Baby Luger Breech Block Slap

Rick W. · 01-30-2018, 09:55 AM

As a casual reserver, I am not quite convinced that shortening an oem spring is the real answer to some of these issues. I am aware of several converted Lugers that work just fine, but always think there is better over the hill sorta speak.

I heard that some custom springs were made up a while back for these 7 shot conversions, hard for me to call them "baby" as the 7 shot version does not look like the originals, but just my opinion. It might be interesting to research, if available, what went into these specialized springs.

I wonder if one of the rear frame surfaces is further ahead than the other? Or does the extra show up on the rear toggle itself? Blacken the area of concern with a candle, reassemble and shoot a few more, the number of rounds is up to you. If you dressed the marks down, do they still appear as before? Just an easy observation to try, does not cost much in the attempt. One would suspect some tolerancing in the frame surfaces, or whatever over the last 100 years.

I often wondered what Werle across the big pond used in his cut down Lugers; spring wise, some were really short in barrel length; suspect he did both calibers of 9 and 30, but just a guess on my part. If he is still around, a query might be helpful. If he is retiring, well, that was that, we are on our own.

Over the years, I have come to like a slower than recommended powder in the Luger, kinda gives the mechanism more time to ponder its operation, rather than just slamming around. Bullet weight comes into play at times as well. If one is stuck with factory ammo, then the whitebox is not a bad choice in my opinion; no real experience here in oem ammo, haven't bought any for 40 years. Never thought of the 9mm for qualification really.

Getting a spring made up for these 7 shot conversions is probably cost prohibitive, other than doing it yourself; the quantities for sale would not be too heavy probably, never recoup the R&D costs. My time is worthless really, but do not have the springy expertise yet; does sound interesting but time can be short.

milesc2 · 01-30-2018, 11:05 AM

Thanks for all the advice everyone!

GT: I believe I am at max spring length as it sits. I was fitting the spring then clipping 1 coil and installing it again. I think if I do your procedure I will end up with a spring about half a coil shorther than the one I have installed. I will give it a go though once I get more springs. They are too cheap not to try, maybe I can get an extra 1/4 coil in there?

Don: I don’t plan on shooting it this much. I was more or less testing if the wear on the frame would increase after each shot.
I know it was not designed for this type of shooting and after I get it running right I will shoot it much less.
You say this impact is somewhat normal? I have not seen many examples that show this wear. (Haven’t seen enough Lugers taken down)
I’m not sure how hard it is actually hitting the frame. Just trying to decide what this impact would eventually lead to down the road. Frame crack?
Does your baby show any deformation in this area on the frame?

I think the answer may be some sort of double spring setup. A smaller diameter spring that sits inside the mainspring?
Has anyone heard of anybody developing something like this?

As suggested I’ll send a note to Mr. Wherle as well.

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01-30-2018, 09:55 AM	#1
Rick W. User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 339 Thanks: 81 Thanked 359 Times in 198 Posts	As a casual reserver, I am not quite convinced that shortening an oem spring is the real answer to some of these issues. I am aware of several converted Lugers that work just fine, but always think there is better over the hill sorta speak. I heard that some custom springs were made up a while back for these 7 shot conversions, hard for me to call them "baby" as the 7 shot version does not look like the originals, but just my opinion. It might be interesting to research, if available, what went into these specialized springs. I wonder if one of the rear frame surfaces is further ahead than the other? Or does the extra show up on the rear toggle itself? Blacken the area of concern with a candle, reassemble and shoot a few more, the number of rounds is up to you. If you dressed the marks down, do they still appear as before? Just an easy observation to try, does not cost much in the attempt. One would suspect some tolerancing in the frame surfaces, or whatever over the last 100 years. I often wondered what Werle across the big pond used in his cut down Lugers; spring wise, some were really short in barrel length; suspect he did both calibers of 9 and 30, but just a guess on my part. If he is still around, a query might be helpful. If he is retiring, well, that was that, we are on our own. Over the years, I have come to like a slower than recommended powder in the Luger, kinda gives the mechanism more time to ponder its operation, rather than just slamming around. Bullet weight comes into play at times as well. If one is stuck with factory ammo, then the whitebox is not a bad choice in my opinion; no real experience here in oem ammo, haven't bought any for 40 years. Never thought of the 9mm for qualification really. Getting a spring made up for these 7 shot conversions is probably cost prohibitive, other than doing it yourself; the quantities for sale would not be too heavy probably, never recoup the R&D costs. My time is worthless really, but do not have the springy expertise yet; does sound interesting but time can be short.

01-30-2018, 11:05 AM	#2
milesc2 User Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: USA - Kansas City Posts: 216 Thanks: 339 Thanked 266 Times in 67 Posts	Thanks for all the advice everyone! GT: I believe I am at max spring length as it sits. I was fitting the spring then clipping 1 coil and installing it again. I think if I do your procedure I will end up with a spring about half a coil shorther than the one I have installed. I will give it a go though once I get more springs. They are too cheap not to try, maybe I can get an extra 1/4 coil in there? Don: I don’t plan on shooting it this much. I was more or less testing if the wear on the frame would increase after each shot. I know it was not designed for this type of shooting and after I get it running right I will shoot it much less. You say this impact is somewhat normal? I have not seen many examples that show this wear. (Haven’t seen enough Lugers taken down) I’m not sure how hard it is actually hitting the frame. Just trying to decide what this impact would eventually lead to down the road. Frame crack? Does your baby show any deformation in this area on the frame? I think the answer may be some sort of double spring setup. A smaller diameter spring that sits inside the mainspring? Has anyone heard of anybody developing something like this? As suggested I’ll send a note to Mr. Wherle as well.