Quote:
Originally posted by Lugerdoc
Dwight, I would be more willing to accept your "logic" on this subject, if you had actually run some test and had some experimental data to report. I agree that venting excess gas thru a hole in the bottom of the breech block is probably an improvement in a M23 DWM, but this was only done because a PROBLEM EXISTED. I believe that Mauser's use a the vented firing pin, was probably equally effective. TH
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Tom,
I agree that this was entirely in the realm of thought experiment and logic. A practical test did occur to me after I wrote it.
It should be possible to chamber a primerless cartridge case in a complete upper section; attach a pressure hose to the muzzle; connect it to a pressure chamber; and relese a measured pressure pulse of air into the barrel; to see how much pressure it takes to move the firing pin to its fully retracted position under spring pressure.
Repeat this test with both firing pins in a clean and normally lubricated breechblock. If it takes -much- more pressure to move the fluted striker then the flutes have an effect; if the pressure is about the same, the flutes provide no advantage.
For a control, this test should be done with both an Imperial and WWII Mauser P-08.
This test should actually be fairly easy to arrange. This is not something I can follow up on at the moment, but I am intrigued.
As far as the problem existing, I noted that experience here on the Forum has shown that a pierced primer can damage the breechblock. I wonder how much this has to do with the age of these pistols and the change in the metallurgy of the steel over time.
Its interesting that the Finns recognized the problem and needed a solution. I have to wonder if their problem was environment-related? Would the severe cold-soak weather conditions cause primers or breechblock steel to be more brittle?
--Dwight