[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.