Holdopen or lack thereof...
 

Hi Folks.
I have a 1939 42 that functions perfectly except last shot holdopen. It will hold back about 20 - 30 % of the time.
- I use three mags;
original and two MecGars, all with Wolff extra power springs.
- Ammo is Geco 124 gr, WW 115 gr.
- masking tape cuts on rear of frame shows toggle comes all the way back.
- Pistol is clean and oiled.
- Pushing upward on mag base does not help.
- Holdopen will work 100% by hand cycling on empty mag.
- I have bent holdopen spring down and no effect. Note: spring was not that springy, but bent easily.
- grip does not rub against mag button.
- new Wolff recoil spring.
- bottom of toggle is not rounded and holdopen latch is sharp and not worn.

Anything else to look for? Your thoughts? Thanks, Pappy

Pappy,
The spring should not bend that easy (as you state)
its should spring back into original shape.

sounds like perhaps in could be a spring problem to me

Jim

my .02

Pappy, If you compare various holdopens some are much higher at the rear than others. Since you've tried everything elsa, it's probably time for a different HO with a higher rear portion. TH

Spring.....
 

Thanks Tom and Jim.
Yes, I agree, its probably the spring has lost it's 'spring'.
Since I have only one P-08, I cannot compare various HO heights.
Is there a measurement I can make to check height? Say, 'X' inches above lower frame top?
Tom, can you PM me about availability and $$ of HO (various heights??), springs and magazine catch? Pappy

Pappy, The HO spring only functions to hold it down, so that is probably not your problem. I do have exc original HOs with spring installed @$50 and mag release buttons ranging from $5 pitted to $20 in minty condition, with all grades in between. Tom

Hi Tom.
You mentioned HOs with various heights. Is this a part dimension?
I just looked at the original prints for the HO and height of the latch part is given as 5mm. Mine measures 4.9mm, so I don't think that is my problem.
I think where my problem is that there is some up and down movement of the locked magazines. All three.
Should the mag be locked tight with very little or no vertical movement?
Pappy