Proof failure rate?

[nukem556]

I was reading Walter's book, and under the section discussing Krieghoff Lugers, he states that evidence of the high quality of the Kreighoffs is that only 10% of those failed the proof test, whereas 40% (!!!!!!) of Mauser production failed such test....given that I've always understood proof testing to involve firing a overpressure cartridge, am I supposed to believe that nearly HALF of Mauser production blew up on testing? This isn't the only dumb statement I've seen in this book...(e.g. (rust bluing ended in 1925)... I might have been born at night, but it wasn't last night!

[Mauser720]

nukem556 -

I was not able to find that specific statement by John Walter which you referenced; however, I do know that failing to meet the proof test firing involves a lot more than just the pistol blowing up.

It can also fail the test for such things as excessive head space, damage to the cartridge brass such as evidence of cracks, splits, etc.; failure to extract because the chamber held onto the spent brass, etc., etc.

These pistols could actually fail the military's proof test, and still be given a "P" prefix and sold on the commercial/civilian market.

But 40% of the Mauser pistols failing the proof test does sound very questionable and doubtful.

[nukem556]

hi Ron, I'm at work now without access to the book, but I'll send the citation later...he states that this figure may include late war production, but I'd doubt even averaging that in, it could be so high a number.

[MFC]

I would think that if it failed the test, it would be sent back to change or tweak parts as necessary to fix the problem. The guns were test fired in the white, and blued after passing the test. Lugers must be tuned to fire and feed properly. I think that the high percentage of failure reflects this process.