Research Articles

 Ed Dittus examines 7.65mm ammunition for the 1902 and 1920 Luger carbines, explaining why the carbine required hotter loads, how blackened cases help identify proper carbine rounds, and why several headstamps appear on authentic ammunition. 

Dr. Mohamad H. Hassoun examines the rare Imperial G.M.S.G. DWM Lugers, arguing that the marking identifies pistols procured for the Großherzoglich Mecklenburg-Schwerinscher Landesgendarmerie while tracing their features, numbering patterns, later Weimar rework, and likely factory customization. 

 Ed Dittus reappraises the so-called 1906 “Test” Lugers, arguing they are better understood as “1906 Initial Issue” Lugers—the first Lugers officially issued to German Army troops, especially Machine Gun Companies—while examining identification traits, serials, modifications, and surviving examples.

 Ed Dittus examines the rare Ü and Üb marked Mauser Lugers, questioning the traditional “training pistol” explanation while reviewing known examples, markings, serial patterns, pressure-test pistols, and related marked accessories that suggest their true purpose remains uncertain.

  Christopher Hess examines an unusual fxo Luger magazine fitted with a brass bottom, comparing it to standard aluminum and bakelite examples while arguing it was likely a well-made postwar replacement for a broken bakelite base. 

Ed Dittus investigates the rare “Russian Commercial” Crown/И Luger, reviewing the few known examples, unusual markings, literature references, Shattuck list entries, and competing theories while concluding that their exact origin and purpose remain unresolved.

  Christopher Hess examines an unusual fxo Luger magazine fitted with a brass bottom, comparing it to standard aluminum and bakelite examples while arguing it was likely a well-made postwar replacement for a broken bakelite base. 

 Ed Dittus examines a factory-cutaway Mauser C96, describing an early example, its sectioned construction, surviving proof details, and related observed examples while placing it within the small but fascinating niche of cutaway firearm collecting. 

 Ed Dittus summarizes useful information on the Model 1910 Mauser Pocket Pistol, expanding on John LaCroix’s research with serial ranges, frame numbers, variations, markings, production data, magazines, dealer marks, and parts diagrams. 

 Ed Dittus examines Von Lengerke & Detmold’s role in introducing the Mauser Model 1910 pistol to the United States, using Mauser Archive records, VL&D ledger data, marked examples, serial ranges, and sales history to trace these early imports. 

Ed Dittus examines the rare Mauser Model 1914 “Humpback” pistol, tracing its short production run, defining identifying features, serial ranges, markings, and subtle manufacturing changes while highlighting how limited surviving data still leaves room for further discovery. 

 Ed Dittus compiles a practical summary of the 7.65mm Mauser Model 1914, organizing John LaCroix’s research on serial ranges, variations, markings, military and police features, magazines, production changes, and identifying characteristics across the pistol’s long production run. 

 Ed Dittus examines a rare Steyr-Mannlicher M1905 cutaway pistol retaining its Argentine crest, discussing Argentina’s use of these pistols, the common removal of crests, the likely arsenal conversion, and the beginning of a serial-number database.