Toggle does not fit correctly
 

Hi,
I got a "new" P.08 and tried to disasseble it. When I reassembled it back, it does not work anymore :crying: The toggle part seems not to fit correctly into the barrel extension part. Please see photo:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...411_221756.jpg

What can be wrong?

The recoil spring lever hooks probably didn't engage with the recoil "S" linkage lever properly. Check out the re-assembly instructions on this site.

Marc

That happened with my 1900AE - The pistol was assembled with the "S" lever [coupling link] behind the mainspring ears [flat mainspring; it would be the recoil lever on yours]. I couldn't even get the cannon assembly off. I took the grips off, poked at various things, held it upside down, jiggled it, and something finally moved and I could slide the cannon off. then re-assemble it and it worked perfectly. :)

Um...Your P08 seems to be in rather rough condition...Was it stored in a root cellar or a damp basement since 1945??? :(

It's possible the innards are pretty corroded...

Looking at the photo above, the rear toggle pin (in the toggle knob) has moved outwards. It should go further in, normally it is held in place by a small retaining pin from the top. Judging from the state of the pistol, that retaining pin is probably no longer there.

Few more photos... still cant figure it out :(
The gun was in working condition before I tried to disassembled it. I did disassemble only the top part - to the point where I took the striker out and reassebled it. I did not took apart the handle.
As you can see.. it does not fit already when the top part - barrel-toggle - is separated. :crying:

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...412_103024.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...412_103350.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...412_103416.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...412_103440.jpg

The pin going through the toggle knobs is wrong. It should not look that way. That is your problem.

very good photos even with the flash. Too bad about the gun!

THAT is a well worn veteran, possibly dug up, or from Louisiana? It needs, no begs for a total breakdown and thorough cleaning with liberal use of WD-40 to push out moisture. Then remove rust & crude with a brass brush, wipe each part down and insure all parts move smoothly, then put it back together and insure pins all seat properly. Check that the receiver axle is pushed in properly with the lip seated. Also insure the coupling link engages the recoil lever properly. I bought a P.38 in similar condition from Louisiana and thought it probably went through Hurricane Katrina, with immersion for several weeks.

Vlim - OK but what is wrong with that pin? How should it look? Can you point me to a photo? The small retaining pin is in place so I dont understand how the pin could move.

To everyone - the gun looks this way only from outside. No need to clean anything, no Katrina survivor, no rust. Inside is in good shape, working and shooting, modified to shoot only 7,62x25 blanks, and WORKS. At least it worked two days ago before a took it partially apart. It is a 1917 made, who knows what it might have seen..

All right.... the pistol works again :)
I have contacted the previous owner and found out that the toggle pin that is wrong is actually a custom made that prevents a complete closing of the bolt. A blank round would not cycle the autoloading mechanism if fully closed, it was tested.
My problem why the gun did now work was that the coupling link (T shaped) did not catch itself into the recoil lever hooks . I have to do it under a specific angle or what... I saw it when assembling without grips.
Now all is OK again :jumper: Thanks for any directions posted before!