Baby Luger Breech Block Slap

[DonVoigt]

Originally Posted by milesc2

Just looked at Wolf's web page again and have a question:
They list 3 different spring weights: 36, 38, and 40.
I am using a cut down 38 at the moment.

Is the 40LB spring made out of a thicker wire or just longer spring?

No, as far as I can tell.
I bought a set - the stronger spring was shorter than the "weaker" one.

I have no confidence in the ratings by Wolf.

I use a proprietary technique to measure the spring action when installed. If I told you what it was , you know I'd have to ......

[milesc2]

The gun does seem to recoil harder than my standerd P08.
I would like to at least try to use a mainspring with a larger wire diameter
I understand that the gun could most likely be used as it.
If it can’t get it perfect I can live with it as is but I would feel wrong not trying to further correct the breech impact.

Does anyone know where I could order a couple of new springs with larger than standard wire diameter?
Also does anyone know what the Wolff spring wire diameter is?

Maybe I should just take up GT on his offer, I just need to figure out the Wolff wire diameter to find my starting point.

[wlyon]

If it was mine I would just let GT fix it. Bill

[milesc2]

Bill, I did not know that was an option thanks for the suggestion.
I will let Art take a crack at it if he is willing. If he would rather not mess with it I will be reaching out to GT.

I just want someone more qualified than myself to see it in person before I shoot it again.

In the meantime I am not overly opposed to installing a thicker mainspring if one could be sourced.
The real issue is I don’t have the tools to measure my existing one.

[DonVoigt]

Buy a digital micrometer, they are $15 at the local discount tool store or $20 at the home improvement store. You will find a multitude of uses for it, but there is no substitute for measuring your springs in hand and trying what ever you want to- to correct your non existent problem!

Of course the perceived recoil would be more, the dang pistol is lighter, and has a smaller grip!

[G.T.]

different dia. wire?
Things that change a springs power......

1) dia. of wire?
2) number of coils in a given length?
3) overall dia. of spring?

Length usually changes starting or ending strength in the springs OAL design range.. but not rate, it will be the same short or long until solid.... ....GT

[Norme]

Hi Miles,
I have to admire your persistence, none of the Baby Luger owners I know have shot more than a mag or two, if that, out of theirs. Getting a Baby or 45cal Luger to look right is the easy part, getting it to work reliably is another matter, just ask Lugerman on this forum! The Luger design is a delicate balancing act of mass, recoil energy and spring tension. A radical change of any one of these elements can necessitate hundreds of hours of fiddling, way beyond the resources and patience of most gunsmiths.
I wish you success in your endeavors.
Best regards, Norm

[DonVoigt]

Originally Posted by G.T.

different dia. wire?
Things that change a springs power......

1) dia. of wire?
2) number of coils in a given length?
3) overall dia. of spring?

Length usually changes starting or ending strength in the springs OAL design range.. but not rate, it will be the same short or long until solid.... ....GT

GT,
You can remove the "?" marks, all those parameters affect the spring- in different ways- but in combination the way the performs.

I've posted this before, it is not my work, but from one of the reference books.

Maybe this will give Miles some ideas of what to look for and try.

[DonVoigt]

Norm is right on,
If you can fire 130 rounds without any problem, Leave it Alone!

[G.T.]

That's a lot with no problems... ... best to all, til...lat'r...GT

[milesc2]

Don and GT,

Point taken, everything seems to be in order. Thanks to all for the advice.
I was just concerned because I didn't want to damage such a beautiful pistol (or rather a work of art).
I still can’t get over the craftsmanship that went into making it... mind-blowing!

I have been doing more research on the marks I've noticed on the frame. It looks like I was wrong when referring to the marks as 'Damage".
On almost every frame I was able to view I noticed some sort of mark like the one on my pistol, I think this is pretty normal.
Many were MUCH deeper than mine. At this time I am convinced I don't have anything to worry about shooting this pistol as is.

I am very happy to have such a beautiful piece in my collection, it's one I treasure greatly.
The only thing I regret is that I can't buy more of them!!!

Best to all,
-Miles