Luger 06/29

Waffenfabrik Bern (W+F Bern) · Pistol · Discontinued · 1933

Also known as: Pistole 06/29, Model 1906/29, W+F Bern 06/29, Swiss Luger 06/29

Overview

The Luger 06/29 is a Swiss toggle-locked, recoil-operated semi-automatic pistol chambered in 7.65x21mm Parabellum. Manufactured by Waffenfabrik Bern as the final and most economical Swiss Parabellum variant, it simplified the earlier Model 1906/24 to cut unit cost from roughly 225 to 160 Swiss francs. Distinguishing features include flat uncheckered toggle knobs, a straight front grip strap, a wide trigger, and a grip safety. It served as the Swiss army's standard sidearm through the Second World War until replaced by the SIG P210.

Specifications

Weight (empty)930 g (32.8 oz)
Weight (loaded)1014 g (35.8 oz)
Overall Length238 mm (9.37")
Barrel Length120 mm (4.72")
Height135 mm (5.31")
Width35 mm (1.38")
Sight Radius220 mm (8.66")
Action TypeShort Recoil
Firing MechanismStriker Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Magazine Capacity8 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity370 m/s (1214 fps)
Muzzle Energy412 J (304 ft·lbf)
Effective Range50 m (55 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist250 mm (9.84")
Number of Grooves4
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Service history

Operators

Conflicts

Production

Estimated total produced: 29,827 · Production years: 1933-1946

Approximately 27,910 army pistols (serials 50,001-77,941) plus roughly 1,917 commercial/private examples, delivered June 1933 to November 1946.

Origin

Country of origin: Switzerland

Designer: Georg Luger

Discontinued: 1947

Notes

Last of the Swiss-made Parabellum pistols. Early examples used red Canevasit grip shells; later production used brown and black Bakelite grips. Marked 'Waffenfabrik Bern' on the toggle.

Background

The 06/29 was Switzerland's answer to the high cost of the elegant but labour-intensive Luger: by flattening the toggle, straightening the frontstrap, and simplifying machining, W+F Bern kept the iconic toggle-lock action in service while nearly halving its production cost.