Introduction
Designed in the 1890s as an improvement of the Borchardt C-93 pistol, Georg Luger’s ‘Pistole Parabellum’ was adopted by the German Army in 1908 and is widely known as the Luger P08. The gun saw widespread service in both World Wars, and our modern 9mm cartridge (‘9x19mm Parabellum’) was originally invented by Luger for this specific handgun.
The P08 is one of the most iconic handguns in history. My goal in this project was to design a display-worthy replica that captures the Luger’s unique shaping and brings this pistol to life in LEGO bricks.
My LEGO Luger P08 with display stand and custom plaque design.
Precise Proportions
My top goal in this new LEGO design was to accurately recreate the size, angles, and proportions of the real gun in every dimension. I used an extensive amount of photos, diagrams, video, and other research to meticulously check the brickbuilt model against the original.
Moving Features
While designed primarily for visual realism and aesthetic value, the LEGO Luger P08 still has a few ‘working’ functions. The trigger can be gently squeezed back, and a rotating thumb safety is included. You can also look down the iron sights, similar to the real handgun.
Fun to Experience
The angled grip feels comfortable, and the model is sturdy enough to hold-and-point at any angle. A variety of innovative building techniques come into play, including a tapered barrel and smooth transition between the grip and receiver, that make the replica model even more realistic and interesting to look at for both LEGO fans and gun enthusiasts.
Designed for Display
This custom LEGO Luger P08 model also comes with a display stand. I wanted to make a refined piece of history and culture that’s enjoyable to have on one’s desk, shelf, or mantle at home.
Visit the instructions page for my Luger P08 to find links for how to build a display plaque and where to get the custom UCS-style, waterproof decal printed.
P08 & M1911: Pistols of Both World Wars
The popularity and model-making success of my LEGO 1911 (A1) pistol was another factor inspiring me to build the Luger. Both handgun models are historically significant, were developed in the same time period, and were used prominently by their respective factions during both WWI and WWII.
Click below to get the instructions and build your own firearm replicas.
