Re-tapping grip screw hole ?
 

I picked up a very nice 1940/42. It has one issue, one of the grip screw holes is buggered up. Can I run a tap through it to clean it up? Is there an experienced Luger gunsmith that can do this for me so I don't make things worse?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Here's her picture.



http://tinypic.com/15a6j9

Captain Emo,


The correct tap to clean up the threads in a 1940 is 3/16x32 TPI. This is not a common thread size but can be found at the larger machine tool supply houses i/e Travers Tool Co.

If you don't want to attempt this yourself, you can send me your frame and I will do it for you free of charge but it will cost you shipping both ways. The frame will have to be sent by UPS or Fedex 2nd day air (their regulations) and will be costly.

Hugh: Remember before you buy another set of taps for the 3/16-32 TPI, you have to keep in mind that it is the Whitworth thread confirguation which is not the standard 3/16-32 TPI. This is a British Standard. Much like the thread on the barrel is also British Standard 18mm x 1.27 and not Metric.

You're right Sam, I just read the size off the tap, forgot about it being Whitworth specs. :(

I'll check the price on shipping. I am afraid I might do more damage than presently exists. I wouldn't know that I was doing the tapping properly. Please correct me if I am wrong.

Otherwise, I can't pass up your generous offer. She has some issues, as you will see, but otherwise she is a lovely pistol. I did not really buy the "run over by a tank in France" story, but he really believed it. I really think it was used to beat something like a hammer. I would think a tank would do much more damage.

Captain Emo,

Shipping one way will run around $15-$20, more depending on how much insurance you buy. You can go the the UPS or FEDEX website to get an esitmate. My zip code is 77538. If you have a couple of extra grip screws and the threads are not buggered up to bad on the frame, you may be able to clean them up with some cutting oil and a grip screw & a good screwdriver.

I did that on the one side. I am afraid to mess with the other.

Hugh:


Send me your address and I'll get her off to you. I thank you in advance for your help. I can't wait to have her cleaned up. Frank says "HI".

Eric