safety is hard to operate
 

Awhile ago I received an older Luger that had not been maintained in quite a while from the looks of it. Operationally it seems okay but the safety is very hard to move.

I have since thoroughly cleaned and lubricated the gun but the safety remains very difficult to move. While disassembled, I looked closely at the parts and didn't see anything obvious.

I've searched the forum for similar problems and have found none. Does anyone have any ideas about what to look for and how to proceed?

I suspect I have not provided enough information so let me know what I've neglected to describe.

thanks.

Mitchell

Mitchell, it is more common that the safety moves too easily.
If moving too stiffly, I would think its binding. If not bent a bit, is the pin that holds it in moved out a bit into the way?

As it is fairly common for older heavily used lugers to have a loose safety. Many times people have tried to correct this by bending the free end of the safety downward. You should be able to tell where it is tight. I do not recommend this or trying to bend it back. If mine I would send to GT or Lugerdoc. Bill

Probably a little rust or crud in the hole for the pivot point, add some penetrating oil; or remove it and clean and lube.

Take the grips off and turn it upside down and let the oil run into the pivot area, leave it overnight.

With Edward's thoughts, I carefully looked at the lever - it it did seem to be fairly slightly bent. I hadn't read Bill Lyon's comment yet or I might have hesitated but with great caution, I carefully did a little adjustment and it now works fine.

Thanks to all for your comments.