Powell's Cartridge Counter Luger: The First Military 9mm

Published on November 10, 2019
Duration: 12:26

This review details the rare Powell Cartridge Counter Luger, one of the first 9mm Lugers tested by the US military in 1904-1905. It highlights the innovative but ultimately unsuccessful cartridge counter grip designed by Graham Powell, featuring a celluloid window and specialized magazine. Despite the 9mm caliber advancement, US trials favored .45 ACP, leading to the M1911 adoption.

Quick Summary

The Powell Cartridge Counter Luger was among the first 9mm Lugers tested by the US military in 1904-1905. It featured Graham Powell's innovative cartridge counter grip with a celluloid window, but the US ultimately favored the .45 ACP caliber for service handguns.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Powell Cartridge Counter Luger
  2. 00:37Early US Luger Testing & 9mm Development
  3. 02:58The Powell Grip Cartridge Counter Design
  4. 04:15Mechanical Details of the Counter
  5. 05:07Specialized Magazine and Follower
  6. 06:52Markings and Serial Ranges
  7. 08:49Trial Results & Caliber Shift to .45 ACP
  8. 10:47Provenance and Survival of the Pistol

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the significance of the Powell Cartridge Counter Luger?

The Powell Cartridge Counter Luger represented one of the first 9mm Luger pistols tested by the US military around 1904-1905. It featured Graham Powell's innovative cartridge counter grip, an attempt to meet US requirements for ammunition indication.

How did the Powell Cartridge Counter work?

The counter utilized a celluloid window on the grip and frame, revealing a numbered brass plate. A specialized magazine with a screw on the follower acted as the indicator, engaging with the mechanism to show the round count.

Why were the 9mm Lugers ultimately rejected by the US military?

Despite adopting the 9mm cartridge, US military trials, particularly the 1904 Thompson-LaGarde tests, concluded that a minimum caliber of .45 ACP was necessary for adequate stopping power in a service handgun.

How many Powell Cartridge Counter Lugers were made for US trials?

Only 50 units of the Powell Cartridge Counter Luger were produced for the US military trials. These pistols are identifiable by their serial numbers, ranging from 22401 to 22450, and specific US markings.

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