Toggle won't stay open??
 

Hi guys,
I am new to the forum and also to Lugers. I have a chance to buy this one, but shouldn't the toggle stay open when you pull it back? I have taken the gun apart, and everything looks as it should to my untrained eyes. It will not stay back unless you put a loaded mag in. Help please.

http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/q...a/DSC_0001.jpg

http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/q...DSC_0005-1.jpg

Does the toggle stay back when there is an empty magazine in the gun? The toggle hold-open is magazine actuated. It will not work on its own.

If the hold-open will not work on an empty mag, then you probably have a weak hold-open spring or a chipped or damaged hold-open device.

No it will not stay open with empty mag. Where is the spring??

It is attached to the forward part of the hold open.

Hi Ronnie, Welcome to the forum! As the others have mentioned, a defective hold-open is one possibility, another is a defective magazine. Regards, Norm

Is that looking down in the chamber?? And also, the toggle is very hard to pull back. My hands are sore.

This is looking down straight into the magazine well from the top with the upper part of the pistol removed.

Hi Ronnie, Me again. It looks like a nice gun, but the front sight blade is not original. Regards, Norm

Not worth 800.00??

There are not enough detailed photos of the gun to make an informed call. Based on what I see parts of the pistol may have been reblued, (as in the sideplate) and the fit of the grips as well as the front sight indicate replacements. If all these issues were the reality then $800 would be on the high side of a fair price for the gun.

Is the magazine marked in any way?

Thanks for you guys quick replys. I want a Luger, but it has to be right. I am very picky with my guns.

Can anybody also chime in on whether the extractor should be numbered to the gun at this late production date?

Hi Doug, My 42 byf has a numbered extractor, but it also has the same clumsily finished side-plate as Ronnie's (see photo). With the exception of that front sight blade, I think the gun is OK and well worth $800.00.
Hi Ronnie, In your first photo I notice that the magazine is not fully inserted. Was it this way when the gun did not hold open? Regards, Norm

Hi Norm,
No, I had it all the way in, in fact, I even pushed as hard as I could to make sure that was not the problem. The mag has fxo amd another mark on it. Would that be right for this gun and was it carried by the German Military?

I am buying a Colt Peacemaker 22 from him today at 350.00. I am going to offer 1000.00 for the 2. Then I think I woulb be ok????

Front sight looks vaguely Finnish...Are there any markings on the barrel???

I took the gun apart this morning and the hold open is not even there?
The markings on the barrell are serial #6558. Should I look for anything else? I have to do something today.
Here, I just snapped some pics???

http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/q...DSC_0003-1.jpg

http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/q...DSC_0012-3.jpg

http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/q...DSC_0013-2.jpg

http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/q...a/DSC_0021.jpg

http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/q...DSC_0014-1.jpg

http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/q...a/DSC_0019.jpg

You are indeed missing your holdopen. This is a part that our own Tom Heller, (Luger Doc) can supply you. Perhaps even with a matching number.

Your gun looks like it has the original finish. Norm made an excellent case for an original, unmessed with sideplate.

On the minus side, you still have a non original front sight, non original grips, non numbered extractor and a missing hold-open and spring.

On the plus side, it appears to be an original finish gun, the front sight is easely replaced as is the hold-open, (albeit perhaps mismatched). The extractor should match as well. Your magazine is a desirable FXO worth perhaps $150 plus.
You never mention if the balance of the gun, (safety lever, sear block, sear, firing pin, all toggle sections, etc) match the gun. Is there any letter sufix under the serial number on the front of the frame above the trigger guard?
In short, several issues balanced against an original finish and largely matching gun.
If I were making the decision, I would want to get into this gun for about $650 to $700

So it is missing the numbered hold-open, the front sight blade is a replacement and the grips are suspect. Be careful because while a nice Luger it is no real bargain even at $800.
dju

It has the letter D under the barrell. The number 58 is on all the parts I can see. I couldn't find anything on the trigger when taken out. As for some of the other parts, like the firing pin, I am not versed enough to take it all the way down. I f I can get it at 650.00 would I be ok you think?

What is the extractor???

Extractor is the funny hook thing on top that reaches over the front of the bolt to pull the case from the chamber.
Seems like a reasonable deal at $650 as long as it is what you want, a shooter. If your heart is set on a collectable, then pass on it and prepare to spend 2x that amount.
dju

Haven't you answered your own question? There's more than one fish in the sea. Toss it back and continue fishing.:thumbup:

Mine is numbered.

Curl

OK, Lets get this right. It has no collector value and is not worth 650.00? I guess I am in the market for a nice Luger if any of you guys can steer me in the right direction.

Hi Ronnie, Is the breech block (front toggle) numbered to the gun? It's numbered on it's left side, as shown in the photo. If it is, while not exactly the Louisiana purchase, I think this gun a bargain at $650.00. Regards, Norm

Yes Norm, it is numbered correct. Is it safe to shoot without the hold open?

Absolutely, it just won't hold open after the last round is fired. Regards,Norm

Now the same guy has a German Drilling {JP SAUER AND SOHN }he wants me to look at. He is selling all his guns, but I can't buy all of them. From the sound of it, I would love to have the Drilling. I am just going to ask him what he wants and buy it if he says 7 or 8 hundred. The bad thing is he dont have a clue what these guns are worth.

OK Guys,
I got the Luger for 600.00. Now I need the hold open assembly? Does anybody know where I can get one. And thanks to you guys for helping me on this gun. I have always wanted one, but never had a chance to buy one. I am a collector of 1911 Colts, and this Luger will be a great addition. I would like to have an original holster also. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I think the first Luger will not be my last!!!

Congratulations! You are now bit by the bug.

Curl

Thanks Curl,
I will shoot this one, and now I want a 100% original one.

So, now you don't want the drilling, right? You can send me the contact info for that "guy". :)

Allen R

Hes bringing it over today when he picks up the money for the luger. I have a feelling it will go in the safe.

Ohh, unfortunate...for me, that is. Good on you. I've kept my eyes peeled for a drilling for many years. I let a Merkel slip through my hands about 20 years ago and have regretted it ever since.

James

Do me a favor and remove the Peacemaker grips and if my name is there on the inside, I'll double your money if you want. Many years ago I got one for Christmas from my dad and I later traded it in on an engagement ring. I still have the wife, but now that I can afford to have both, I'd like the gun too. Fingers cross and sorry for the hijack.

No problem,
I also have the gun blues over some I sold many years ago. I wish I had never got in this Luger bussines. Now I want an Artillary Rig.