safety is hard to operate

mdgarnett · 02-23-2016, 08:17 PM

Awhile ago I received an older Luger that had not been maintained in quite a while from the looks of it. Operationally it seems okay but the safety is very hard to move.

I have since thoroughly cleaned and lubricated the gun but the safety remains very difficult to move. While disassembled, I looked closely at the parts and didn't see anything obvious.

I've searched the forum for similar problems and have found none. Does anyone have any ideas about what to look for and how to proceed?

I suspect I have not provided enough information so let me know what I've neglected to describe.

thanks.

Mitchell

Edward Tinker · 02-23-2016, 08:47 PM

Mitchell, it is more common that the safety moves too easily.
If moving too stiffly, I would think its binding. If not bent a bit, is the pin that holds it in moved out a bit into the way?

wlyon · 02-23-2016, 10:02 PM

As it is fairly common for older heavily used lugers to have a loose safety. Many times people have tried to correct this by bending the free end of the safety downward. You should be able to tell where it is tight. I do not recommend this or trying to bend it back. If mine I would send to GT or Lugerdoc. Bill

DonVoigt · 02-23-2016, 10:15 PM

Probably a little rust or crud in the hole for the pivot point, add some penetrating oil; or remove it and clean and lube.

Take the grips off and turn it upside down and let the oil run into the pivot area, leave it overnight.

mdgarnett · 02-23-2016, 10:47 PM

With Edward's thoughts, I carefully looked at the lever - it it did seem to be fairly slightly bent. I hadn't read Bill Lyon's comment yet or I might have hesitated but with great caution, I carefully did a little adjustment and it now works fine.

Thanks to all for your comments.

02-23-2016, 08:17 PM	#1
mdgarnett New User Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	safety is hard to operate Awhile ago I received an older Luger that had not been maintained in quite a while from the looks of it. Operationally it seems okay but the safety is very hard to move. I have since thoroughly cleaned and lubricated the gun but the safety remains very difficult to move. While disassembled, I looked closely at the parts and didn't see anything obvious. I've searched the forum for similar problems and have found none. Does anyone have any ideas about what to look for and how to proceed? I suspect I have not provided enough information so let me know what I've neglected to describe. thanks. Mitchell

02-23-2016, 10:02 PM	#3
wlyon Lifer 2X Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: May 2005 Location: Somewhere in Montana Posts: 2,652 Thanks: 3,210 Thanked 2,613 Times in 969 Posts	As it is fairly common for older heavily used lugers to have a loose safety. Many times people have tried to correct this by bending the free end of the safety downward. You should be able to tell where it is tight. I do not recommend this or trying to bend it back. If mine I would send to GT or Lugerdoc. Bill __________________ Bill Lyon

02-23-2016, 10:15 PM	#4
DonVoigt User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: near Charlotte NC Posts: 4,681 Thanks: 1,443 Thanked 4,355 Times in 2,041 Posts	Probably a little rust or crud in the hole for the pivot point, add some penetrating oil; or remove it and clean and lube. Take the grips off and turn it upside down and let the oil run into the pivot area, leave it overnight. __________________ 03man(Don Voigt); Luger student and collector. Looking for DWM side plate: 69 ; Dreyse 1907 pistol K.S. Gendarmerie

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

02-23-2016, 08:47 PM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,960 Thanks: 2,062 Thanked 4,592 Times in 2,114 Posts	Mitchell, it is more common that the safety moves too easily. If moving too stiffly, I would think its binding. If not bent a bit, is the pin that holds it in moved out a bit into the way?

02-23-2016, 10:47 PM	#5
mdgarnett New User Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	With Edward's thoughts, I carefully looked at the lever - it it did seem to be fairly slightly bent. I hadn't read Bill Lyon's comment yet or I might have hesitated but with great caution, I carefully did a little adjustment and it now works fine. Thanks to all for your comments.