What to look for
 

Artsi's broken toggle picture, and Kidvett's busted link pin give me the heeby jeebys. I've visualy checked both my guns,and they look fine. But my DWM is old, and has likely had a truckload of shells burned in it. Should I tear the toggle apart and inspect the pieces,maybe have it magnafluxed or dye checked for cracks. Or are these not very common problems.

Thanx, Stevie.

Stevie, The DWM pistols were a little softer than the Mausers. Metalurgy improved for the Germans over the years. I don't know what type of pistol youhave, collector or shooter. Sounds like a shooter and if so go on shooting it after a thorough inspection with as good a magnafier as you can find. You can always find parts if something breaks. Of course breakage would be a stone cold disaster but that possibility wouldn't keep me from shooting my pistols. I re load for myself so am careful not to double up. You can't always rely on factory ammo. It might have a double no matter who makes it. I blew out a cylinder on a S&W revolver once. I still shoot it even though I can't use that one cylinder! Jerry Burney

I collect ww1 and ww2 shooters. Mostly U.S. handguns. But I have branched out to other nationalitys and bolt action service rifles.