1917 Erfurt breach block failed
 

I have a 1917 Erfurt Luger, and the breach block failed the last time I fired it. It will no longer hold the firing pin spring retainer in place.

Should I try to have a gun smith repair the breach block, or should I try to find a replacement? Right now the gun has all of the original parts, so if possible I would like to get it repaired.

I'm guessing that we may need to see photos of the damaged part before we can help much. And even then it may come down to a skilled gunsmith having it in his hands before a decision can be made.
Thus the risk we take shooting 100 year old guns.
dju

Bet you blew out the rear of the breech block didnt you? I did this years ago on an erfurt too. The problem is the gas flow from possibly a pierced primer set the gasses back through and around the firing pin forcing in rearward. You can fix the rear part with a weld and a good dremell tool, but i would never want to shooot it again. It would at least save the matching part. The next thing to do is replace the breech block and get a relief cut firing pin, if you want to keep shooting that pistol. Good luck

Please post pics of your failed breech block, as well as any other parts affected (firing pin & spring, guide, etc). :thumbup:

What kind of ammunition were you firing - reloads, commercial brands, military, and any identifying data on it (bullet type & weight, intended use [target, match, plinking, etc] as well as age (new, old military, old powder, etc).

As stated above, even a well repaired breechblock is not safe to use again. The steel becomes brittle with prolonged use and although the welded part may be strong, the rest of the breechblock will now become the 'weakest link'.

Best bet if you intend to fire it is to get a new [new to you, not necessarily made yesterday] breechblock/toggle train for firing and use the original (if it matches) for display.

More info
 

I've uploaded pictures of the gun and the damaged block.

I took the gun to a gunsmith who has worked on these guns before and he said that based on where the damage is that is should be repairable, and safe to use after the repair.

Only the very back of the block is damaged, and it's in a low stress area.

I would also like to know how to find out what the gun worth. Every part has the original serial number stamped on it, and other than the block, everything else is working perfectly.

Thanks

This can be repaired by a skillful welder with little damage to the original finish. If you are to further fire this pistol. I would suggest an entirely new toggle train.

Regarding value, with nothing much to go on, all I can do is a WAG of $1000 before it was damaged.
dju

The damage lost you about $400-500 + whatever repairs will cost you. Pretty basically destroyed a collectable Luger. Now it's a pile of parts and a shooter when you put another bolt and firing pin with it. It's stories like this we have been warning people about for decades. Sad but a classic tale.

I couldn't agree more.