Need help with a stuck firing pin......

[DaveinTN]

After much thought, I finally came up with a solution to the stuck firing pin spring guide rod.

In anticipation of the worst (having to drill out the stuck rod), I purchased two replacement rods. I even built a special jig to hold the breech block in a drill press vice without putting too much pressure on the machined sides. The last thing I wanted to do was distort the breech block. The rod was expendable, but not the block!

When I finally figured it out, the solution was surprisingly simple. After looking at the plans and carefully examining the disassembled breech block of my other Luger, I came to the conclusion that the rod was merely wedged in. It wasn't caught under a "lip" and the locking cam was nowhere near the locking slot in the block.

In the end, I simply placed the block vertically on the desk, with the firing pin pointed straight up and the end of the guide rod straight down. I then placed the tip of a needle nose plier on the upper edge (see diagram below) and gave the side of the plier a rap with a small hammer.

The rod jumped right out! Amen!

Under the loupe, everything looked none the worse for wear. But, before reassembling the pistol, I took a piece of 2000 grit emory paper and gently polished the sides of the rod where it had been held by the breech block. I didn't want another experience like this one!

Thanks to all for your good suggestions!

Dave in TN