[Edward Tinker]

I think the dropping sideplates is a myth - could have happened, but not often. I have heard of this happening by commanders telling allied troops to do this as a safety measure for shipping. And people doing this at home.

There are plenty of stories, but not of lugers - since Mauser production was to a dribble after the byf 42's. But lots of parts found at factories in bins.

From the USA side, pictures and lots of stories of parts used. However, although USA, there were in the field fixing of firearms and you know it happened for the germans too. It just wasn't documented like ours were. But remember, unit armorer does basic, quick fixes, depot where it is possible used parts were used, new parts would be used before any old parts.

With few exceptions, by the 1940's, I imagine factories fixing anything was in the minority.