firing pin down on a live cartridge

[John Sabato]

Hi Phil,

NEVER rest the firing pin on a live primer... it is not rebounding, it is spring loaded...and extremely dangerous to do so. Trying to lower the breechblock by pulling the trigger when there is a live round in the chamber would most likely result in a very lound noise and a .354 inch hole wherever the gun was pointed at the time...

You can tell if there is a round in the chamber, even in the dark, simply because the extractor is raised above the breechblock... it was designed that way.

Lugers were either carried completely safe, with no round in the chamber (If you have a problem manipulating the toggle you need to carry a different kind of pistol), or cocked and locked...

I suggest that you buy a very inexpensive e-book by Gerard Henrotin on the Luger Mechanicals... it has great illustrations and makes understanding the mechanics and engineering of the Luger very easy even for a beginner. The link for his Luger e-books is on Links & Resources Page of this website. His animation of the luger firing cycle graces our homepage through his courtesy.