VoPo Troubleshooting Help Needed w/Pic
 

I've had two oppurtunities to fire the VoPo 1917 DWM I bought a couple months ago. I bought it as a shooter because it appeared to be in nearly unissued (since the rebuild) condition. 99% blueing, mint bore, no pitting. The entire toggle/bolt assembly is force matched. The only mag I have for it is the matching original. This is my first Luger, but I'm familiar with the internals. Here are my indications:

Winchester White Box: The bolt doesn't seem to fully cycle. Ejection is inconsistent. About every fourth round is partially fed (I think the case heads are not at the bolt face when it starts to move forward).

S&B 115gr: Better functioning overall. Bolt seems to fully cycle. However, Every 5th or 6th shot, the toggle locks open as if the mag were empty (it is not).

Fiocchi 115gr Shooting Dynamics: Similar functioning to the S&B. Same problem with the toggle hold open engaging. Occasionally fails to lock open on the last round.

I suspect that my hold open latch spring is weak, allowing it to "bounce" during normal firing. Is this correct? Any other tips? Any idea what this gun is worth? It doesn't actually seem to have any VoPo markings. It has an "X" on the receiver flat on the upper right side. The barrel is unmarked accept for a single small stamp with a number inside.
http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/6076/dscn1051pg3.jpg
Thanks!

Please don't be offended,but we must start with the basics
1. Did you clean and lube the pistol before firing?
Lugers don't like to be dirty or dry.
2. Are you sure you are not limp wristing?
Lugers need to held firmly in the hand for the action to cycle.
3. Have you tried different mags ?
Many feeding problems(not all) can be traced back to a faulty mag.

Edward,

Welcome aboard!


My luger had the same problem and it did turn out to be the holdopen spring. I bought a new spring from Lugerdoc and the problem went away.

The spring is not that difficult to change.

Hope this helps,

Chris

1) Yes, cleaned and lubricated before firing both times.
2) I was using a firm weaver stance.
3) I think the next step is to pick up some mec-gar mags.

Hi,

If the holdopen is at fault, you can check it by removing it from the frame. The holdopen is the L-shaped thing wrapped around the magazine opening. If you lift it slightly at the back, you can pull it out in direction of the back of the frame.

The pistol will work as normal without the holdopen, it will not hold the toggle open after the last shot, that's all.