Feeding problems---HELP!

HogLegJack · 02-21-2004, 07:15 PM

Went to the range today with my 1920 Commercial model.It wouldn't feed properly.Is this the result of poor magazines (Mecgar) or a weak mainspring?

Edward Tinker · 02-21-2004, 07:31 PM

This gets brought up here fairly often, it can be many things from what I understand.

1st thing to do is try another magazine and also then try different ammo. (from my experience, Mecgars are good quality, but you could have a bad one).

Ed

Doubs · 02-21-2004, 07:35 PM

HLJ, if you have a good MecGar magazine then I think your problem is likely either gunk in the action (a good cleaning needed) or the ammunition you're using. Fiochi can be loaded a tad light for a Luger with a strong recoil spring. Winchester has always worked well for me but I reload for the .30 Luger and my 30's have been exceptionally reliable.

Also make sure you're not allowing your wrist to flex and soften the recoil as the Luger requires a solid resistance to work properly.

It wouldn't hurt to try another mag if you have one available.

Let us know how you solve the problem.

Sieger · 02-22-2004, 03:03 AM

HogLegJack:

Mec-Gar makes an excellent magazine. It's even set up for the shorter OAL modern ammo, so this shouldn't be part of the problem, but rather, part of the solution.

For some reason, the US loaded 7.65 is down loaded. I bet your problem is weak ammo. You are not getting enough snap in the toggle to properly operate the action.

Try some Lapua brand ammo now available from SportsmansGuide.com as it appears to be in spec, and believe it or not, is about half of what you would currently pay for Winchester or Remington (if you can even find them).

Sieger

HogLegJack · 02-22-2004, 11:45 AM

Ok.. no one mentioned weak springs so it may be the Fiocchi ammo. (93gr FMJ)It may also be my grip. I recall that I had the same problem with my first 1911 until I gripped it firmer. Thanks for the info. You guys rule.

Doubs · 02-22-2004, 12:04 PM

"I recall that I had the same problem with my first 1911 until I gripped it firmer."
HLJ, I have a 1927 Argentine Colt that has been unbelieveably reliable, feeding anything I've put in it without a hiccup. The ONLY time it's ever jammed on me was when I shot left-handed (my "weak" hand) and "limp-wristed" it. As soon as I realized that what was natural with my right hand - a firm grip - required conscious thought when using my left hand, it was 100% reliable again. If your problems continue after trying a firm grip, try different ammo. Winchester has always worked in my 1920 Commercials.

Tom Porter · 02-26-2004, 03:25 PM

I have collected Lugers for 35 years. I only use Winchester ammo, never reload. I save reloads for fun with other Pistols. I also only shoot a good luger one clips worth. Once I know it shoots, It is cleaned and put away. Why take a chance on doing damage to such a piece of history.....
Tom
tomporter@usa.net

02-21-2004, 07:15 PM	#1
HogLegJack User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 11 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Feeding problems---HELP! Went to the range today with my 1920 Commercial model.It wouldn't feed properly.Is this the result of poor magazines (Mecgar) or a weak mainspring?

02-21-2004, 07:31 PM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,960 Thanks: 2,062 Thanked 4,592 Times in 2,114 Posts	This gets brought up here fairly often, it can be many things from what I understand. 1st thing to do is try another magazine and also then try different ammo. (from my experience, Mecgars are good quality, but you could have a bad one). Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

02-21-2004, 07:35 PM	#3
Doubs User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Byron, Georgia Posts: 1,735 Thanks: 819 Thanked 1,767 Times in 584 Posts	HLJ, if you have a good MecGar magazine then I think your problem is likely either gunk in the action (a good cleaning needed) or the ammunition you're using. Fiochi can be loaded a tad light for a Luger with a strong recoil spring. Winchester has always worked well for me but I reload for the .30 Luger and my 30's have been exceptionally reliable. Also make sure you're not allowing your wrist to flex and soften the recoil as the Luger requires a solid resistance to work properly. It wouldn't hurt to try another mag if you have one available. Let us know how you solve the problem.

02-22-2004, 03:03 AM	#4
Sieger User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: New York, NY Posts: 1,579 Thanks: 2,142 Thanked 402 Times in 251 Posts	HogLegJack: Mec-Gar makes an excellent magazine. It's even set up for the shorter OAL modern ammo, so this shouldn't be part of the problem, but rather, part of the solution. For some reason, the US loaded 7.65 is down loaded. I bet your problem is weak ammo. You are not getting enough snap in the toggle to properly operate the action. Try some Lapua brand ammo now available from SportsmansGuide.com as it appears to be in spec, and believe it or not, is about half of what you would currently pay for Winchester or Remington (if you can even find them). Sieger

02-22-2004, 11:45 AM	#5
HogLegJack User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 11 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ok.. no one mentioned weak springs so it may be the Fiocchi ammo. (93gr FMJ)It may also be my grip. I recall that I had the same problem with my first 1911 until I gripped it firmer. Thanks for the info. You guys rule.

02-22-2004, 12:04 PM	#6
Doubs User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Byron, Georgia Posts: 1,735 Thanks: 819 Thanked 1,767 Times in 584 Posts	"I recall that I had the same problem with my first 1911 until I gripped it firmer." HLJ, I have a 1927 Argentine Colt that has been unbelieveably reliable, feeding anything I've put in it without a hiccup. The ONLY time it's ever jammed on me was when I shot left-handed (my "weak" hand) and "limp-wristed" it. As soon as I realized that what was natural with my right hand - a firm grip - required conscious thought when using my left hand, it was 100% reliable again. If your problems continue after trying a firm grip, try different ammo. Winchester has always worked in my 1920 Commercials.

02-26-2004, 03:25 PM	#7
Tom Porter User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Atlanta Ga. Posts: 12 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I have collected Lugers for 35 years. I only use Winchester ammo, never reload. I save reloads for fun with other Pistols. I also only shoot a good luger one clips worth. Once I know it shoots, It is cleaned and put away. Why take a chance on doing damage to such a piece of history..... Tom tomporter@usa.net