Make: DWM

Model: Long P.08, "Artillery Luger"

Serial Number: 5264a

Year of Manufacture: 1918

Caliber: 9mm Parabellum

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine

Barrel Length: 8"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade dovetailed to a serrated, ramped base fixed to the muzzle. The tangent artillery rear sight is flat topped with a "V" notch and the elevator has graduated markings from 1-8.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood. The grips show minor handling wear with only a few light nicks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blued, some small parts Strawed

Finish Originality: Refinished, some parts may have been re-marked or force-matched.

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered light erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 90% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is some light wear in the grip areas and on the right frame rail. There are some light nicks and small scratches, most notable on the top of the barrel in front of the rear sight. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-plus condition as refinished.

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

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 8-round magazine with serial-matching wood floorplate.

Our Assessment: This is a Long P.08 Luger, also known by collectors as the "Artillery Luger". The model was originally issued to field artillery, airmen and fortifications. The model had a longer, 8" barrel and was equipped with more precise sights than the standard P.08. Later, it was designated for use by Sturmtruppen and other assault forces trying to breach the trench lines. It was the first Luger to use the 32 shot Trommel or "snail" magazine. Originally produced with "Fine Tuning" front and rear sights, in 1918 DWM would eliminate the adjustment of the front sight and eventually the fine adjustment would be discontinued for the rear sight, as well.

This example has been nicely refinished, having proper blue and strawed parts with interior in the white. All of the serial markings match, though some markings appear to have been reapplied or force-matched, most notably the 1918 marking on the chamber ring. It still has a decent bore and should make for a fun, classic shooter. It would also look great in a collection of Lugers alongside its P.04 and P.08 cousins. Please see our photos and good luck!