Welcome to right this moment’s Photo of the Day! Right here we’ve got a 1940 Mauser Luger subsequently transformed to “Child Luger” configuration with 2-inch barrel. This represents a postwar conversion when surplus Lugers have been modified for hid carry. Child Luger conversions turned fashionable within the Fifties-Sixties when battle surplus P08 pistols have been low cost and extensively out there. Gunsmiths lower barrels to 2-4 inches, creating compact 9mm pistols from army surplus. Some conversions have been professionally executed; others have been crude modifications.
The problem with Child Luger conversions is the toggle motion wasn’t designed for brief barrels. The Luger’s toggle mechanism depends on particular barrel size and recoil spring pressure to cycle correctly. Shortening the barrel to 2 inches typically creates reliability points – the gun could not cycle constantly or could require particular ammunition. Mauser manufactured Lugers from 1930-1942 at their Oberndorf manufacturing unit. A 1940 manufacture date means this noticed wartime service earlier than its postwar modification. The “42” code marked Mauser Lugers throughout WWII, with earlier dates utilizing totally different marking methods.
Unique army Lugers in unmodified configuration are price considerably greater than conversions. Child Luger conversions signify a definite postwar phenomenon when army surplus was repurposed moderately than preserved. Most critical collectors keep away from conversions in favor of unique configurations. The two-inch barrel makes this extraordinarily compact however sacrifices the Luger’s legendary accuracy. The modification destroyed no matter collector worth the pistol had as an unique 1940 Mauser army pistol, although it created an attention-grabbing instance of postwar customization tendencies.
Most of our POTDs make the most of pictures from our associates at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms public sale in america. Take a while to browse their current auctions – who is aware of, perhaps you’ll discover a piece of historical past to take residence!
“Customized Mauser ‘Child’ Luger Conversion Semi-Automated Pistol.” Rock Island Public sale, www.rockislandauction.com/element/5030/509/custom-mauser-baby-luger-conversion-semiautomatic-pistol. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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