To Snap or Not To Snap
 

By inserting 1 snap cap (of the right caliber) into a magazine inserted into your luger would that relieve all of the pressure off of the hold open spring.?
I am thinking of storage here, after decocking the empty luger as per FAQ instruction and inserting an empty mag, the hold open spring would be stressed and stay that way until the mag is removed. The snap cap should relieve that, I know the mag spring would have pressure on it but I don't think 1 dummy round would be as much of an issue.
Why is the hold open spring the most broken part.?

Comments....

Why not just not insert a mag?

I personally think that the 'stress' on a spring is very little - many reports of folks keeping a mag loaded for many years and it still worked fine (as an example). Not that it shouldn't be a consideration, but I think some folks worry too much about it.

I imagine that the locking bolt (take-down lever) spring retainer and the holdopen are broken the most, they are small and under pressure constantly, especially the locking bolt.

Mag In Mag Out
 

Not inserting a mag makes perfect sense. However seeing as I am the only one of the bunch that has a clue as to where they go not to mention the possibility of an untimely demise, I thought it fitting to try and make it goof proof.

I guess most store their pistols on stands so its a moot point anyway.

Do you store your pistols mag in or mag out.? comments....

Magazine in pistol.

Mag out - for the simple reason that I keep my mags elsewhere so they don't take room in my safe. Agree with Ed - the likely hood of mag in is most likely minuscule.

Hi;

With an empty pistol, ready for storage, you might just insert the magazine just far enough so the hold open spring is not activated.

After I replaced my first hold open spring, and got a chance to study how this spring works, I decided to do that very thing.

Respectfully,


Sieger

The hold open spring cannot be fully "activated" when the action is closed; the catch of the hold open will bear against the bottom of the bolt.

You can check this condition to satisfy yourself by removing the right grip, and trying to push the hold open "up". You can't. Then open the bolt and see how far it moves when "latched" open.

It is the magazine spring that will be slightly depressed since the hold open cannot move up. A weak mag spring or a worn button is
a common cause of failure for the hold open to engage when the mag is empty.

The hold open spring is always under slight tension, that is what keeps the hold open down in its
slot. Tension increases when the bolt is retracted and the hold open is pushed up by the mag button.

I believe you are worrying unnecessarily about stressing the hold open spring. JMHO

Magazine in pistol but not inserted all the way untill it clicks in place. No stress on any springs.

Just like in this picture.

Attachment 78746