Luger dis-assembly

[Johnny Peppers]

Taking the safety lever out goes beyond field stripping. Field stripping can be accomplished without any additional tools if you have a tough thumb to remove and install the firing pin and spring. I would not suggest taking the pistol down any farther than removing the barrel and receiver from the frame, the toggle assembly from the receiver, and the firing pin and spring from the breechblock. By the way, the firing pin and spring come out easier with the additional help of a secrwdriver. You will probably want to check under the grips for any signs of rust, but be very careful with the left grip and do not break the piece off that is under the safety lever. Just as you start lifting up on the left grip also start pulling it down and away from the safety lever.

I never liked to put the muzzle of the pistol against anything to retract the barrel and receiver to unlock the takedown lever. I always took them down by grasping the pistol just as if you intend to fire it, but shift your fingers to the top of the toggle assembly. Squeeze and the receiver assembly will be drawn to the rear and you can now unlatch the takedown assembly while keeping a firm grip on everything else. Assembly is accomplished the same way.