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

Fiocchi’s new Hyperformance SBR Enhanced line of ammunition
Fiocchi’s new Hyperformance SBR Enhanced line of ammunition

Selling Short: Fiocchi's Hyperformance SBR Enhanced Ammunition

Fiocchi’s new Hyperformance SBR Enhanced line of ammunition isn’t a mere marketing gimmick. It’s designed for top performance out of short-barreled rifles, and it delivers.

New For 2026: Yankee Hill Machine Victra-20 Shotgun Suppressor

Yankee Hill Machine introduced its VICTRA-12, a modular 12-ga. shotgun suppressor, last year. This year, the company is bringing out a 20-ga. version with the VICTRA-20.

The Armed Citizen® June 22, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Important Notice To Members: Exercise Your Rights. Assist In The Nomination Of Directors.

The NRA Bylaws provide for the election of one-third of the members of the Board of Directors each year. Those terms of office will expire at the 2027 Annual Meeting of Members in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 24, 2027.

Skills Check: Pistol Standard Xray 2 Drill

Examine and strengthen each part of your presentation and shot in this revealing drill.

Gunsite at 50: Celebrating a Golden Anniversary

It’s no secret Gunsite Academy is celebrating its Golden Anniversary this year. In August, it’s holding a 50th Anniversary Alumni Shoot to celebrate five decades of training excellence, tradition and community.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.