Question on field stripping a P08
 

A couple of my previous posts have to do about my problem with getting my Luger back together correctly. I followed the suggestions from forum members and the dern thing still won't work right. I get it together and there is no trigger pull, just complete slack. So, when I took it apart it was not cocked. Does the P08 have to be cocked before a field strip? If so, how do I correct this? I'm really getting frustrated with this pistol.

just complete slack. What is 'slack"? The trigger? The toggle train? complete slack with no subject is pretty meaningless.

Does the P08 have to be cocked before a field strip? NO.

With the top cannon in hand, off the pistol frame, push in on the sear. Will the Pistol fire? Remember..be SURE it is not loaded but a snap cap is a good idea to prevent firing pin damage.

1) Take it apart.
2) Remove the toggle link pin and bolt/toggle link.
3) now your Parabellum is field stripped.

4) Insert bolt/toggle link. Observe that the bolt wont go in all the way. It hangs on the sear and holds back the firing pin.
5) Manipulate toggle link and insert pin.
6) Press the front part of the sear and the firing pin will pop forward + the toggle link will pop down in a sweeping motion that does'nt damage the firing pin ;-)

Thank you chickenthief, If all else fails, I will be taking it to Simpsons ltd in Galesburg, IL. They agreed to take a look at it. They know lugers. And, I live 40 minutes away from them.

I cant add pictures to a PM so i will reply here.

The sear is held in place by the spring at the rear and the pivoting pin at the center.


This video shows quite good how the trigger assembly works:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEdRo0g-Mp8

I live 40 minutes away from them. Save time and gas money. Answer a few questions. get some help and figure it out for yourself. Don't give up now!

To answer your question, Lugers may be field stripped either cocked or uncocked. It is a tiny bit easier when uncocked. But cocked/uncocked status should not impact function after reassembly.

You mentioned you'd looked at field strip videos, but it's really important to see the whole firing cycle if you are trying to diagnose an issue. Here's another video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DBYV6s1lvo

In addition to the suggestion above, here is a little different way of testing function:
-Load a snap cap in the chamber, and separate the upper from the frame, leaving all other parts in their assembled position. Tilt the upper down so the snap cap doesn't fall out, then grasping the barrel of the receiver, pull the toggle all the way back, release, and press it forward into battery. The pistol should now be cocked. Push in on the sear plunger, and you should hear the firing pin release (fire). If you hear the click of the FP release, the problem is in the frame. If no click, there is an issue with the firing pin spring or the sear.

-If this test isolates the problem to the frame, check to see if the trigger lever spring in the side plate has worked loose/is installed correctly.

If these don't work, please post your results and we can try to help further. Good luck to you, diagnosing issues can be a little tricky but very satisfying when solved.