1937 S/42 Pin not numbered - Replace with correct numbered?

mm · 03-24-2003, 02:03 AM

What are the chances of finding a numbered pin to match the last two digits of the Luger? It would still be a shooter, but if a correctly numbered pin could be had why not. I would, of course, disclose this to a buyer if I were to sell it.

MM

tony k · 03-24-2003, 02:20 AM

Many Luger collectors feel such a practice is not a good idea. While your intentions to disclose to a seller are honorable, it's just too likely that somewhere down the line, the gun in question would be misrepresented by a subsequent owner as all matching.

On a more practical note, Lugers were very much hand-fitted machinery. A replacement part, while it might have the same number as the rest of your gun, might well not function correctly, and produce all sorts of reilability problems. From a shooter's standpoint, if your Luger works now, it might be better to stick with what you have.

As far as the chances of finding the correct number .... you'll find lots of Luger owners on the internet seeking/selling parts with a particular number. It's more a matter of luck than anything.

Vlim · 03-24-2003, 07:37 AM

Hi,

The chance of finding a matched numbered pin are actually quite good, since you only have to match the last 2 digits.

I have to disagree with not changing the firing pin, especially since many forum members have said that replacing a non-vented pin by a vented pin is a good safeguard against shooting mishaps.

Upgrading or swapping parts for shooter grade guns isn't a problem in my book. If you are changing parts to increase the collector's value of a gun, then you're walking a thin line....

My Dutch M11 got modified VOPO grips to preserve the original wood grips and to improve handling. A vented firing pin will replace the original non-vented pin, just as a safeguard.

There's also a good E-book that describes some ways to cushion the firing pin back with a piece of rubber. Anyone tried that?

mm · 03-24-2003, 11:11 AM

Vented firing pin, right? Not a vented toggle pin.
Just want to clarify which pin we are talking about. Thank you all!

MM

Vlim · 03-25-2003, 07:25 AM

Yes, firing pin

tony k · 03-25-2003, 05:54 PM

Ah! I thought you were asking about the toggle pin ..... never mind. And yes, it's a good idea to go to a vented firing pin.

mm · 04-05-2003, 01:30 AM

1937 S/42 Unnumbered toggle link pin correct? A local Luger authority told me that, in addition to numbered toggle link pins, unnumbered toggle link pins were used to assemble Lugers until 1939. He said that it was not considered an important part (as far as tolerances are concerned)to number.

Frank · 04-05-2003, 09:47 AM

Mike, the rear toggle link pin that connects the toggle to the receiver should be numbered on the head of the pin on all Mauser built Lugers. When they left the factory, they were. Sometimes this link was field or armory replaced, if too much clearance was present. These replacement pins were numbered on the right side with the dimension in millimeters that it deviated from a nominal dimension. That is from 1934 (K-Date) to 1942.

If I were you I would look for a different local Luger Authority!!

Jimbo · 04-05-2003, 08:02 PM

mm,

If there is one thing that has been burned into my brain on this forum it is this:

Absolutely ALL military Mauser Lugers had numbered toggle-link pins when they left the factory -- no exceptions. This isn't even an argument here on the forum anymore. It is accepted fact.

Is it fact? Who can know for sure. But it is accepted fact here. If your toggle-link pin is blank then it cannot be original to the military Mauser Luger.

03-24-2003, 02:03 AM	#1
mm User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SFBAY Posts: 82 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	1937 S/42 Pin not numbered - Replace with correct numbered? What are the chances of finding a numbered pin to match the last two digits of the Luger? It would still be a shooter, but if a correctly numbered pin could be had why not. I would, of course, disclose this to a buyer if I were to sell it. MM __________________ mjm

03-24-2003, 11:11 AM	#4
mm User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SFBAY Posts: 82 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Vented firing pin, right? Not a vented toggle pin. Just want to clarify which pin we are talking about. Thank you all! MM __________________ mjm

04-05-2003, 01:30 AM	#7
mm User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SFBAY Posts: 82 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	1937 S/42 Unnumbered toggle link pin correct? A local Luger authority told me that, in addition to numbered toggle link pins, unnumbered toggle link pins were used to assemble Lugers until 1939. He said that it was not considered an important part (as far as tolerances are concerned)to number. __________________ mjm

03-24-2003, 02:20 AM	#2
tony k User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 53 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Many Luger collectors feel such a practice is not a good idea. While your intentions to disclose to a seller are honorable, it's just too likely that somewhere down the line, the gun in question would be misrepresented by a subsequent owner as all matching. On a more practical note, Lugers were very much hand-fitted machinery. A replacement part, while it might have the same number as the rest of your gun, might well not function correctly, and produce all sorts of reilability problems. From a shooter's standpoint, if your Luger works now, it might be better to stick with what you have. As far as the chances of finding the correct number .... you'll find lots of Luger owners on the internet seeking/selling parts with a particular number. It's more a matter of luck than anything.

03-24-2003, 07:37 AM	#3
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,990 Times in 1,205 Posts	Hi, The chance of finding a matched numbered pin are actually quite good, since you only have to match the last 2 digits. I have to disagree with not changing the firing pin, especially since many forum members have said that replacing a non-vented pin by a vented pin is a good safeguard against shooting mishaps. Upgrading or swapping parts for shooter grade guns isn't a problem in my book. If you are changing parts to increase the collector's value of a gun, then you're walking a thin line.... My Dutch M11 got modified VOPO grips to preserve the original wood grips and to improve handling. A vented firing pin will replace the original non-vented pin, just as a safeguard. There's also a good E-book that describes some ways to cushion the firing pin back with a piece of rubber. Anyone tried that?

03-25-2003, 07:25 AM	#5
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,990 Times in 1,205 Posts	Yes, firing pin

03-25-2003, 05:54 PM	#6
tony k User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 53 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Ah! I thought you were asking about the toggle pin ..... never mind. And yes, it's a good idea to go to a vented firing pin.

04-05-2003, 09:47 AM	#8
Frank RIP Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hot & Dry PHX, AZ Posts: 2,078 Thanks: 24 Thanked 164 Times in 87 Posts	Mike, the rear toggle link pin that connects the toggle to the receiver should be numbered on the head of the pin on all Mauser built Lugers. When they left the factory, they were. Sometimes this link was field or armory replaced, if too much clearance was present. These replacement pins were numbered on the right side with the dimension in millimeters that it deviated from a nominal dimension. That is from 1934 (K-Date) to 1942. If I were you I would look for a different local Luger Authority!!

04-05-2003, 08:02 PM	#9
Jimbo User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SF CA Posts: 167 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	mm, If there is one thing that has been burned into my brain on this forum it is this: Absolutely ALL military Mauser Lugers had numbered toggle-link pins when they left the factory -- no exceptions. This isn't even an argument here on the forum anymore. It is accepted fact. Is it fact? Who can know for sure. But it is accepted fact here. If your toggle-link pin is blank then it cannot be original to the military Mauser Luger.