Best Pistol of WWII?

[Johnnie]

Hi Steve,
Welcome! And I agree that the Luger has an appeal that transcends other considerations.
tschuss,
Johnnie

Hi All,

I am a new member, and this is my first post.
I voted for the P.08.
Purely for esthetic reasons, not performance, sorry, could'nt help myself.

Regards,

Steve.

[ramon]

I still side with the 1911 Colt for best pistol. Even if the P 38 were to have been produced in .45ACP, the P 38 , to my mind, is not the better pistol. This is due in large part to the magazine release on the bottom, the angular, snaggable corners and protrusions, and the (dare I say it?) calibre.


As for aesthetics, the Luger is sublime to be sure. For the ne plus ultra in beauty, I would vote for the Baby Nambu as its lines are clean and unemcumbered by safety levers and side plates. An absolute beauty and, in my small hands, an absolute delight to shoot!

Cheers,

Ramon

[Douglas Jr.]

Pistols

Well,

When I was voting my choice stay between the P-38 and HiPower. I never considered to vote on the M1911. I love the Colt Governamental, but I wouldn´t pick it up as my sidearm. This kind of pool it is more a personal decision than a technical one, since no design/caliber is flawless. Just like choose between a ´63 Corvette Split Window or a Shelby Cobra 427 - it goes for your personal taste.

Beauty: the Luger has no match!

Douglas.

[Doug See]

Well,

Beauty: the Luger has no match!

Douglas.

I agree!

[Chris_Werner]

Is it still the law "South of the Border" that civilians cannot own a handgun of greater cal. than .38? That was why 1911s in .38 super were so popular. After all, that is a wicked cartridge! I still like the 1911 in 45 acp the best, though.

[Douglas Jr.]

Ammo

Chris,

"South of the Border" doesn´t mean only "Mexico", although it is a very common expression, thanks to the Ol´Blue Eyes. I would say that I´m "souther" than than Mexico.

Where I live we are under increasing restrictive firearms legislation but, as a registered collector (I have a license like the US FFL), I´m privileged and I´m not under these stupid restrictions. So I could vote based on my experience with both guns (Colts and Walthers).

However, I restate that this is a personal choice and I won´t start a discussion about calibers, because we all know that it is a dangerous road to follow.

All the best,

Douglas.

[Ronnie Fry]

I'm with Stevezz1. I based my vote (P08) purely on esthetics, with a liberal dash of history. The P08 is my favorite "looking" pistol. Like the "mistique" of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle , it may not be the best performer, but you can't argue with the appeal to many. George Luger and Mr. Tesch did a remarkable job of marketing.
If I were to rank them in order of my gut feelings, without regard to calibre, they would fall thusly:

1. P08
2. Browning Hi-Power
3. 1911 Colt
4. P38

Frau and I have used the 1911 in competive situations many times, and I just love to use that weapon in the practical sense (Note no mention of caliber) .
The "way cool" Hi-Power with tangent sight and slotted stock is the last iteration of Sam Colt, and is my favorite of the more "modern" pistols. I have not shot these much, but just love the heft and feel.
Just wanted a P38 as an example of the type. Decided to do a little research on what I bought, and wallah---- hooked on history again!! Now I have --- umm, well, several. For now, at least, they are the most affordable of our passion, and have the additional benefit of being quite usable.
BTW, I also ride and collect BMW motorcycles!!!

Best Wishes to all for the New Year.

Ronnie

[Chris_Werner]

If it were gut feelings only, I'd have to go with the Colt 1851 Navy!
I do agree, the Luger is a beautifully balanced and asthetically pleasing pistol. I love mine, and even my 8 year old can handle it and fire it relatively accurately.
He can handle the Colt 1911 pretty well, as long as we're talking 230 gr. roundball. I haven't let him test drive it with +P ammo yet.
Best wishes to everyone for a safe, happy and prosperous NEW Year.
Chris Werner

[mech91]

Best pistol?

In terms of a pistol that can be dropped in mud, function with little maintenance, Then drop you with one round, the Gov. 45. The 9mm is by no means a hand cannon unless your a 13 year old, 75 lb. little girl!

[Michael Kuligowski]

"VIS" vel RADOM !! FOREWER !!
especially early Polish ones )))

[PaulR]

I will cast my vote for the P38. It's double action mechanics along with the 9mm round are two pros for me.


Thanks
PAul

[milsurp]

Got to be the Luger for me, what a beauty.....

Cheers,

Craig.

[jacklo]

Ranked purely on aesthetics:

P08: pleasing lines but looks almost antique.

P38: masculine and functional, but the abrupt transition from the squarish slide to the thin round barrel is awkward.

1911: slab sides and a rectangular muzzle end makes it as beautiful as a semi truck.

Although not a military service pistol, the Walther PP is the most beautiful famous gun of all time in my opinion. It looks the most pleasing all around, without any awkward lines or corners anywhere. It deserves consideration here since it is collected as a WWII gun.

[Roy Queen]

Out of the two pistols I have in my collection (P38 & P08) I would have to go with the P08 Luger. I tend to shoot the P08 better than my P38.

[Chris Wainwrigh]

I have two P-08's and two P-38's. I have to go with the P-38, double action and very reliable. The Luger has the classic looks, but it takes more than looks to make a good reliable pistol.IMO Regards Chris