Wear to the striker guide retaining lug
 

Hello,

This is my first post so hello everyone!

I am brand new owner of the 1908 Luger - one from 5000 batch made by DWM for Bulgarian government. Took it for the range but quickly noticed the breech block lug which should keep spring under tension is gone. I understand this is not unusual problem and I need to find a new breech block?

I live in UK where parts are hard to find and would be very grateful for any advice on where I could find something?

Best regards
Michal

In most European countries that is a licensed part and hard to come by without a long papertrail.

http://egun.de/market/item.php?id=6233314

Hi Michal, and welcome to the forum.

The problem you describe may have occurred when a primer was pierced during firing and the high pressure gasses blew the firing pin back. This can make the firing pin guide break, or break out the back of the breech block.

The breech block is a hardened steel part that is integral to the firing mechanism. There is a fair amount of fitment needed when replacing a breech block. For that reason, you may find it more effective to have the damaged area micro-welded back, machined to correct specification and hardened.

As the breech block part may be a controlled part in the UK, it might be very difficult to import or obtain one. If the Luger is all matching, replacing the breech block would considerably drop it's value and interest to a collector in the USA.

I didn't know you could own a functional pistol in the UK. It's possible that the thing you observe was the way the gun was deactivated. Reactivating it would likely be a crime if this is the case.

Hi,

Thanks for a nice welcome.

You are allowed to own a functional gun in UK under section 7.3 which means 'historical value' pistol but it needs to be kept in one of the designated sites (a few ranges in a country). It is not deactivated but unfortunately it does need now a new breech block. I will validate if it is legal to import this part into U.K.

Thanks for help
Michal

Any part that you replace this with will probably need some level of fitting, and will, of course, leave the pistol non-matching.

If it's already got parts from another gun in it, that isn't an issue as it's already a "shooter". If not, reconsider having the part repaired.

I would prefer to fix it but again it is very painful here as you can't just get your gun with you - you need a special certified carrier to move it around.

It is a shooter as well so not worried about the price - only started with pistols and the next one will be all matching.

Not very happy morning here in London today :(
Michal

I imagine that it must also be very difficult to find experienced and competent gunsmiths. Still, your shooting facility might be able to provide a nearby reference.

Condolences on the most recent London Islamic terrorist violence.

There is a cost to leaving law abiding citizens defenseless. In this case eight minutes of opportunity were violently and effectively exploited to kill and maim using vehicles and knives.

Our John Lott (an academic researcher and economist) studies these things. While England has a lower homicide rate and death rate relating to firearms, the differences between countries are relatively close. The US is 11th or 12th on the list. England 15th or 16th when comparing developed European and American countries.

http://crimeresearch.org/2015/06/com...us-and-europe/

One dominant characteristic is that the numbers of fatalities and injuries per incident tend to be higher in England.

I work here to eliminate draconian laws that prohibit self protection.

I can't agree more - no need to convince me. We are left with no way to protect ourselves while politicians who made this a law are looked after by fully armed and best trained guards. Yet there is still lots of people who believe this is OK...

Mgi,

Find out if your damaged breechblock is a registered part, like the frame, etc. If it is not, then you/one can removed the breechblock from the toggle train and take that piece ONLY to have it repaired. Just a thought.....good luck.

Perhaps a solution for you:

http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthread.php?t=35951

The breechblock is a registered part all over Europe.

The repair looks sound and doable if you have workshop, skills and access to the firearm. Thanks a lot for this link - will try to see what could be done.

I have a question - if a breechblock is a registered part does it mean I can't buy or import it as a part?

It just means lots of red tape and gobberment hoops to jump.