I Have This Old Gun: Dutch Luger

by
posted on June 9, 2021
** 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 it comes to the Luger semi-automatic pistol and its service history, most attribute it to the German military during the first half of the 20th Century. However, the Luger saw service with more than just the German military at the time, as other European nations also considered and used the toggle-lock semi-automatic pistol. This included the Dutch military.

A C-93 Borchardt, the semi-automatic handgun off which the Luger was designed.

The design history of the Luger began with an earlier design, the C-93 Borchardt. The Borchardt was a semi-automatic handgun, one of the first to feed from detachable box magazine, designed by Hugo Borchardt in 1893. This handgun was revolutionary for the time, being a semi-automatic that used a Maxim toggle-bolt design, where the bolt folded upwards instead of slinging rearward.

A cutaway drawing of a Luger pistol.

Borchardt’s assistant, Georg Luger, modified the mechanisms and layout of the C-93 into his own design. Luger’s pistol design incorporated better ergonomics over the C-93, with an angled grip and reduced size thanks to the elimination of the large receiver extension found on the C-93. Introduced by the end of the 19th Century, the Luger became a rapid success with several European nations adopting the design for their own use, including Switzerland and Germany. Even the U.S. Army considered the design during trials that would ultimately result in the M1911.

A depiction of a Luger pistol.

The Dutch military conducted their own pistol trials at the time, and after a six-year trial period selected the Luger in 1904. However, discrepancies over the budget with the government meant that the Dutch military was not able to immediately adopt the pistols. The Dutch East Indies, a separate group, also considered the Luger design and adopted it as the M11, while the regular Dutch military was still issuing double-action revolvers. The Dutch Navy and Army, after a long procurement process spanning a decade, also finally issued their own versions of the Luger.

Dutch soldiers, with their Lugers drawn, crossing a river.

Due to the long procurement time, the Dutch were still ordering Lugers after Germany surrendered in 1918. Because German manufacturers were not allowed to produce more military small arms per the terms of the Armistice, the British company Vickers made the pistols for the Dutch from German made parts. The Dutch continued to use the Luger up to World War II.

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.

Latest

Japanese Type 94 Ihtog 1
Japanese Type 94 Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: Japanese Type 94 Pistol

Among the pantheon of World War II military sidearms, the Japanese Type 94 stands out for a number of undesirable reasons. Aside from its ungainly look, many regard it as one of the most dangerous firearms ever made.

New For 2025: GForce Arms 12Hammer

The latest option in the diverse lineup of GForce Arms shotguns is the 12Hammer, an AR-style platform chambered for 12-ga. shotshells that feeds from detachable box magazines.

Tips & Techniques: DIY Fire Bluing

Is there anything prettier than fire bluing? This bright, “peacock” blue color is one of the world’s oldest firearm finishes and can be found on guns dating back as early as the 16th century and is still used on some of today’s high-end custom arms.

Rifleman Q&A: Eddystone Bayonets

"I recently started collecting World War I U.S. military firearms. I want to obtain a Model 1917 rifle made by each contractor—Winchester, Remington and Eddystone—along with bayonets for each. However, I can only locate bayonets made by Winchester and Remington. Why are bayonets made by Eddystone so hard to find?"

NRA Youth Education Summit 2025 Provides Scholarships, Leadership Lessons

The 2025 NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) brought together 32 exceptional high school students from across the United States.

Unfair Advantage: The Walther PDP Pro-X PMM

The latest “Pro” model in this famous German maker’s line of U.S.-assembled pistols leverages more than 100 years of experience in building service-size semi-automatics. And the results are better than even most experienced shooters should expect.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.