fxo mag
 

recently acquired an exc. condition black plastic bottom fxo/37 mag. Is it acceptable + common for the base to be ever so slightly loose? any comments appreciated

Re: fxo mag
 

Yes! With the plastic (baekolite) bottom it is both correct to be loose and probably desirable! As the are very fragile with age, and will not stand any presure or abuse! The rivit is quite different then the aluminum bottom fxo, (DON"T TRY TO REMOVE THE RIVIT!!) and sometimes (very rarely!) is expanded so slightly that it can be removed without breaking the bottom! DON'T TRY TO REMOVE THE RIVIT!!, you will, most likely, break the bottom!!! The rivit in the Aluminum bottoms are impacted so hard, that it usually forms the ears of the bottom right up tight against the mag shell... Don't worry about the looseness, it's OK! till...later...G.T.

Re: fxo mag
 

thanks GT sounds like good advice.Also, were fxo/37 aluminum bottom mags ever issued w/no makings on bottom? and just the number 42? I have one of each. Bottoms appear to be original. any comments appreciated. I have two 95%+ byf42's. Would these mags be appropriate as spares w/my 2 black bottom mags? thanks, dgp42

Re: fxo mag
 

They are excellent mag's for your lugers! I'm not very familiar with the 42 marked mag? It would depend on how, and where on the bottom, the 42 is stamped! Bill M could probably give you a better assessment on that type of mark! The black plastic mag seems to be prefered by collectors that want to match them up with byf 41's & byf 42's with black plastic grips! But they are a correct and highly desired mag, in excellent unbroken condition! till....later....G.T.

Re: fxo mag
 

The FXO I have is made of extruded steel with an aluminum bottom with no number. On the left side just above the aluminum bottom piece is a small three feathered eagle over 37 and immediately above that is fxo. On the other side (still on the left) to the right of the bottom piece is P08 stamped vertically and facing the outer edge. The bottom piece has a steel pin running through it that goes all the way through. The loading pin is knurled and the spring is the newer zig-zag type. The follower appears to be steel. No other marking appears on it.

Re: fxo mag
 

The magazine that you have with 42 stamped on the bottom is a replacement magazine. The original magazine was serialised to the pistole and was probably lost or damaged so a replacement was issued. You can read more on this in Jan Stills book Third Reich Lugers page 125. Hope this helps Don