Help with Erfurt 1918

[hayhugh]

Tom, the only reason I would remove the take down leaver is to remove the receiver. Now when I replace the receiver and replace the side plate and takedown leaver I still must apply pressure to the receiver to replace the takedown leaver. When I replace magazine and try to exercise toggle to the hold open position the receiver moves forward and will not stay in hold open position. Applying backward pressure to receiver at this stage to replace take down leaver seems only alternative. Am I missing something here?

[ithacaartist]

Originally Posted by hayhugh

Tom, the only reason I would remove the take down leaver is to remove the receiver. Now when I replace the receiver and replace the side plate and takedown leaver I still must apply pressure to the receiver to replace the takedown leaver. When I replace magazine and try to exercise toggle to the hold open position the receiver moves forward and will not stay in hold open position. Applying backward pressure to receiver at this stage to replace take down leaver seems only alternative. Am I missing something here?

Hugh, it works the same as taking it apart using the mag. With the upper in place, all ready to "push", simply insert the empty mag again and pull back on the toggle until the holdopen locks the upper back. No pushing on the cannon required, either way! It's a great "cringe eliminator"... The only reasons to remove the takedown lever itself are to detail clean its well, refresh its straw treatment, or replace its spring. Zorba will attest that it's safer and easier to work the takedown lever back in when you're dealing with just the grip frame!

I don't have an early manual, can someone who does tell us what one sez?