1902 Luger Carbine

This is a excellent example of the 1902 Model DWM (Deutsches Waffen Und Munitionsfabriken Co) sporting carbine. These were a limited manufacture for the "light rifle market". The barrel is 300mm long with a ramp front sight and came in the 7.65mm (.30 Cal Luger). These guns utilized the "long" frame and sear of the early models along with the characteristic dished toggles. (1601)

This Parabellum is 7.65mm which was the preferred caliber for accuracy both in Europe and South America. Serial number placement is in the commercial ("hidden") style. The thumb safety is buffed. The last two digits appear on the take down lever, the trigger, the bottom of the side plate, the rear toggle, under the front toggle, the breach block, the receiver, and the front stock. The rear toggle is smooth without any sight definition utilizing the graduated four position rear sight in front of the chamber.

The DWM monogram markings appear on the 1st toggle link and the extractor is the original design "leaf" type which was soon redesigned to increase its strength. Original grips are finely cut diamond shaped checkering made from walnut or in some cases beech wood.

The bottom reveals the detail in the checkering that these classic sporting rifles were crafted with.


The finely checkered grips and matching stock reflects an old era of craftsmanship that we can only admire today. Most carbines were kept in friendly environments and well cared for preserving them for our enjoyment.


Above: The serial number is under the locking lever and side plate. Above Right: Here we can see the adjustable sight located on the barrel in front of the chamber. It has three stop adjustments at 100, 200 and 300 meters. From our firing experience in the past these guns were very accurate.

In the forearm is a spring loaded actuator that when depressed during recoil assists in pushing the receiver back in battery. The front stock is serial numbered to the gun with the last three digits (778) in the attachment well. This example has all matching numbers.

Note the stud on the end of the barrel. This fits in the actuator (above) and compresses the spring loaded device to assist the Luger returning the weight of the extended barrel into battery.


Here are the right and left characteristic 1900 dished toggles with the right toggle exhibiting the toggle-lock. This device held down the toggle in battery until fired, and then the rearward motion of the toggle hit the ramp and "broke" the toggle into the knee action that started the ejection and loading process.

The Serial Number appears on the barrel, the stop lug, on the side of the breach block, inside the 1st toggle and on the back of the rear toggle. Then again on the forearm bar on the frame, the bottom of the locking lug, the trigger, the grip safety and on the bottom of the thumb safety. Also note the early Crown B, U, G proofs; these original early proofs are much sought after by early Luger collectors.




The end of the barrel has the classic ramp sight set with the original brass bead "King" site. One the end of the stock is the original cur "widow's peak" cut in the rear stock.

Above: Here we can see the adjustable sight located on the barrel in front of the chamber. It has three stop adjustments at 100, 200 and 300 meters. From our firing experience in the past these guns were very accurate.

This carbine comes with the original pigskin sling with the rounded belt buckle. Inside the gun is the last two digits of the serial number on the trigger. You can also see the Crown B, U.


The inside of this Luger shows it was well cared for over the last 110 years and is looking for another custodian to care for its future. The DWM carbine was presented to Kaiser Wilhelm and President Teddy Roosevelt who are stated to have used the gun in horseback hunting.

Prior to WWI the DWM Luger production for the commercial market peaked. The greatest client was the United States and then South America. The demand was sufficient in 1902 for the publication of the Spanish language version of the instruction manual. Argentina perhaps had the greatest demand for the Luger and for the 7.65mm ammunition.

It is entirely subjective to give any Luger a rating of excellent or fine, just as it is to declare it xx% blued or strawed. Few Lugers are out of the box new and these are premium priced. Bluing percentages is like Beauty, in the eye of the beholder. We strive to provide pictures so you can judge for yourself if the gun meets your criteria.

The finely checkered grips and matching stock reflects an old era of craftsmanship that we can only admire today. Most carbines were kept in friendly environments and well cared for preserving them for our enjoyment.

The truly endless craftsmanship of Luger Carbine makes this gun a must have for the serious Luger collector. This is a beautiful example with all matching numbers and in magnificent shape. Prior to WWI the DWM Luger production for the commercial market peaked. Any questions or requests to josef@phoenixinvestmentarms.com.