Luger P08 Artillery Pistol – Inert Replica

The Luger P08 Artillery Pistol, officially designated the Lange Pistole 08 (LP08), is one of the most distinctive variants of the famous Parabellum pistol. It was developed to provide a weapon more compact than a rifle while offering greater stability and range than a conventional service pistol.

The history of the Luger began in the late 19th century, when Georg Luger developed the earlier Borchardt C93 design into the Parabellum pistol. Following several stages of development, the German Army adopted the Pistole 08 in 1908, and it became one of the most recognizable German handguns of the 20th century.

The long version resulted from specific requirements of the Imperial German Army. Artillery crews and other soldiers working around bulky equipment required a personal defence weapon that was less cumbersome than a rifle. The Lange Pistole 08 was officially adopted in 1913 and began to be issued the following year.

Compared with the standard P08, the historical LP08 was immediately recognizable by its 200 mm barrel and adjustable rear sight. The rear of the grip also incorporated a mounting point for a detachable wooden shoulder stock, providing greater stability when required.

Its basic mechanical design remained that of the Luger family, dominated by the unmistakable toggle-lock action that gave the Parabellum its unique appearance. The original LP08 was chambered for 9 × 19 mm Parabellum and normally used a removable eight-round box magazine.

Although initially intended primarily for artillery units, the LP08 saw broader service as World War I progressed. It was also issued to members of the German air service and eventually appeared among some of the specialised assault troops employed on the Western Front.

From 1917 onwards, the Lange Pistole 08 also became closely associated with the Trommelmagazin 08, a 32-round drum magazine. Combined with the detachable shoulder stock, this created an unusual configuration that in some respects anticipated later compact military weapon concepts.

Production during World War I was concentrated primarily at Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken (DWM), while the Erfurt state arsenal manufactured a limited number in 1914. Approximately 155,000 Lange Pistole 08 pistols were produced between 1914 and 1918.

This inert replica reproduces the distinctive long-barrelled appearance of the artillery model. It is constructed primarily from metal, with black plastic grip panels, and features a removable magazine. Its movable mechanism simulates loading and trigger operation without being capable of firing projectiles.

Measuring 34.5 cm in overall length and weighing approximately 1,040 g, the replica has noticeably more substantial dimensions than a standard P08 and clearly reproduces the distinctive profile of the artillery version.

Collector's note: despite the internationally familiar name “Artillery Luger”, the LP08 was not confined to artillery crews. During World War I it was also issued to German airmen and assault troops, turning a specialist pistol into one of the most unusual and recognizable members of the Parabellum family.

Technical specifications

• Type: inert collector's replica

• Model reproduced: Lange Pistole 08 (LP08) – Luger P08 Artillery Pistol

• Original model adopted: 1913

• Primary historical period: World War I

• Main material: metal

• Grip panels: black plastic

• Overall length: 34.5 cm

• Weight: 1,040 g

• Magazine: removable

• Mechanism: simulated loading and trigger action

• Operation: inert replica, incapable of firing projectiles

• EAN: 8435089711455