First luger 30 Cal / How to lock back action???
 

I was looking at the field strip and how do you lock the action into battery where it stays locked back???? My pistol with the original clip will not stay back. Is it the clip or am I doing something wrong. I now nothing of the luger just 1911's and Browning's I and III's. From my previous thread I just picked up a excellent condition 1925 export model. Thanks for any input.

Depends on two things;

1. Does it have a hold open installed? (it should)

2. Magazine just does not cause it to work right


Ed

Let's start with this: With the receiver (barrel assembly) off the frame, insert the empty mag. Do you see a little lever popping up? The spring et al, is along the inside of the rt. frame, the hold open bar is across the frame just behind the mag well. The follower button on the mag is what pushes everything up.

FN

Nice looking pistol from your previous pictures. You do NOT need to lock the toggle back to field strip. Early Lugers did not have the hold-open feature and some were later converted for such (so I've read). Just remove the magazine, switch the safety to OFF (check for EMPTY chamber), grasp toggle with the right index and middle fingers with thumb on the lanyard ring and pull 1/2 way back while holding barrel with left hand use left thumb to rotate take-down lever and pull it out. Assemble in reverse manner. The condition of the TD lever spring can make lever removal and reassembly difficult sometimes. YMMV Joe

Regarding slide not staying locked
 

The locking mechanism is there. It was the old clip with the wood base that was not going all the way up to engage the mechanism to the bolt. I can push up on the clip and the lever will stay back. Did a field strip of what you suggested and all is there and works. I will definitely have to get after market mags as not to harm the original wood one. Value loss at least. This pistol has not been fired I believe at all maybe a few times. The blueing on the feed ramp is still there. No feed marks. Should I get brass, bullets, primers and poweder and have fun.....or should I leave it the way it is for Value as an investment or just a pistol that is 90 years old that has not been fired but a few times at best. There is holster wear. If not for that this would be a museum piece. The main spring is so strong that it takes two hands to hold it back. It would definitely take the high end of the powder range to cycle the pistol. Also can you dry fire the pistol with no harm?????? Like a 45 auto the firing pin hits a spring and not metal to metal?????? I have a lot to learn on this one. Great Forum!!!!! Where are a few sites that sell mags for the 30 cal.???????? Any info for mags and reloading would be great....if that's OK on this site. Most of my old sites for 45 and 9mm have bullets and brass.

Glad to hear you figured it out. Dry firing is not recommended. Get some snap caps. To close the action without setting the trigger/firing pin, slowly close the action, holding it back. About 3 / 8 in before the breech is closed squeeze the trigger and hold it.

There are period mags for sale from some forum members. Put a WTB in the classifieds. Luger 7.65 and 9mm take the same mag.

Fiocchi (sp?) makes a 7.65. The bigger places like Midway and Cabelas usually have it.

FN

PS: I recommend you thoroughly clean everything. Especially the inside of the firing pin, and the breach cavity that holds it. Also under the extractor. Amazing the amount of grime in these places.


see: http://www.wonderhowto.com/search/luger/

FN

Cleaning
 

Right now I am soaking the inside of the barrel with Nitro solvent. I want to clean it real good to see what I have. I shoot custom 45 auto's and a custom browning 9mm. So I have a good idea of what to clean but this is a sure different animal. I shoot clays in my 45's for the soft recoil for target and when I shot metal. I could go 500 rounds between cleanings. Springer Custom shop and a les Bear. The 9mm was customed at Novak's. I shoot Tight Group. Also changed out the main springs for the light loads. This Luger is one fine made pistole' Thanks for any input!!! My 48th Lyman manual has some loads for it. What is recommened for the 30 Cal. I was thinking of maybe W231 or Unique, bullseye......that way I could try it in my others.

Nice Video's, Thanks!!!