Handguns of The Great War: Lugers and Broomhandles

by
posted on August 10, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

When Germany went to war in 1914, the standard sidearm was the P.08 Luger pistol chambered in 9 mm Luger. The iconic Luger, with its graceful lines, though, was not ideal for the mud and dirt of the trenches. But it wasn’t just the Luger. Imperial Germany dug the archaic Reichsrevolver out of storage, as well as issuing huge numbers of Mauser Broomhandle pistols. The Broomhandle, first introduced in 1896, was really the world’s most successful semi-automatic pistol. Know what a “Red 9” is? Better watch this episode of American Rifleman to find out.

For more American Rifleman TV segments, go to americanrifleman.org/artv.

Latest

Dead Air Rxd910ti Suppressor F
Dead Air Rxd910ti Suppressor F

"9 mm Optimized, But 10 mm Capable:" Dead Air's New RXD910Ti Suppressor

The new Dead Air RXD910Ti harnesses the technology of the patented Triskelion baffle system to make for a 9 mm-optimized silencer that is also capable for use with 10 mm pistol cartridges and more.

Revisiting A World War II Marine’s Story

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, in his speech to 800 assembled generals, admirals and senior enlisted at Quantico, Va., on Sept. 30, 2025, quoted Eugene Sledge from his timeless classic With The Old Breed published in 1981.

Review: Leupold Rendezvous Soft Cases

Looking for something better than a cheap nylon bag, but don’t need it armored for air travel? Leupold has you covered.

Preview: Hiperfire Hipertrain

Hiperfire’s Hipertrain is a cast aluminum housing into which the AR-style trigger system, safety selectors and pistol grip of the user’s choice (none of which are included) can be installed to create a trigger demonstrator/dry-fire trainer

New For 2026: Kimber 2K11 Comp

Kimber increased its 2K11 product line with the addition of two models with single-port compensators.

AR-15 vs. Bullpup Rifles: Which One Is Right For You?

Though bullpup-style rifle designs have become popular elsewhere in the world, they aren't nearly as popular with the American shooting public as the ubiquitous AR-15.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.