equinehat,
Did you get an original spring, or a reproduction? In my experience, the part of the repro spring that sticks down into the bottom of the frame is slightly oversized, and needs to be 'filed to fit'. I have broken the spring trying to get the oversized piece -out- so I could fix it. I think these things are somewhat fragile, particularly in the area where they bend 90-degrees to enter the frame.
As an aside, I did a broken-part survey a few years ago
http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthre...n+parts+survey and discovered that this spring is the second most commonly broken part on a Luger.
I'd say pick up another one--original, if possible--and try it again, a little more carefully.
--Dwight