Description
Few custom firearms occupy the same reverent space as a John V. Martz–built Luger, and this exceptional P08 chambered in .45 ACP stands firmly among the most coveted examples of his work.
Originally conceived as a precision re-engineering exercise rather than a simple caliber conversion, this Luger was extensively modified by John V. Martz to accommodate the powerful .45 ACP cartridge, a task that required substantial redesign of the toggle-lock system, frame geometry, and internal components. The result is a mechanically fascinating and visually striking pistol that blends classic German form with American custom ingenuity.
The pistol retains the unmistakable Luger profile while exhibiting Martz’s hallmark craftsmanship throughout. The long barrel, finely finished metal surfaces, and beautifully fitted grips give the gun an elegant, almost restrained appearance, belying the complexity beneath. Subtle gold-tone controls and accents provide visual contrast without overpowering the design, while the precision-cut toggle assembly and markings confirm its bespoke nature.
All serialized components are matching, underscoring the integrity and originality of the build. These Martz .45 ACP Lugers were produced in extremely limited numbers and were never intended for the mass market. Each was effectively a one-off custom project, making surviving examples highly desirable to advanced collectors of rare Lugers, custom firearms, and historically significant conversions.
This is not simply a variant of a P08; it is a statement piece that represents the outer edge of what is possible with the Luger platform. For the collector who values rarity, mechanical ambition, and true custom craftsmanship, a John V. Martz .45 ACP Luger stands in a class entirely its own.
