1917 DWM 9mm
 

This is probably the most appropriate forum since I'm new to the Luger world. I picked up this 1917 DWM pistol recently:

http://hooverae.com/upload/files/130408/1239364.jpeg

I headed out to the range for some paper-punching and when I tried out the Luger I found it wouldn't fully cycle upon firing.

The toggle would fully close but the slide didn't return completely forward and the trigger did not reset. I found if I nudged the trigger forward the slide would snap forward and the next round could be fired. I field stripped it on the bench and relubed the slide and toggle on the off chance it was too dry.

I only fired about ten rounds like this, at least it's rather accurate. I was using Winchester white-box 115gr ammunition. Since I needed a new spring for a CZ pistol I went ahead and ordered a 36 and 40 lb Wolff spring for the Luger, perhaps one of these will help. Any other parts I should take a look at to clear up this problem?

I detail stripped the pistol and cleaned years' worth of gunk out of it. Upon further inspection it seems the trigger spring or trigger bar may be the culprit? If I dry fire it and cycle the toggle by hand it recocks properly. However, if I pull the trigger and hold it while cycling the toggles, it doesn't return fully forward until I release the trigger and the trigger remains to the rear until I push it forward a bit like I had to do at the range this afternoon.

Still looking for any advice on this issue, is there another part I should be looking at?

It sounds like the sear disconnect, the little moveable pin at the front of the sear bar, may be sticking. Try lubricating it well with a penetrating lube like WD-40 and depress it manually a few times to see if that frees it up. The trigger spring may also be weak since you can correct the problem by pushing it forward. Pushing the trigger forward moves the transfer lever out of the way so the disconnect can extend properly, so it might be either the disconnect or trigger spring, or both, that is the problem.

As I admitted, I am new to these great guns. When I first tore down the pistol after bringing it home I couldn't figure out if that pin was supposed to move or not, mine was frozen to the rear. I got mine freed up now. I drifted out the small retaining pin and cleared out the congealed oil/powder residue with some carburetor cleaner and oiled it up. The pistol is cycling perfectly now. I will still go ahead with the spring replacement as it would still be good preventative maintenance.

Thanks for the quick reply and expert advice.