Parabellum – Caliber 9mm

Instruction Manual
Krieghoff Automatic Pistol PARABELLUM – Caliber 9mm

Safe Handling of Firearms – Caution!

For Krieghoff PARABELLUM Model P08 Read and understand all instructions before
using this or any other firearm. Read, learn,
and observe the safety procedures described
on page 4. Always point a firearm in a safe
direction so that it does not endanger any-
body, including yourself. Shot can be danger-
ous to over 400 yards, and bullets may range
as far as three miles. Do not discharge a gun
towards any hard surface, including water,
because both shot and bullets can ricochet in
unpredictable directions.

Never point any firearm towards another

person or yourself!


 Contents

Page
Gun Safety...................................................................................................................................4
History.........................................................................................................................................8
Characteristic and how the Krieghoff PARABELLUM works...........................................................9
Using and handling the Krieghoff PARABELLUM........................................................................10
Filling the magazine.........................................................................................................10
Inserting the magazine into the pistol............................................................................. 12
Operating the safety lever............................................................................................... 13
Loading a cartridge..........................................................................................................14
Shooting the PARABELLUM..............................................................................................15
Unloading / Uncocking....................................................................................................16
Disassembly.....................................................................................................................17
Reassembling...................................................................................................................19
Inserting the barrel and breechblock into the receiver......................................................20
General Data.............................................................................................................................21
Components..............................................................................................................................22


Safe Handling of Firearms – For Krieghoff PARABELLUM Model P08

Warning – very important: Anyone who person or yourself. 8. Make sure you load your firearm only when
handles this firearm MUST read and you intend to shoot right away.
follow these Instructions before using 3. Always handle a firearm as if it were loaded
this ­firearm. Firearm safety is the user’s and ready to fire. 9. Make sure the safety is always in the
responsibility! “on-position” with the German word for SAFE,
4. Keep your finger off the trigger and outside Gesichert, showing. The safety should turned
Think Gun Safety! the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot. to the “off-position” only when you immedi-
ately intend to fire.
General safety cautions for the use of firearms 5. Keep the action open and the gun unloaded
until you are ready to use it. 10. Always handle a firearm as if it were
1. Before using a firearm be sure that you fully loaded. Never rely on any mechanical device
understand how to handle and operate a fire- 6. If you pass a firearm to another person, as a safety.
arm. Read and follow the instructions shown in completely unload the weapon and lock open
this safety manual before using your firearm. the action. 11. Before firing always check the target and
the backstop and make sure that there is no
2. Always point the muzzle in a safe ­direction. 7. Before loading a firearm make sure the danger for people or property.
Never point a firearm in the direction of any- barrel is clear of obstructions (water, soil,
thing you do not intend to shoot, another ­branches, jammed bullets, etc.)


 Safe Handling of Firearms – For Krieghoff PARABELLUM Model P08.

12. Never point your firearm at a person or 17. Shooting a firearm is a serious sport. There pistol model Parabellum P08 is the caliber
yourself or anything you do not intend to is no room for joking around or horseplay 9mm PARABELLUM (Luger). Never use
shoot at. when handling a firearm. ­ammunition which exceeds industry standard
pressure specifications.
13. Always keep in mind that bullets can travel 18. Do not use drugs or alcohol when shoot-
approximately 2 miles (2-3 km) or more and ing and do not shoot if you are tired, cold or 22. Carry only one caliber of ammunition
can cause ­serious injury, death or damage to impaired in any way. when shooting to avoid grabbing the wrong
property. ammunition by mistake.
19. Do not use any ammunition other than
14. Never shoot a handgun straight up in the original high quality commercially manufac- 23. Dispose of unwanted ammunition safely.
air or at a high angle of elevation. tured ammunition in good condition.
24. Make sure that nobody is in the ejection
15. Never touch the trigger of a loaded firearm 20. The use of reloaded cartridges can cause area. Ejected shells can cause serious injury.
until you are aiming at the target. damage to the firearm and also injury, death or
damage to property. 25. Always avoid ricochets. Never shoot at
16. Think before shooting. Once you pull the hard surface such as rock, or a liquid surface
trigger, you can not take back the shot! 21. Use only ammunition that is identical with such as water.
the caliber of your firearm. Your Krieghoff


Safe Handling of Firearms – For Krieghoff PARABELLUM Model P08

26. Never carry a pistol with a round in the chamber or loaded in any 31. Always unload a firearm before laying it down, traveling or storing.
fashion. Also make sure your firearm is not loaded and open the action.

27. Never enter or leave a vehicle with a loaded firearm. Also never 32. You are responsible for making sure the firearm is under your
climb a treestand and never climb over obstacles (fences, trees, creeks, ­ ositive control at all times and not accessible by other parties,
p
hedges etc.) with a loaded firearm. ­especially children.

28. Make sure your firearm is in top mechanical condition before 33. Lock your firearm at all times when not is use to prevent
firing it. Check your firearm over for any visible signs of wear or ­unauthorized or untrained persons from having access to your pistol.
mechanical problems. If you notice any problems, please contact
­Krieghoff immediately. 34. Always keep and store the firearm and ammunition in separate
locked receptacles out of reach of children and other persons.
29. DO NOT modify this firearm in any way.
35. Keep your fingers and other parts of your body away from the
30. Never use a firearm if it fails to function properly. And never force a muzzle, the rear of the toggle, and the ejection area of the pistol.
jammed action as a round may explode causing serious injury, possibly
death, or severe damage to your firearm. 36. Never use a firearm as a tool, i.e. lever or hammer.


 Safe Handling of Firearms – For Krieghoff PARABELLUM Model P08

37. Important: Before cleaning a firearm it

must be unloaded.

38. If you sell your firearm make sure that

all documents including the owner’s manual
will be handed over to the recipient of the
firearm.

39. Always wear ear protection and

­protective shooting glasses when shooting.

If you do not follow the instructions and

safety warnings shown above, the use or
handling of your firearm can cause seri-
ous injury, death, or damage to property.


History
The New Krieghoff PARABELLUM, caliber 9mm Limited Edition

The Krieghoff PARABELLUM stands Although best known in past history as

without rival. The precision, the the service pistol of choice of early 20th
­reliability, the design and the unlimited Century Military and Police agencies, the
durability of the Krieghoff PARABELLUM commercial version of the PARABELLUM
are all unique. is actually the more coveted and sought
after version of the pistol. The Krieghoff
Krieghoff’s tradition of PARABELLUM Company has researched and ­developed
pistols goes back to the Nineteen the PARABELLUM Model 08 civilian
­Thirties and continues in the 21st version, continuing the ­production line
­century with a Limited Edition of 200 halted over sixty years ago. The name
pistols. Krieghoff proudly stamped on every
PARABELLUM is your guarantee for
­precision, accuracy and quality.


Characteristics and how the Krieghoff PARABELLUM works

The Pistol is locked-breech recoil loading During the recoil movement the ­firing the pistol. The sear engages the trigger
with a cocked firing pin spring for single pin coil spring situated inside the mechanism and the pistol is ready for
shots. The Pistol has a manual safety. breechblock is compressed and caught the next shot.
by the sear. As the toggle joint buckles
When fired, the barrel and the ­recoiling upward, the recoil spring is compressed WARNING!! The dismantled Pistol
mechanism lock together and move by a coupling pinned to the breechblock is able to fire, when the sear bar is
backwards. When the breech pressure and recoil lever attached to the recoil pushed!!
has dropped to its limits, the center spring in the grip. Even without the grip frame
part of the toggle joint strikes against a ­mounted !!!!
sloping part of the frame, buckling the The Magazine spring forces a cartridge
toggle joint behind the breechblock. The up into line with the breechblock. The
breechblock then continues rearward in compressed recoil spring pulls down
the barrel extension guide. The extractor against the recoil lever drawing down
pulls the empty cartridge case back until the bent toggle joint. This action drives
it strikes the ejector and is ejected out the attached breechblock forward in its
of the pistol. guide and strips the top cartridge into
the chamber. The breechblock and the
two levers are now in alignment locking


Using and handling the Krieghoff PARABELLUM
Filling the magazine

• Point the gun in a safe direction away • The magazine will hold eight cartridges.
from yourself and others and make sure the
safety is on with the word “GESICHERT” When emptying the magazine, gently pull
­visible (German word for safe), down the stud and remove the cartridges.

• Keeping finger outside the trigger guard,

press the magazine release catch on left side
of the pistol.

• Withdraw the magazine from the grip.

• Hold the magazine in your left hand and

slide down the stud attached to magazine
follower of the magazine. This will compress
the magazine spring and allow you to slide
cartridges, base first, under the flanges at the
top of the magazine.

10
Using and handling the Krieghoff PARABELLUM
Filling the magazine

The magazine should only be filled and

emptied with the combination tool, which is
included with your Parabellum.

When filling the magazine, make sure that

after each cartridge is inserted, the magazine
spring is released and the magazine follower
pushes upward against the cartridge. This will
insure proper alignment and feeding. Using
excessive force to insert or remove cartridges
can damage the magazine and lead to
­malfunction of the pistol.
Do not let combination tool slip while under
high tension or pressure as it could cause
injury.

11
Using and handling the Krieghoff PARABELLUM
Inserting the magazine into the pistol

• With the safety on and the word

­GESICHERT visible (German word for Safe),
hold the pistol in one hand.

• With your other hand insert the magazine

into the grip with bullet noses pointed
forward.

• Ease the magazine upward through the

grip frame until it locks in position with slight
pressure on the magazine base. An audible
ATTENTION ‘click’ indicates the magazine is fully locked
in place.
Point the gun in a safe direction away
from yourself and others and make
sure the safety is on with the word
“GESICHERT” visible (German word for
safe).

12
Using and handling the Krieghoff PARABELLUM
Operating the safety lever

The safety lever is located on the left side

of the grip frame. To engage the safety pull
lever back and down, exposing the word
“GESICHERT” (the German word for SAFE).
If the breech is cocked, the Pistol can be
unloaded while the safety is engaged.
Pushing the Safety lever forward covering the
word GESICHERT (German word for SAFE)
readies the pistol for firing.

WARNING
ATTENTION
Never rely solely on the safety. Always
treat a firearm as if it is loaded, off safe
Point the gun in a safe direction away
and ready to fire!
from yourself and others prior to
­operating the safety.

13
Using and handling the Krieghoff PARABELLUM
Loading a cartridge

• If the breech is cocked, the pistol can be

loaded while the safety is engaged.

• Load a cartridge by gripping the milled

knobs on the toggle joint and pulling up as
far as the breechblock will go.

• Release the milled toggle which allows the

breechblock to return to battery, placing a
cartridge into the chamber.

ATTENTION A cartridge loaded in the chamber is

• With the safety on and the word ­indicated by the extractor visible above the
Point the gun in a safe direction away ­“GESICHERT” visible (German word for breechblock exposing the word “GELADEN”
from yourself and others and make Safe), hold the pistol in one hand. (German word for LOADED).
sure the safety is on with the word
­“GESICHERT” visible (German word for • KEEP FINGER OUT OF TRIGGER GUARD The pistol is now ready to fire. Make
safe), AND OFF TRIGGER! sure the pistol is still on SAFE showing
the word “GESICHERT”.
14
Using and handling the Krieghoff PARABELLUM
Shooting the PARABELLUM

With the gun in your shooting hand, index Release the magazine by compressing the
finger outside trigger guard and away magazine release button. Once the maga-
from trigger, aim at your target. Move the zine is partially or completely removed, you
manual safety to the firing position with your can then close the breechblock by pulling
thumb. Only then place your finger on the ­rearward on the toggle and releasing.
­trigger, readjust your aim and squeeze. After
­firing, release the trigger. During the firing You may then insert a loaded magazine
sequence, the empty cartridge will be ejected ­following the above outlined procedure and
and a new cartridge will be chambered. continue firing.
You may continue firing until the magazine
is empty. A full magazine holds eight (8)
rounds.

When the last cartridge from the magazine

has been fired, the follower button of the
magazine follower will engage a catch and
hold the breech open and the toggle joint
back.

15
Using and handling the Krieghoff PARABELLUM
Unloading / Uncocking – If the pistol is to be unloaded after a live cartridge has been chambered:

• Remove unfired cartridge from chamber by

pulling back on the knobs of the toggle joint,
which unlocks the breechblock and firing pin
and ejects the live cartridge.

• When you are finished firing the Pistol, and

have completely unloaded the magazine and
chamber, pull the breechblock back approxi-
mately 1cm or 1/2 inch and visually check that
the chamber is completely empty.

• Uncock firing pin and main spring after use

ATTENTION of Pistol. Uncocking of breech:
• REMEMBER – you are handling a • Pull breechblock back 1cm or1/2 inch
Point the gun in a safe direction away from L­ OADED GUN. • Pull trigger
yourself and others and make sure the • While holding trigger in rear position, slowly
safety is on with the word “GESICHERT” • First, remove the magazine. release breechblock into battery position.
visible (German word for safe).

16
Using and handling the Krieghoff PARABELLUM
Disassembly

• Move the safety lever to engage the safety.

The word “GESICHERT” (German word for
SAFE) must be visible. See page 13 which
­covers the operation of the safety.
• Remove the magazine. Refer to page 3 for
removal of the magazine.
• Push the muzzle against a hard protected
wooden or plastic surface to release tension
on the recoil spring.
• Unlock the breech by pulling back
ATTENTION
­completely on the toggle joint as illustrated.
Point the gun in a safe direction away
• With the tension removed, turn the locking
from yourself and others and make
bolt on the side plate down to a vertical
sure that the safety is on with the word
position. Lift out the side plate.
­“GESICHERT” visible (German word for
• Release toggle joint slowly.
safe). Then remove the magazine and
• Barrel with breechblock assembly may now
make sure that the chamber is empty.
be slid forward off the frame.
If there are live cartridges left in the
magazine, also empty the magazine.

17
Using and handling the Krieghoff PARABELLUM
Disassembly

If you wish to remove the firing pin, press

firmly on the firing pin spring guide with
the combination tool supplied or flat bladed
6mm screwdriver and turn to the left. Then
release the pressure to relieve tension on the
spring. The firing pin with spring can now be
removed.

Fold the toggle slightly to relieve tension and

remove the retaining pin on the left side.
Now pull the toggle joint with breechblock
assembly containing the firing pin and
extractor back in their guide and out of the
frame.
No further disassembly is recommended
or necessary.

18
Using and handling the Krieghoff PARABELLUM
Reassembling

To reassemble the Pistol, follow the disman-

tling sequence in reverse order. In order
to avoid damage during reassembly, it is
­important to note the following instructions:

• Insert firing pin with spring.

• Push firing pin guide firmly in its position
and turn to the right until it catches.
• The index mark in the endplate of the
firing pin spring guide must be in the
vertical position.
• Reinstall the breechblock and toggle
­assembly by inserting into the guide rails in
the rear of the barrel assembly.
• Reinsert the retaining pin after aligning
the holes of the breechblock and barrel
assembly in rear. Pin should slip in easily if the
­alignment is correct.

19
Using and handling the Krieghoff PARABELLUM
Inserting the barrel and breechblock into the receiver

• Holding Pistol upside down, slide the barrel • Engage safety by moving safety lever
with the breechblock assembly rearward on to rear exposing the word “GESICHERT”
the frame guide rails. ­(German word for Safe).
• Make sure the T-shape coupling is clear and • Assembly is complete. Proceed as follows.
can engage the recoil lever in the frame.
• Once coupling reaches recoil lever, assem- ATTENTION
bly is completed by turning pistol upright Point the gun in a safe direction away
allowing coupling to fully engage recoil lever from yourself and others and make
while moving barrel/breechblock assembly sure the safety is on with the word
to rear. “GESICHERT” visible (German word for
• Pressing Pistol muzzle against hard surface, safe).
compress recoil spring slightly.
• Reinstall side latch with rear first and With the gun unloaded, test that assembly
push the disassembly lever to the horizontal has been completed correctly and Pistol
­position. Side plate must sit flat against the functions properly by repeatedly pulling and
frame before the disassembly lever can be releasing the breechblock and working the
properly seated. safety and trigger.

20
General Data

Model Parabellum P08

Caliber 9mm Parabellum (Luger)

Overall length 220mm (8.661 inches)

Width of pistol 36mm (1.417 inches)

Height of pistol 135mm (5.314 inches)

Length of barrel 100mm (3.94 inches)

Number of grooves 6

Length of twist 250mm (9.842 inches)

Weight of pistol approx. 835g (1.84 lbs.)

Weight of
empty magazine 60g (2.116 oz)

21
Components 2.2
2.2.1
1.2.1

2.4
2.4.1 2.1.
3.9.1 2.3.1 2.3
1.2.3
2.1.1 2.2.1.1.1 2.1.1.2
2.2.2 2.4.1.1 2.4.2.1 3.2.2.1
2.4.2
1.1.1
1.2.2.1.1 1.2.2 1.2.2.2 3.9
3.9.2
1.2.
1.1

1.2.2.1.1
3.4.1
4.3
3.4.1.1 3.1.1 4.2.1 4

3.4 1.2.2.1.1

1.2.2.1.1
3.3.1 3.2.2
3.6.1 3.6 3.1
4.1

3.3 3.7 3.7.1

3.2
3.2.1 3.10
3.10.2 3.10.1

4.2
4.4
22
Components

1 Barrel and Action Assembly 2.3 Front Toggle Link 3.5 Hold-open Latch
1.1 Barrel 2.3.1 Front Toggle Pin 3.5.1 Hold-open Latch Spring
1.1.1 Front Sight 2.4 Rear Toggle Link 3.6 Locking Bolt
1.2 Receiver 2.4.1 Rear Toggle Pin 3.6.1 Locking Bolt Spring
1.2.1 Ejector 2.4.1.1 Rear Toggle Pin Retainer 3.7 Magazine Release
1.2.2 Sear- bar 2.4.2 Coupling Link 3.7.1 Magazine Release Spring
1.2.2.1 Sear-bar Plunger 2.4.2.1 Coupling Link Pin 3.9.1 Safety Lever Pin
1.2.2.1.1 Sear-bar Plunger Spring 3 The Frame Unit 3.9.2 Safety Bar
1.2.2.1.2 Sear-bar Plunger Pin 3.1 Frame 3.10 Grip Screw
1.2.2.2 Sear-bar Spring 3.1.1 Lanyard Loop 3.10.1 Left Grip
1.2.3 Rear Connector Pin 3.2 Recoil Spring 3.10.2 Right Grip
2 Breechblock Assembly 3.2.1 Recoil Spring Guide 4 Magazine
2.1 Breechblock 3.2.2 Recoil Spring Lever 4.1 Magazine Body
2.1.1 Firing pin 3.2.2.1 Recoil Spring Lever Pin 4.2 Magazine Spring
2.1.1.1 Firing pin spring 3.3 Trigger 4.2.1 Magazine Spring Cap
2.1.1.2 Firing Pin Spring guide 3.3.1 Trigger Spring 4.3 Magazine Follower
2.2 Extractor 3.4 Trigger Side Plate 4.3.1 Magazine Follower Button
2.2.1 Extractor spring 3.4.1 Trigger Lever 4.4 Magazine Bottom
2.2.2 Extractor pin 3.4.1.1 Trigger Lever Pin 4.4.1 Magazine Bottom Pin

23
H. Krieghoff GmbH A Tradition of Performance
Jagd- und Sportwaffen
Boschstrasse 22 Krieghoff International Inc.
89079 Ulm / Germany P.O. Box 549

Parabellum 08.2007
P.O. Box 2610 7528 Easton Road
89016 Ulm / Germany Ottsville, PA 18942 USA
Phone +49 731 / 4 01 82-0 Phone (610) 847 - 5173
Fax +49 731 / 4 01 82-70 Fax (610) 847 - 8691
www.krieghoff.de www.krieghoff.com