Make: J.P. Sauer & Sohn

Model: M30, Luftwaffe Drilling

Serial Number: 338123

Year of Manufacture: 1942

Caliber: 9.3x74R, 12 GA 65mm (2 1/2") Shells

Action Type: Boxlock Hammerless Combination Rifle/Shotgun

Barrel Length: 25 5/8" (65cm)

Choke: Both shotgun bores read Full on our gauge, fixed.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade in-line dovetailed to the front of the rib. There is a folding "U"-notch rear sight which flips up when the rifle barrel is selected, marked "100" (meters). The top of the rib has fine serrations for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with capped pistol grip, straight comb, cheekpiece for right-handed shooter, and serrated black hard rubber Sauer & Sohn buttplate. There is a sling swivel in the belly (the other is mounted to the bottom of the rifle barrel forward of the forend). The right of the buttstock has a Luftwaffe emblem stamp. There is an odd alpha-numeric string hand-carved in the belly behind the sling swivel. The stocks have a few light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The forend has a small ding at the left-rear. There is wear around the rear of the buttstock consistent with a previously installed slip-on pad. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14" and 13" from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear with well defined serrations. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.

Bore Condition: The bores are bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bores. In this writer's opinion, the bores rate 10/10.

Overall Condition: This drilling retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There are a few scattered minor marks. The receiver has some muting toward the bottom-front and on the edges of the fences. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this drilling is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This drilling comes in a correct aluminum case with German markings including "ce" maker code on the outside of the lid and content list on the interior. Included is a leather sling, cleaning kit, and a classified clipping with a previous advertisement for this drilling.

Our Assessment: Perhaps the finest and most luxurious of "survival" guns, the Luftwaffe's M30 drilling stands out for a number of reasons. Commissioned from J.P. Sauer & Sohn, Germany's oldest active firearms manufacturer, this combination rifle/shotgun is not the most compact, nor the lightest, simplest, cheapest, really none of the features we have come to expect of a last-ditch survival gun. It was supplied to German pilots in the North African and Mediterranean theaters, stored under their seats to retrieve from a downed plane so that they could supply themselves with meat if they crashed or were shot-down. In the aluminum case would be the gun, sling, cleaning kit, 10 rounds of 9.3x74R, 20 rounds of 12 gauge slugs, and 25 rounds of 12 gauge birdshot, allowing the pilot to take aerial or terrestrial game to sustain them while they evaded capture and waited for rescue.

While the Luftwaffe was certainly favored early in WWII, such luxuries could not be sustained and fewer than 2,500 were procured. They have since become quite desirable to collectors and this is a wonderful example. A previous classified advertisement for this specific drilling states that it was acquired by Howard Julin of the 519th Ordnance Company when they were required to collect all firearms in the occupied town of Helmstadt. The advertisement notes that 150 of these drillings were stored in a warehouse and divvied up between the men along with several sets of binoculars.

This drilling is in the correct serial range with correct markings and comes with a correct case and cleaning kit. It will make a wonderful addition and display in any collection. Whether you have an interest in drillings, fine European sporting guns, WWII small arms, or survival guns, this is a fine opportunity at one of the best of each. Please see our photos and good luck!