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Old March 18, 2014, 05:18 AM   #53
spacecoast
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Join Date: October 14, 2009
Location: Sunshine and Keystone States
Posts: 4,461
According to Datig, p. 75-77, the 9mm was introduced with the Model of 1902 (following the Model of 1900 in 7.65) as an attempt to get the German government to adopt the Luger. Remember, the following is from 1955:

Quote:
The first modification of the original was offered in the year 1902 and was designated as the model of that year. It may be assumed that the primary motivation behind this new type was the hope of interesting the German Government to the point of adoption of the Luger.
Datig goes on to say the first physical design change was shortening the barrel from 4-3/4" to 4", changing the rifling from 4 to 6 grooves, and introducing the "short" frames and receivers.

Then he says this:

Quote:
The one other change appearing with the 1902 was probably the most important and far reaching modification developed during the complete history of the Luger. In fact, although at the time, I am certain no one realized the fantastic scope it would ultimately attain, that one modification has probably done more to change the course of the history of ALL pistols than any other since the invention of the automatic principle of firearms! There has not been a pistol or sub-machine gun manufactured since that time, or a country in the world, whose basic production and history in the field of small arms has not been radically influenced by that one seemingly, at the time, unimportant change. It was the introduction of the 9m/m Luger cartridge!
It is fairly evident that very little attention was paid to the 9m/m Luger round in 1902 or for at least 2 years thereafter as the Model 1902 was undoubtedly made in relatively small quantities. This indicates that either the 1902 left only a slight impression on the commercial market or that it was actually meant to be a semi-experimental pistol used merely for the sole purpose of introducing the 9m/m cartridge or in other ways "feeling out" the potential market. Due to the fact that the only four 1902s examined are all American Eagle models (one other 1902 has been examined which is a commercial model without engraving over the chamber) it must be surmised that this specific model was considered to be of little consequence at the time of its introduction. All four known examples of the Model 1902 encountered to date are numbered in the #22,400 to #23,400 series.
Quote:
The Model 1902 was indeed a phenomenon! At the most, possibly 1,000 of this model were produced and consequently forgotten whereas the CARTRIDGE flourished to the point where, today, it is by far the most popular and widely used handgun cartridge in the world!

Last edited by spacecoast; March 18, 2014 at 06:13 PM.
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