Considered to be of high quality, the Lahti was well manufactured and worked reliably in cold conditions or when fouled.

[4] Although the Lahti is outwardly similar to the P08 Luger (and shares barrel threading with same), the firing mechanism is significantly different and more closely related to the Bergmann–Bayard pistol.

[5] The Swedish army realized there would be a shortage of pistols in the event of large scale military mobilization in Europe.

[6] Originally adopting the Walther P38 in 1939, Germany's entry into World War II stopped the export of P38s to Sweden.

[6] To compensate, Sweden adopted the Lahti pistol but was unable to import L-35-type guns because of the conflicts between Finland and the USSR.

[6] Production was licensed to Svenska Automatvapen AB but the immediate collapse of the company passed the contract to Husqvarna Vapenfabriks.

[6] Other modifications included a change in the gun steel quality specifications that were not successful in the m/40s and led to cracks in the frame.