We continue our WWII Small Arms Series. Jeremiah and Mike Venturino discuss the history, care, loading and shooting these old WWII small arms. This episode is on German 9mm Pistols.
Rest in peace, Mike. Thank you for passing all of your knowledge on to this one-time wide-eyed teenager, circa 1967, who eventually developed a thirst for all things handloading and firearms related. ✝️
Awesome, I'm glad Mike Venturino is still sharing his knowledge after all of these years. I remember talking to him on the phone over 30 years ago. He's such a kind man.
Likewise, I have learned so much from Mike over the years he truly is a treasure trove of information. All of this was unscripted as usual but what he could recall off the top of his head was very impressive! Thanks for watching! --Jeremiah
I was 3- years old when I first saw a German LUGER..7-years after WW2. Eversince..it has BECOME my Holy Grail. Finding a UNICORN 🦄 Is much probable from where l come from ( outside the USA)than finding a LUGER! Found one after a 33-years search! Have always followed Mr.Mike Venturino over the gun magazine publications. Feel his passing 😢.. will include him in my daily prayers..🙏 Incidentally,we are of the same age..
My dad brought back a P38 BYF (Mauser)1943 in excellent condition with original P08 Holster and extra magazine even had the last round in the holster. Love this pistol and will be handed down to my son. Still in excellent condition and shot very little .
That is really really cool!! I love hearing stories like that, we often wonder what these guns would say if they could talk so it is special to hear the story behind yours. Thanks for sharing that and taking the time to watch and comment! --Jeremiah
Years ago I chronographed some WWI German 9mm it clocked 1260fps with a 124 grain bullet. My 1940 Mauser p.08 functions perfectly with my load of 5.8 grains of Power Pistol and 124 grain coated lead conical bullet at 1220fps. I've found all my 9mm's shoot better groups with conical rather than RN bullets and with slower powders like Power Pistol or 3N37. The other maker of p-38's was spreewerk they are very rough finish the sides look like they cut with a woodrasp but the still work perfectly.
Thank you for taking the time to share that bit of information with everyone it is always great to hear what others are doing and what kind of experience and results they have had. I feel it adds a lot of value to the comments section and that is what we are all about. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment! --Jeremiah
I've tryed 6.3 grains of HS6 with the C.O.A.L at 1.130" and 1.090. 1.090 was awful at 25 yards out of a S/42 1938 PO8 but 1.130 was starting too group. I've got more load developmemt too do but some 1945 german 9mm I have the C.O.A.L was 1.150 or 1.160, the original bullet was shaped like a ice cream cone at 1090 FPS so basically 1100 FPS. The 6.3 grain charge of HS6 functioned the PO8 without issue. Edit 1 the bullet i used was 124 grain FMJRN.
I do love the 1917 Smith as well that is a mighty fin wheelgun! It is amazing how much of a difference there is between the Smith and the Colt! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! --Jeremiah
Interesting video. I love the history surounding vintage firearms. Mike Venturino is a treasure trove of information. I learned alot from him in shooting and reloading my Sharps rifles. Unlike many people in the industry, he always took the time to respond back to my inquiries. I have a couple of his books He is a true mentor in our sport and a man I have alot of respect for.
Glad to hear that you liked the video thank you for taking the time to watch and comment! Mike really is a treasure, these videos were all filmed unscripted and he knew all of this information by heart. He has helped me immensely from bullet casting, to powder selection and everything in between. I have a lot of respect for him as well, it was a pleasure getting to film this with him. I am glad that he was willing to share this information with others. --Jeremiah
We have yet to edit out any misses and we certainly aren't going to start now! We do our best to show the results exactly as we get them. I personally think that the Hi-power should have performed a lot better but that could have easily been on us. Glad you enjoy the videos though, thank you for the feedback and taking the time to watch! --Jeremiah
It is very interesting to see just what a difference that can make! And I can't ever recall reading that anywhere in all my readings on the Luger. Perhaps I just glanced over it but I still find it very interesting. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! --Jeremiah
Man, that was an awesome video you two. You both work so well together and shoot some interesting hand guns and rifles to. Thanks for the video, Slim. PS I would love to sit at that same table and learn from you Jeremiah and also Mike.
Thank you very much!! We appreciate the kind words! This series honestly was a pleasure to produce and it was a wonderful learning experience to sit and chat with Mike about all he knows. I would not be the Handloader or bullet caster I am today if not for all of his help!! Thank you for watching and for the kind words. I know I speak for Mike as well when I say thanks! --Jeremiah
I wondered about sights. Did any of those handguns have sights that would be considered even pretty good by todays iron sight standards? I remember the GI 1911s sights werent the best. I still have a small faint hammer bite scar that is going on 50 years old now.
By today's standards I would say none of these would be considered good by standards today. There may be some good sights for target shooting but nothing I would consider good combat sights. The Browning high power or P 35 probably had the best sights out of all of them. Thanks for watching! --Jeremiah
Lawrence, I wish we could have covered that one as well sadly we did not have access to one and therefore could not do it justice to talk about it. There are a few guns we did not get hands on time with from the war unfortunately but for the most part the major small arms were covered or will be covered in future videos. If I come across one though I would love to do a video on one separately! Thanks for watching! --Jeremiah
With only very limited experience with the Luger, and none at all with the Walther/Mauser, I'd take the P35 Hi-Power all day, every day. I think they are wonderful pistols. I honestly prefer them to a 1911. Somewhat shamefully, but I do.
I really don't think we did that P35 Hi-Power justice I know it was more accurate than that we were just struggling and on a time crunch to film everything. They really are great guns! Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment! --Jeremiah
It may not be how I do things but I will say in the thousands of rounds we shot together over the entire course of filming this series I never once felt unsafe, and we never had any negligent discharges or anything like that. At any rate thank you for taking the time to watch and comment! --Jeremiah
That is interesting but it makes sense when I think about it, the gun is designed to be held and I could see how that could effect function especially after shooting this Luger. Thanks for watching! --Jeremiah
Rest in peace, Mike. Thank you for passing all of your knowledge on to this one-time wide-eyed teenager, circa 1967, who eventually developed a thirst for all things handloading and firearms related. ✝️
RIP Mike we will all miss you very much you are a real American treasure.
Mike will be greatly missed One of the great old school gun guys
Awesome, I'm glad Mike Venturino is still sharing his knowledge after all of these years. I remember talking to him on the phone over 30 years ago. He's such a kind man.
Likewise, I have learned so much from Mike over the years he truly is a treasure trove of information. All of this was unscripted as usual but what he could recall off the top of his head was very impressive! Thanks for watching! --Jeremiah
I was 3- years old when I first saw a German LUGER..7-years after WW2.
Eversince..it has BECOME my Holy Grail.
Finding a UNICORN 🦄 Is much probable from where l come from ( outside the USA)than finding a LUGER!
Found one after a 33-years search!
Have always followed Mr.Mike Venturino over the gun magazine publications.
Feel his passing 😢.. will include him in my daily prayers..🙏
Incidentally,we are of the same age..
I remember reading Mike venturing in gun magazines always very educational
Indeed I have learned a lot from him over the years, he's very knowledgeable and a genuinely kind and generous person. Thanks for watching! --Jeremiah
My dad brought back a P38 BYF (Mauser)1943 in excellent condition with original P08 Holster and extra magazine even had the last round in the holster. Love this pistol and will be handed down to my son. Still in excellent condition and shot very little .
That is really really cool!! I love hearing stories like that, we often wonder what these guns would say if they could talk so it is special to hear the story behind yours. Thanks for sharing that and taking the time to watch and comment! --Jeremiah
Years ago I chronographed some WWI German 9mm it clocked 1260fps with a 124 grain bullet. My 1940 Mauser p.08 functions perfectly with my load of 5.8 grains of Power Pistol and 124 grain coated lead conical bullet at 1220fps. I've found all my 9mm's shoot better groups with conical rather than RN bullets and with slower powders like Power Pistol or 3N37. The other maker of p-38's was spreewerk they are very rough finish the sides look like they cut with a woodrasp but the still work perfectly.
Thank you for taking the time to share that bit of information with everyone it is always great to hear what others are doing and what kind of experience and results they have had. I feel it adds a lot of value to the comments section and that is what we are all about. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment! --Jeremiah
I've tryed 6.3 grains of HS6 with the C.O.A.L at 1.130" and 1.090.
1.090 was awful at 25 yards out of a S/42 1938 PO8 but 1.130 was starting too group. I've got more load developmemt too do but some 1945 german 9mm I have the C.O.A.L was 1.150 or 1.160, the original bullet was shaped like a ice cream cone at 1090 FPS so basically 1100 FPS. The 6.3 grain charge of HS6 functioned the PO8 without issue.
Edit 1 the bullet i used was 124 grain FMJRN.
I’m definitely with Mike. The Smith 1917 is by pick of the litter too. Load it up with some good cast bullets in Auto Rim brass and life’s good.
I do love the 1917 Smith as well that is a mighty fin wheelgun! It is amazing how much of a difference there is between the Smith and the Colt! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! --Jeremiah
Interesting video. I love the history surounding vintage firearms.
Mike Venturino is a treasure trove of information. I learned alot from him in shooting and reloading my Sharps rifles. Unlike many people in the industry, he always took the time to respond back to my inquiries.
I have a couple of his books
He is a true mentor in our sport and a man I have alot of respect for.
Glad to hear that you liked the video thank you for taking the time to watch and comment! Mike really is a treasure, these videos were all filmed unscripted and he knew all of this information by heart. He has helped me immensely from bullet casting, to powder selection and everything in between. I have a lot of respect for him as well, it was a pleasure getting to film this with him. I am glad that he was willing to share this information with others. --Jeremiah
God bless you RIP.you will be missed
I love that you keep it real, showing the misses as well as hits, not just editing to show the good shots. This is why I enjoy watching you guys.
We have yet to edit out any misses and we certainly aren't going to start now! We do our best to show the results exactly as we get them. I personally think that the Hi-power should have performed a lot better but that could have easily been on us. Glad you enjoy the videos though, thank you for the feedback and taking the time to watch! --Jeremiah
Great interview
Thank you very much and thank you for taking the time to watch and comment! --Jeremiah
thanks for showing a great piece of history
You are very welcome thank you for taking the time to watch and comment! --Jeremiah
Mike is correct, my fathers friend told me the same thing. Straight arm, tight grip with a Luger. Great job.
It is very interesting to see just what a difference that can make! And I can't ever recall reading that anywhere in all my readings on the Luger. Perhaps I just glanced over it but I still find it very interesting. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! --Jeremiah
Great video as usual! Keep up the great content!
Thank you very much for taking the time to watch and comment along with your continued support it is greatly appreciated! --Jeremiah
Rest in Peace!
Man, that was an awesome video you two. You both work so well together and shoot some interesting hand guns and rifles to. Thanks for the video, Slim. PS I would love to sit at that same table and learn from you Jeremiah and also Mike.
Thank you very much!! We appreciate the kind words! This series honestly was a pleasure to produce and it was a wonderful learning experience to sit and chat with Mike about all he knows. I would not be the Handloader or bullet caster I am today if not for all of his help!! Thank you for watching and for the kind words. I know I speak for Mike as well when I say thanks! --Jeremiah
I wondered about sights. Did any of those handguns have sights that would be considered even pretty good by todays iron sight standards? I remember the GI 1911s sights werent the best.
I still have a small faint hammer bite scar that is going on 50 years old now.
By today's standards I would say none of these would be considered good by standards today. There may be some good sights for target shooting but nothing I would consider good combat sights. The Browning high power or P 35 probably had the best sights out of all of them. Thanks for watching! --Jeremiah
Nice overview of German used 9MM pistols but you missed one other important design the Polish Radoms.
Right, the P-64 is a awesome hand tool.
Lawrence, I wish we could have covered that one as well sadly we did not have access to one and therefore could not do it justice to talk about it. There are a few guns we did not get hands on time with from the war unfortunately but for the most part the major small arms were covered or will be covered in future videos. If I come across one though I would love to do a video on one separately! Thanks for watching! --Jeremiah
With only very limited experience with the Luger, and none at all with the Walther/Mauser, I'd take the P35 Hi-Power all day, every day. I think they are wonderful pistols. I honestly prefer them to a 1911. Somewhat shamefully, but I do.
I really don't think we did that P35 Hi-Power justice I know it was more accurate than that we were just struggling and on a time crunch to film everything. They really are great guns! Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment! --Jeremiah
Hello
Hey, thanks for watching! --Jeremiah
That guy makes me nervous keeping his finger on the trigger like that!
It may not be how I do things but I will say in the thousands of rounds we shot together over the entire course of filming this series I never once felt unsafe, and we never had any negligent discharges or anything like that. At any rate thank you for taking the time to watch and comment! --Jeremiah
I hear suicide by automatic will not cycle the next round. They jamb.
That is interesting but it makes sense when I think about it, the gun is designed to be held and I could see how that could effect function especially after shooting this Luger. Thanks for watching! --Jeremiah