Borchardt-Luger Controversy

Heinz · 08-03-2002, 09:59 PM

Three points to add to this interesting thread.

1. Toggle stability. Georg Luger (or his engineers) in the US patent granted in 1904 included toggle locks in the design. Note the following language from the patent:

The projection cx at the joint of the toggle levers is provided with a hooked catch member f, (see fig 4, 4a and 8) which engages with a projection t on the reciever C when the breech is closed. The catch member t (shown in detail on fig 4a) is preferably a spring actuated catch member being pivoted to the projection cx by a pin t and provided with a spring t. These catch members hold the toggle levers in closed position and prevent them from rising until the hooked end of the catch member t has been slid rearwardly from under the projection t'

2. Grip angle. In an earlier patent granted Dec. 19, 1899, to Georg Luger for grip safeties, the patent drawings show a pistol with a Borchart style hump behind the grip with the internal style toggle cam from the Borchardt but the typical Luger grip angle we all know and love. This pistol does employ a flat spring in the grip but the position is not dependent on the toggle action. MAybe the luger that nevers was? Or perhaps one will hit the market soon.

3. Borchardt grip angle. In the Hugo Borchardt US patent granted Nov, 10, 1986, Borchardt claims the grip angle as one of the patent features of his pistol. He claims it is a more natural angle for the arm muscles, gives a better balance and improves the aim. {his opinion not mine :-)) There are also claims about reducing the recoil felt but these are mixed in with claims that the toggle action does this. Perhaps Borchardt fell out with his chief designer and salesman over this feature.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

08-03-2002, 09:59 PM	#1
Heinz User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Greenville SC Posts: 1,004 Thanks: 377 Thanked 411 Times in 180 Posts	Three points to add to this interesting thread. 1. Toggle stability. Georg Luger (or his engineers) in the US patent granted in 1904 included toggle locks in the design. Note the following language from the patent: The projection cx at the joint of the toggle levers is provided with a hooked catch member f, (see fig 4, 4a and 8) which engages with a projection t on the reciever C when the breech is closed. The catch member t (shown in detail on fig 4a) is preferably a spring actuated catch member being pivoted to the projection cx by a pin t and provided with a spring t. These catch members hold the toggle levers in closed position and prevent them from rising until the hooked end of the catch member t has been slid rearwardly from under the projection t' 2. Grip angle. In an earlier patent granted Dec. 19, 1899, to Georg Luger for grip safeties, the patent drawings show a pistol with a Borchart style hump behind the grip with the internal style toggle cam from the Borchardt but the typical Luger grip angle we all know and love. This pistol does employ a flat spring in the grip but the position is not dependent on the toggle action. MAybe the luger that nevers was? Or perhaps one will hit the market soon. 3. Borchardt grip angle. In the Hugo Borchardt US patent granted Nov, 10, 1986, Borchardt claims the grip angle as one of the patent features of his pistol. He claims it is a more natural angle for the arm muscles, gives a better balance and improves the aim. {his opinion not mine :-)) There are also claims about reducing the recoil felt but these are mixed in with claims that the toggle action does this. Perhaps Borchardt fell out with his chief designer and salesman over this feature.