Is this reparable?

The Mountain Kat · 07-18-2016, 06:21 PM

I picked up what appears to be a nice example of a P08 but for one seemingly small problem. I have no clue as to how the PO managed to break this tiny piece off but he did. Can this matching numbered part be repaired or not?
Any advise is well received!

DonVoigt · 07-18-2016, 07:29 PM

Welcome to the board.

I doubt the PO broke it, it looks like it was worn through from the tab on the striker spring guide.
Sometimes they can chip, but this one looks just worn.

It can be fixed, either by welding and re-milling or other means- though I don't know anyone who undertakes this repair as a vocation.

I recently repaired a similarly worn breech block of mine by inserting a pin from side to side and re-shaping it a little.

I've been meaning to post the process, just have not gotten around to it. I'll move it up on the "to do" list.

http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthread.php?t=35951

Done!

mrerick · 07-18-2016, 07:32 PM

These can be repaired through micro-welding and machining, but it's costly.

It probably happened with a pierced primer or something that lead to over pressure. Is the firing pin fluted? Relieving pressure was a primary reason for adding flutes to the firing pin at Mauser.

ithacaartist · 07-18-2016, 08:41 PM

Welcome to the forum, Miliam...

Virtually anything is "repairable", providing one can shovel enough money at the problem to have it properly done. The technology of micro-welding comes to mind, and I think there is a forum member with either the capability or a good contact for someone who can. Building up the broken area again with TIG welding may also work, if dimensions are cleaned up by machine or hand work after.

This general area of the a Luger is susceptible to damage when using too powerful a load, which may well have happened. The action bottoms out on itself and the frame, stressing and hammering everything. There is an established rumor that Lugers like heavy loads, but this could not be more incorrect! No +p, +p+, or anything marked NATO! Shoot 115 or 124 gr standard loads, Winchester White Box is the go-to round.

Sergio Natali · 07-19-2016, 09:05 AM

I'm not an expert but I don't think it's worth reparing it.

Lugerdoc · 07-19-2016, 09:45 AM

The cost of repair would only be justifable on a collector grade, matching PO8 to keep it match, when you can purchase a new repro breech block for around $100. TH

07-18-2016, 06:21 PM	#1
The Mountain Kat New User Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Is this reparable? I picked up what appears to be a nice example of a P08 but for one seemingly small problem. I have no clue as to how the PO managed to break this tiny piece off but he did. Can this matching numbered part be repaired or not? Any advise is well received! Attached Thumbnails

07-18-2016, 07:29 PM	#2
DonVoigt User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: near Charlotte NC Posts: 4,681 Thanks: 1,443 Thanked 4,354 Times in 2,041 Posts	Welcome to the board. I doubt the PO broke it, it looks like it was worn through from the tab on the striker spring guide. Sometimes they can chip, but this one looks just worn. It can be fixed, either by welding and re-milling or other means- though I don't know anyone who undertakes this repair as a vocation. I recently repaired a similarly worn breech block of mine by inserting a pin from side to side and re-shaping it a little. I've been meaning to post the process, just have not gotten around to it. I'll move it up on the "to do" list. http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthread.php?t=35951 Done! __________________ 03man(Don Voigt); Luger student and collector. Looking for DWM side plate: 69 ; Dreyse 1907 pistol K.S. Gendarmerie Last edited by DonVoigt; 07-18-2016 at 10:12 PM.

07-18-2016, 07:32 PM	#3
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,919 Thanks: 1,377 Thanked 3,135 Times in 1,518 Posts	These can be repaired through micro-welding and machining, but it's costly. It probably happened with a pierced primer or something that lead to over pressure. Is the firing pin fluted? Relieving pressure was a primary reason for adding flutes to the firing pin at Mauser. __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

07-18-2016, 08:41 PM	#4
ithacaartist Twice a Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atop the highest hill in Schuyler County NY Posts: 3,368 Thanks: 7,432 Thanked 2,610 Times in 1,378 Posts	Welcome to the forum, Miliam... Virtually anything is "repairable", providing one can shovel enough money at the problem to have it properly done. The technology of micro-welding comes to mind, and I think there is a forum member with either the capability or a good contact for someone who can. Building up the broken area again with TIG welding may also work, if dimensions are cleaned up by machine or hand work after. This general area of the a Luger is susceptible to damage when using too powerful a load, which may well have happened. The action bottoms out on itself and the frame, stressing and hammering everything. There is an established rumor that Lugers like heavy loads, but this could not be more incorrect! No +p, +p+, or anything marked NATO! Shoot 115 or 124 gr standard loads, Winchester White Box is the go-to round. __________________ "... Liberty is the seed and soil, the air and light, the dew and rain of progress, love and joy."-- Robert Greene Ingersoll 1894

07-19-2016, 09:05 AM	#5
Sergio Natali User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Somewhere in Northern Italy Posts: 2,646 Thanks: 1,087 Thanked 1,783 Times in 1,007 Posts	I'm not an expert but I don't think it's worth reparing it. __________________ "Originality can't be restored and should be at the top of any collector's priority list.

07-19-2016, 09:45 AM	#6
Lugerdoc Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: POB 398 St.Charles,MO. 63302 Posts: 5,089 Thanks: 6 Thanked 737 Times in 484 Posts	The cost of repair would only be justifable on a collector grade, matching PO8 to keep it match, when you can purchase a new repro breech block for around $100. TH __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 lugerdoc@charter.net