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Loose sideplate
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04-12-2001, 01:18 PM
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John Sabato
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Re: Loose sideplate - Been There - Done that!
04-12-2001, 01:18 PM
Re: Loose sideplate - Been There - Done that! ![](http://boards.rennlist.com/luger/</strong>
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The precision fit of the sideplate is one of the reasons that the Luger eventually got replaced by the P-38. This fit is critical to a good trigger pull.<br />
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These pieces were meticulously fitted at the factory before stamping of the number to associate that sideplate with a particular serial number.<br />
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If a sideplate is loose, it is generally caused by misuse, or abuse. The fit of the tab under the groove in the frame is the first point of wear. I once did a "trigger job" on a shooter luger which had a mistmatched sideplate. In addition to being the wrong plate, the groove in the frame was ever so slightly bent upward causing the looseness. I solved this problem by taking a machined and polished piece of flat steel of appropriate size to place on the flat of the left side of the luger and pounding with a brass mallet ever so slightly until the bump of the groove was gone and the groove was a tight fit on the sideplate it now possessed. This was an extreme answer to the problem. A mistake or over enthusiasm in this area will require expensive welding and machine shop repairs.<br />
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If the gun is a shooter, and the sideplate needs refinishing anyway, I would build up the tab with weld and then machine or file the tab to be a perfect fit with the sideplate notch.<br />
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If the looseness is on the front of the sideplate, it is a weld, try and file proposition until you remove the play that exists between the sideplate and the takedown lever.<br />
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Once a tight fit is restored you will find that the trigger pull works a whole lot better.<br />
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NEVER try to adjust a Luger Trigger by bending the upper tab up or down. The trigger is a hardened part and it will break if pushed too far. It is far better to try a different trigger lever or build up the original lever with weld and then dress it down to achieve the desired fit. Once fit is achieved, then polish and refinish the parts.<br />
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-John<br />
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