Opinions on Sideplate Fitting ?

[mrerick]

The thing that can deliver consistency to trigger pull on a Luger is the flatness of the trigger plate against the receiver. The pressure applied by the take-down lever (in closed position) and the catch at the rear edge of the plate must be exact and uniform. Anything that allows rocking or movement against the side of the receiver will lead to inconsistency in the trigger.

Again, precision flatness of the fit with uniform pressure preventing movement of the plate against the side of the receiver is your goal. That's why you work the back of the trigger plate.

One good thing about having one plate that fits it precisely is that you can transfer and check measurements between them.

Marc

[sheepherder]

OK, my apprehension about polishing/filing/'fitting' the rear of the sideplate stems from the process of moving the centerline of the trigger lever closer to the frame/sear. Because of the 90º shape of this lever, this can affect the sear engagement.

I don't have an armorer's oversize sideplate, although one of those [maybe two] shown above are aftermarket pieces and may be oversize. But the sideplate with the too-thick front tang seems most promising.

While I understand that trigger pull is important to some shooters, right now I just want to get the plate fitted. I'll adjust for pull later.

The length of the front tang [where it hits the takedown lever] hadn't occurred to me (I was more concerned about thickness). I'll check that today.

Ed Tinker also commented that the takedown lever affects the sideplate fit. I don't have but one of those. Something for me to look for.

Always good to get a number of opinions and justifications on a subject I know nothing about. I thank you all!

[sheepherder]

My cannon assembly was very tight fitting to my frame, so last night I stripped the frame down and lapped in the barrel extension. It turned out quite smooth. I cleaned the lapping media off with solvent and scrubbed the parts with a stiff brush and soapy water, then blew the parts dry with compressed air.

This is how the 'thick tang' sideplate fits. The takedown lever is sloppier than I would like (side-to-side) in it's cavity, but it's what I gots.

I don't want to force the lever up any more than I can move it with my thumb. As is, I have to move it down with a clothespin half to get it disengaged.