Shooting a Collector Swiss
 

I would like to shoot my prize, a 1906 Swiss cross in shield. The gun is near perfect and I am somewhat worried about the risk of damage. I have seen recommendations about changing out the toggle for shooting a collcetor. For a donor I am considering a 1915 DWM mismatch that is my shooter. It is in nice condition with the toggle (which is matching to itself) being the mismatch. It functions well with a new mag - I regularly put 200-300 a month through it.

As the DWM is a mismatch, the date of the toggle is a question. It is of comparable quality to the 1906 Swiss (which dates from about 1911), is about 97-98% and on close inspection looks nearly identical in all aspects to the toggle in the 1906.

For test fit (not shooting) I put this toggle assembly into the 1906. It fits and functions perfectly. I have not, however made any comparisons with measuring instruments. I also tried this assembly for fit in a 42 byf and it worked well, also. With the byf I was able to test a dummy round for extraction. With all tests I used the pistolâ??s original rear pin.

I donâ??t have access to a local gunsmith to check this out. I have a small hobby tool room and a decent array of measuring instruments. I am, at best, an amateur gunsmith. I have improved the function of and fixed many of my guns over the years. I do, however, recognize my limitations and always ask or try to farm out any work of which I am uncertain. Is there any way I can check this out further? I understand one critical area is the measurement of headspace - which I assume is at the face of the breechblock and when the toggle assembly is closed. How can I measure this, what other things should be checked & do you think what I am doing is advisable?

Any advice, guidance would be appreciated.

Thanks, Bob

welllll, if the gun us near perfect, wouldn't it be better to get a non-perfect and shoot her?

I have shot a few of my "collectable" guns, but if you screw it up, and I don't even mean breaking a part, but something easy like; slip and you scratch the heck out of it, or drop it a foot and chip a grip...

I am Mr. Clumsy and what a pain when you do the stupid thing...

Ed

Well...good point, but a swiss shooter is more $$$.... & besides, the term "Safe Queen" kind of bugs me as I am used to at least occasionally shooting most of my collectables. As far as the risk of a scratch, etc. that I'm willing to take - it's the broken parts everyone seems most concerned about.


Bob