The recoil spring of the coil variety absolutely does provide tension on the toggle assembly while in battery. This is very easy to demonstrate for anyone who should question the statement. From the moment the coupling link rests solidly in the recoil spring lever, the assembly begins to come under spring tension and the spring tension must be overcome to bring everything into battery for complete assembly. As the coupling link just touches the recoil spring link, the toggle knobs are free to move out of battery slightly with no movement of the breech block which is being partially supported by the spring tension of the ejector. As the barrel/receiver group is moved rearward to allow the takedown lever to lock up, the toggle assembly has now come under spring tension from the recoil spring. The toggle knobs are now held in battery by spring tension from the recoil spring. Take the firing pin spring and ejector out, and the toggle knobs are still under tension from the recoil spring. Now take out the recoil spring and the toggle assembly is no longer supported by spring tension and will move at will.
Still doubt it? Take off one of the grips and watch the coupling link start to compress the recoil spring as the barrel/receiver assembly moves into locked position. Slightly lift the toggle knobs and let go. The spring tension they are under will snap them back into position. This has absolutely nothing to do with the centerline of the toggle assembly, but everything to do with spring tension.
Does anyone out there have a Luger that when completely and correctly assembled has no tension on the toggle knobs when in the locked position? On every one I tested, the toggle knobs may be raised approsimately .10 inch before the breech block starts to move. When released, the front and rear toggles snap smartly into locked position.
|