason. I got the auto bug thanks to programs like combat and until Vic Morrow had his life cut short by a helicopter on set. I always wanted to post one of my all time favorites in the First Calvery ~~https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKaYOW9zMoY Eric

[ithacaartist]

I don't think I missed many episodes of Combat! I think Vic went quickly, from what I can recall of the mishap, during the filming of a Twilight Zone story... [/digression]

[cirelaw]

Dave I was armed with the "Johnny Seven" with Gernade Launcher and way cool for the day 1963 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPhZsauluXM

[cirelaw]

A Luger Carbine Model https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6ekxg7iFi0

[stressed]

I'm not sure either. I could see how the 8" barrel would be useful on the deck of a U boat or small patrol boat, for firing at something in the water at distance or length of ship - however they had rifles and MP-40's as well for this role. Perhaps it has the SMG role in WWI as the Bergmann MP18 was rare ad mostly went to the army.

[alanint]

Originally Posted by ithacaartist

Eric, I can't speak of the finer points, but generally the longer-barreled guns were issued in circumstances where a carbine would be handy. Of course, the definition of a carbine is a long gun that shoots pistol ammo. The longer models would have been more effective at longer ranges than a standard shorty, and the detachable butt-stock increased its versatility--assembled, for longer distance shots, and removed--just the pistol--for close quarters. I hope others can fill in for you how they were issued, to whom, and the reasoning behind it.

Just a slight nit, but a Carbine is not a long gun that shoots pistol ammo, it is a rifle in the same caliber as the full sized Battle Rifle but with a shorter overall length. Witness the Sharps "Carbine" or the venerable 98K Mauser. The "K" stands for "Karabine", because this model was shorter than the original Mauser Battle Rifles. The M16 "Carbine", (Vietnam vets will remember it as a CAR), is another contemporary example. The M1 "Carbine" just happened to have a propriatery round, (not pistol), but it was designated a Carbine due to its overall length, not its caliber.

There really is no set overall length at which point a rifle becomes a Carbine. The designation is usually derived because the firearm so named is a shorter version of an existing design.

[ithacaartist]

Thanks for the clarification Doug! After a little more reading of various definitions thrown out in discussion, I'm glad to let go of my original take. Generally, it would be a shorter version of the full sized service rifle, issued to troops that would make this feature desirable. Back in the day, mostly cavalry or mounted personnel. Barrel length commonly between 16" and 20", whether proprietary, reduced caliber, reduced charge, or not, a round with less recoil than full sized rifle. The definition seems a bit fuzzy nowadays because of all the variations/exceptions. My Thompson semi is called one (.45 ACP, 16" bbl) and I've seen heavy revolvers chambered to fire .30 carbine rounds. Someone also mentioned that the major difference between the M16 and M4 is basically only the barrel length! What I take away from this is that the salient features that make a gun a carbine are a handy length and a relatively gentler round, but we mustn't forget the exceptions.

[cirelaw]

Heres The Ten That Claims Changed The World, includes the BAR~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QG6GlRG3h5w

[cirelaw]

Including Harry Dirty Callahan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQrR0eSkhZQ