[Heinmot]

OK:

Thanks for all your input. I am determined to fix this thing, but not successful so far.

First, limp-wristing should not be a problem, unless the gun needs to be backed up against a brick wall to function properly. I'm intentionally using a hard hold to eliminate that variable.

Second: Yes, the gun is nickel-plated. I have wondered about the effects of that myself. As with most plating, it COULD be a problem, but short of having the pistol refinished {which I might do} there is really nothing I can do about it. I do not want to modify the gun to accomadate the plating, tho, since it is all-matching and under the plating appears to be in super exc++ surface condition. If anything, I'd rather have it refinished than to file, polish or otherwise alter it due to plating buildup.

Here's what happens:

With an empty magazine, the toggle WILL lock back, tho it does feel a bit tight just before lockup occurs {plating issue...?}. Please note, however: I do NOT have any other Luger experience, so this slight increase in tightness could be normal with a Luger as the toggle assembly reaches the farthest point back as it compresses the mainspring.

The problem is that with a full magazine, or with multiple rounds loaded in a magazine, almost every other loaded round will jam. The result is typically that the bullet is left sticking out the top of the ejection port. Fired case ejects with strength, speed and consistent distance.

THEN, when I load a single round in the magazine {new Mec-Gar with original spring}, rack the toggle and fire, the round will fire, eject cleanly BUT the toggle will NOT lock back, indicating that the bolt face may not be reaching far enough back to contact the case head on the way back into battery.

Finally, the inside of the gun is spotless, and for the most part not PLATED. In fact, it appears to be evenly blued. The plating itself appears to be very well executed.

The HOLDOPEN itself is totally free to move up and down in its slot. There is no binding whatsoever. The spring tension exists, but there is no grittiness or hesitation in its function, and the slot is totally clean.

I'm leaning toward a combination of the need for a stiffer recoiling ammo and a heavier mag spring; the ammo to drive back the toggle, and the spring to make sure the next cartridge in line is in proper position to be stripped from the mag and chambered.

Any other ideas?