Unpleasant Suprise
 

I think this fits well here I'm not sure though, moderator please move to the appropriate topic if this isn't it. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Went to the range today and fired off 5 rounds then I noticed the side plate was missing, on the floor after having fallen off. The takedown lever (normally very tight) was hanging loose and when I went to correct it the bloody thing fell out! Looks like the little pin that applies pressure to it to keep it in broke or something. I'm taking it to the gunsmith tomorrow in the hopes he can do something. Anyoen know what this part is called? Or how much this might cost?

Michael Ng

I -hate- it when that happens!

The item in question is the takedown lever spring. This is one of the more common parts to fail. Yours could be broken, or it could be mashed flat.

They are devilishly difficult parts to find, you will need to track down one from a specialist Luger parts dealer. One may chime in here, or you could put a notice on the Parts Wanted forum. If you find one it will probably be affordable, though certainly not cheap.

If it is only flattened, there are ways to "refresh" it. I have had good luck by simply--and carefully--bending it with a pair of pliers. This is -definitely not- the recommended way. If you do a search on the topic you shoudd find a description of a much more elegant (and less chancy) way to proceed.

--Dwight

Thanks! Now that I know what the darn thing is called perhaps I can locate a suitable replacement. I'm hoping the gunsmith can do something but the pessimist lurking in the back of my mind is saying "Better get some cash for that part." Not to mention tracking it down, something tells me to contact Mr. Heller or another parts dealer if the gunsmith can do nothing for me.

Yes Michael, I do have new PO8 take down (locking bolt) lever spring in stock @$15 original or $10 repro. Tom H.

Michael, My advice is to spend the 5 bucks extra for the original. An original will likely drop right in. A repro will require some fitting. You can easily do this yourself. If the other is not broken, try to bend the arch a little higher. This will engage the slot better in the takedown lever. Jerry Burney

Thanks all for the help and advice, though one question does remain. What happens when eventually someone stops making all those little parts for the Luger? I mean there can't be much of a market for springs for a Luger take down lever right? Does this mean that eventually as parts wear out the guns will eventually be relegated to mantle pieces? Just curious.

Oh and I already dropped the gun off at the gunsmith before I got this message and he said he would see what he could do. Is this a problem?

I will probably buy an actual spring from Mr. Heller but it can't hurt to have that as a spare right? Again, thanks for the help.