Description
2/11/25 - This is a rare and desirable Luftwaffe-issued Sauer M30 Drilling in excellent, original condition. One of only ~2,500 produced, the M30 Luftwaffe Drilling ("Drilling" meaning "triplet") was a Drilling-type Combination gun produced by JP Sauer & Sohn, it was the most finely finished and luxurious survival rifle ever issued by a military force. The commercial quality of the M30 Drilling, the fact that its container and accessories were packed without military acceptance proofs, its limited production and high manufacturing costs, led many historians and arms collectors to conclude that the M30 Luftwaffe Drilling was not routinely issued to Luftwaffe pilots. The head of the Luftwaffe, Hermann Göring, was an avid hunter who often hosted guests at his elaborate hunting lodge, the Carinhall. The M30 Luftwaffe Drilling was possibly ordered through the Luftwaffe by Göring, to be used as gifts for visiting dignitaries, Knight's Cross holders, Luftwaffe aces, Wehrmacht generals, Nazi officials, and other guests who were invited to his hunting lodge. Luftwaffe general and flying ace Adolf Galland recalled that he and several of his squadron mates were gifted the M30 Luftwaffe Drilling during hunting trips with Göring at the Carinhall. The M30 Luftwaffe Drilling saw use by the German Luftwaffe in World War II, primarily during the North African campaign, where it was used as a survival weapon by some Luftwaffe aircrews.
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This particular example has fantastic bluing on the barrels, with a lovely case-hardened receiver that shows some thinning and patina on tang and trigger guard. All three barrels have minty bores with little to no sign of use. The barrel and stock have sharp Luftwaffe Eagle markings, and the barrel has a manufacture date of '342' on it, or March of 1942. The wood furniture is in great shape with no cracks, and a minor defect in the cheek rest. The listing is accompanied by a restored case, a cleaning rod, and an orignial manual. The listing is also accompanied by the original customs certificate from October of 1945, which shows the rifle was brought back by T/5 A.W. Gillette.
