1913 DWM P08 Turning 100...
 

My mixed parts 1913 DWM is 100 years old this year! Of course it's just a shooter but it has my respect for still functioning well after all these years. I got it around 1975 and have thousands of rounds through it with only one broken part, fortunately the easy to replace toggle pin.

It doesn't get fired so much the last few years, last time was last summer but looking forward to taking it out soon. A large group of family and friends want to fire the old timer this year. No doubt a lot of you guys have done this before but it's kind of exciting to us! :cheers:

Better enjoy this one, I won't be around when my 41 byf turns 100. :o :)

The toggle pin broke??? :eek:

Did you save the pieces??? I would really be curious to see the pieces, especially any evidence of crystallization... :thumbup:

Sorry, that may be the wrong terminology. Axle pin? Anyway the big pin that holds the toggle in the barrel extension tines. The pistol kept firing as if nothing was wrong. I didn't notice it till cleaning later in the day. It sheared in two right in the middle but the design of the pistol holds it in place. Otherwise the toggle would have smacked me in the face! Good old gun!

I am a pack rat and may still have it in an old range bag. I'll look but this was 20+ years ago. Fortunately no problems since.

I for one would be interested in seeing either the receiver axle or the toggle axle (they are the two 'large' pins in the toggle train) that is broken.

Here's a link to the Numrich site showing the Luger. Part # 5 is what you are saying broke, if I'm reading you correctly.

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufact...P-08-37093.htm

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/pub/sche..._P08_schem.jpg

Yes, thanks for the diagram, it was pin #5. The ears of the frame prevented either half from "walking out" after it sheared. I'm still impressed the pistol would continue to function, I shot around 100 rounds that day, IIRC. No way of knowing how many after the break but the odds are quite a few.

Anyway, I'll look for it today.

Dwight Gruber did a small survey (only 22 respondents) back in 2003 on broken parts, and three others reported broken 'rear toggle axle pins'...

http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthread.php?t=6491

(Others have added their comments since then, but not all have not been added to the 'database'.)

It would be instructive to see the remains of the pin...That is not a part that I would think would be prone to breakage...

Happy 100th Birthday to your shooter!! I also am a shooter, and not a collector, and understand the joy of shooting these fine pistols.

Quentin,
even if the rear connecting pin cracked completely and had no retaining function any more, the toggle would not smack into your face. The breechblock would just be caught in the frame of the pistol.
Good old gun !
Armin.

postino, I've looked everywhere I can think of and can't find the broken pin. If it turns up I will post a close up picture.