Mainsprings

EOC Bob · 04-10-2001, 01:44 PM

I just measured the mainspring that came out of my 1921 DWM against a new replacement. The used spring is 9/16"s shorter. Is this a result of 80 years of compression? For those who have replaced mainsprings, is this size difference the norm? Heading back to the range Thursday to see if this replacement made a positive difference. Thanks - Bob

Ted · 04-10-2001, 01:46 PM

It is normal, I dont remember the exact measurement but the new ones are always longer than the old ones. You need a good mag with a stout spring and good lips (undamaged) to go in concert with the new spring. It really helps?! Ted

John Sabato · 04-10-2001, 02:05 PM

(No wisecracks Hugh and Frank!)unless the spring is too long and will not permit full use of the toggle. The issue is the appropriate amount of spring tension. Depending on the diameter of the spring wire used, and the manufactured diameter for the replacement spring, it could be longer or shorter and still work fine. Use a known good magazine for the testing. If you have more than one Luger and it is possible to switch cannon assemblies from the one that doesn't malfunction to the one that does would tell the tale about whether or not the mainspring is functional.

I would imagine that the only way to know what the appropriate amount of spring tension for maximum compression of the replacement spring is, would be to have access to engineering specifications from DWM or Mauser or one of the other manufacturers on replacement part springs.

How about it Patrick, got any details about original Whermacht specs on mainspring tension over there?

-John

Dok · 04-10-2001, 02:11 PM

Ted · 04-10-2001, 02:12 PM

I guess my statement should have said the "Wollf springs" I install always have been longer than the ones they replace! Ted

John Sabato · 04-10-2001, 02:18 PM

Dok · 04-10-2001, 02:27 PM

Hugh · 04-10-2001, 02:53 PM

I understand that it is not the size of the spring but how it is used that counts

John Sabato · 04-10-2001, 03:25 PM

John Sabato · 04-10-2001, 03:27 PM

to make a disparaging remark! I knew you could do it...

Frank · 04-10-2001, 04:46 PM

Patrick · 04-11-2001, 03:15 AM

I donÃ?Â´t think there are any available. IÃ?Â´ve found that the Wolff calibrated set is a great help to find exactly the right strengh (especially on the new Baby Luger).

04-10-2001, 01:44 PM	#1
EOC Bob User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 97 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Mainsprings I just measured the mainspring that came out of my 1921 DWM against a new replacement. The used spring is 9/16"s shorter. Is this a result of 80 years of compression? For those who have replaced mainsprings, is this size difference the norm? Heading back to the range Thursday to see if this replacement made a positive difference. Thanks - Bob

04-10-2001, 01:46 PM	#2
Ted User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: SC Posts: 726 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Mainsprings It is normal, I dont remember the exact measurement but the new ones are always longer than the old ones. You need a good mag with a stout spring and good lips (undamaged) to go in concert with the new spring. It really helps?! Ted

04-10-2001, 02:05 PM	#3
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,150 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	Length isn't really the issue Bob and Ted (No wisecracks Hugh and Frank!)unless the spring is too long and will not permit full use of the toggle. The issue is the appropriate amount of spring tension. Depending on the diameter of the spring wire used, and the manufactured diameter for the replacement spring, it could be longer or shorter and still work fine. Use a known good magazine for the testing. If you have more than one Luger and it is possible to switch cannon assemblies from the one that doesn't malfunction to the one that does would tell the tale about whether or not the mainspring is functional. I would imagine that the only way to know what the appropriate amount of spring tension for maximum compression of the replacement spring is, would be to have access to engineering specifications from DWM or Mauser or one of the other manufacturers on replacement part springs. How about it Patrick, got any details about original Whermacht specs on mainspring tension over there? -John

04-10-2001, 02:11 PM	#4
Dok RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Bermuda (Eat Your Heart Out) Posts: 1,626 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Yeah, all you guys with really long ones say that...

04-10-2001, 02:12 PM	#5
Ted User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: SC Posts: 726 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Length isn't really the issue Bob and Ted I guess my statement should have said the "Wollf springs" I install always have been longer than the ones they replace! Ted

04-10-2001, 02:18 PM	#6
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,150 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	OOPs - I left DOK off the comment caveat! (EOM)

04-10-2001, 02:27 PM	#7
Dok RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Bermuda (Eat Your Heart Out) Posts: 1,626 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Yes... and I jumped right in there (EOM)

04-10-2001, 02:53 PM	#8
Hugh RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Southeast Texas Swamp Posts: 2,460 Thanks: 2 Thanked 165 Times in 64 Posts	Re: Length isn't really the issue Bob and Ted I understand that it is not the size of the spring but how it is used that counts

04-10-2001, 03:25 PM	#9
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,150 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	And Hugh totally disregarded my request for silence! (EOM)

04-10-2001, 03:27 PM	#10
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,150 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	Thank you Frank for holding your tongue when I know you really wanted to make a disparaging remark! I knew you could do it...

04-10-2001, 04:46 PM	#11
Frank RIP Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hot & Dry PHX, AZ Posts: 2,078 Thanks: 24 Thanked 163 Times in 87 Posts	But it was really tough, I needed to bite my tongue

04-11-2001, 03:15 AM	#12
Patrick User Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 241 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Length isn't really the issue Bob and Ted I donÃ?Â´t think there are any available. IÃ?Â´ve found that the Wolff calibrated set is a great help to find exactly the right strengh (especially on the new Baby Luger).