[Riposte1]

Adam;

I completely agree that the P-38 was the next genertion of military pistols in the German line - and, I think, the first of a departure; the DA service pistol (as opposed to the pocket pistol). Though it is a moderately complex pistol for a field armorer to maintain it was still much easier to keep running than a Luger. While I am not a fan of DA/SA for shooting, it is sure a change in concept.

I recall an older acquaintence who brought/sent back 2 dozen Lugers (he was a gunsmith when he went to war and had great interest in them). He said after the war he shot them extensively and kept the one that worked and sold the rest...1 out of 24. Not good odds. Though I suspect that had something to do with the ammo that was avaialble post war.

You have to wonder how the high command overlooked the FN P-35 (for a while, they did finally adopt it and the 1911 as well as the Polish Radom, another P-35). But then I guess it was a matter of national pride. They probably did not want a pistol designed by an American and a Belgian (Dieudonne Saive) .

Good thread!
Riposte