Locking bolt worn?

just4grins · 12-31-2010, 10:55 AM

I received a 1918 Erfurt for Christmas which was missing a locking bolt spring, which my son just supplied. (The spring came from Mr. Heller - good quality). When the locking bolt is installed, it is tight in the "unlocked" position but rotates about 5 or 10 degrees in the locked position. I am assuming the the groove which forms the detent in the locked position is worn more than the other groove. Is this an issue or should I just go ahead and shoot it? Always wanted a luger. This is my first luger, although I am an experienced shooter and reloader. This forum seems to be populated with knowledgeable people who are tolerant of newbies (always a sign of a good forum). Any advice?

Vlim · 12-31-2010, 12:07 PM

Hi,

If the locking bolt (takedown lever) is worn, the best option is to get a replacement for shooting purposes and keep the original one safe.

With too much play on the takedown lever, the gun will partially field strip during recoil, which is amusing to witness, but a bit embarassing to the shooter.

There are ways to tighten the lever a bit, but that is a job for a knowledgable lugersmith.

just4grins · 12-31-2010, 03:05 PM

Thanks for the info. I will get a new takedown lever

John Sabato · 01-03-2011, 10:17 AM

Good advice!

Lugerdoc · 01-04-2011, 11:23 AM

I also have new repro TD levers available @$35 + $3 S&H. TH

12-31-2010, 10:55 AM	#1
just4grins New User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Locking bolt worn? I received a 1918 Erfurt for Christmas which was missing a locking bolt spring, which my son just supplied. (The spring came from Mr. Heller - good quality). When the locking bolt is installed, it is tight in the "unlocked" position but rotates about 5 or 10 degrees in the locked position. I am assuming the the groove which forms the detent in the locked position is worn more than the other groove. Is this an issue or should I just go ahead and shoot it? Always wanted a luger. This is my first luger, although I am an experienced shooter and reloader. This forum seems to be populated with knowledgeable people who are tolerant of newbies (always a sign of a good forum). Any advice?

01-03-2011, 10:17 AM	#4
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,153 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	Good advice! __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

01-04-2011, 11:23 AM	#5
Lugerdoc Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: POB 398 St.Charles,MO. 63302 Posts: 5,089 Thanks: 6 Thanked 736 Times in 483 Posts	I also have new repro TD levers available @$35 + $3 S&H. TH __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 lugerdoc@charter.net

12-31-2010, 12:07 PM	#2
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,987 Times in 1,205 Posts	Hi, If the locking bolt (takedown lever) is worn, the best option is to get a replacement for shooting purposes and keep the original one safe. With too much play on the takedown lever, the gun will partially field strip during recoil, which is amusing to witness, but a bit embarassing to the shooter. There are ways to tighten the lever a bit, but that is a job for a knowledgable lugersmith.

12-31-2010, 03:05 PM	#3
just4grins New User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for the info. I will get a new takedown lever