Toggle does not return to battery
 

Hello:

I am new to collecting and appreciate all the great information on this forum. Over the weekend I shot a 1940, 42 code Mauser. Every time we shot it the spent cartridge ejected, but the toggle did not return to battery. When we pressed it down by hand the pistol fired fine, but every time the toggle stayed up. What would cause this? Thanks in advance.

Hi Hal,
My first guess is that the main spring is too weak. I assume you cleaned and oiled the gun before firing.
Mike C.

..or to strong, not letting the toggle go all the way back?
If you push the Luger muzzle to muzzle against another Luger, you might get an indication if it's stronger or weaker than the other.
Another thing you can check is if the receiver pinches on the frame somehow. You can try this with and without the toggle train.. Good luck with it, and welcome to the forum!

Also, a holdopen in not too good a condition may block the toggle, as it will bounce up during recoil. A simple test is to shoot a series without the holdopen installed.

All very good suggestions for you to try, you might also try a different magazine; if yours is damaged or simply not fitted properly it will hang the toggle up when returning.

Let us know what works for you

Vern

..and keep a firm grip;)

Thanks to everyone. I sure appreciate the help of experts!

Don't forget that the gun should be lubricated in the slide/toggle grooves as well...

I had the same problem with my handloaded round TC bullet 125 gr , OAL 28.7 mm. Given that specific shape of that specific bullet, despite the short OAL, the bullet touched the land and the breach couldn't close.
TC bullets made by other manufacturers worked just fine.

Just my 2 Euro cents.