Breech Block Failure 1916/1920 Erfurt

Karl · 01-19-2021, 06:41 PM

I have a few observations as an amateur that may not be relevant. First of all, I am not familiar with Blazer ammo but generally, in my experience, newly-manufactured ammo has a brass finish primer, like the bass case. These primers are white, like reloads. Is this new ammo or reloaded ammo?

Second, I agree that the primer strikes seem to be unusually deep (see especially the top round in the photo with the breech block from the rear).

I also note from the photo with the breech block face that the striker hole is off center and seems to be “cratered,” raised around the hole. Is the breech block surface flat?

Finally, in looking at the spent brass, most of the brass has the distinctive neck mark from the stepped chamber of the Luger, but several rounds do not seem to have this mark, suggesting that the round did not fully expand into the chamber. Perhaps a sign of firing out of battery?

KFS

01-19-2021, 06:41 PM	#11
Karl Lifer - Twice Over Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Savannah Posts: 533 Thanks: 0 Thanked 285 Times in 125 Posts	I have a few observations as an amateur that may not be relevant. First of all, I am not familiar with Blazer ammo but generally, in my experience, newly-manufactured ammo has a brass finish primer, like the bass case. These primers are white, like reloads. Is this new ammo or reloaded ammo? Second, I agree that the primer strikes seem to be unusually deep (see especially the top round in the photo with the breech block from the rear). I also note from the photo with the breech block face that the striker hole is off center and seems to be “cratered,” raised around the hole. Is the breech block surface flat? Finally, in looking at the spent brass, most of the brass has the distinctive neck mark from the stepped chamber of the Luger, but several rounds do not seem to have this mark, suggesting that the round did not fully expand into the chamber. Perhaps a sign of firing out of battery? KFS