Problem solved: main spring replacement made easy !

[DonVoigt]

Originally Posted by F15E_WSO

Rick W If I can get you to pop over to this thread

http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthre...t=31601&page=3

See if you think new Wolff #38 spring might help my problem. My concern is spring too weak, too much recoil and wear and tear on Toggle and Mech? Slamming it back etc. Shooting Fiocchi 7.65s and by all accounts too weak so maybe weaker spring is good idea.

Thanks

Unless you measure the compression strength of both springs, you will not know if changing springs will help or hurt.

Without measurement it is trial and error.

One can measure the Wolf springs and find that the labeled rating has little to do with the actual strength of the spring in the package. So again hit and miss- I know I have measured the Wolf springs, they are not consistent. There is a thread or several on this board or the other one relating to mainsprings and Wolf springs included.

No one can say whether a spring change will solve your problem or make it worse- you will just have to experiment.

I know this does not help much, but that is the situation with mainsprings and particularly springs for the 7,65mm luger.

[Rick W.]

Hank,

I responded some earlier in your thread. Not a lot more to add really in a detailed visit.

The Luger mechanism has to have full movement during firing or issues usually occur from short stroking the action. The tape test as talked about on this forum can show relative movement of the toggle assembly during firing with a visual inspection of said tape. Light marks on the masking tape says the toggle is moving ok to me; no marks......says something is amiss, perhaps power of ammo, recoil spring, rail twists/springing etc etc......list is fairly large. Tape knocked off the pistol................usually weak spring or heavy duty ammo............will eventually beat the pistol.

Recoil spring replacement in the Luger is not an end all, cure all type of thing. Sometimes it is hard to figure just what the problem is, much less cure it.

When I mentioned that I change to Wolff 38# recoil springs in my Luger shooters, that is in my environment. I have a fondness for High Standard target guns as well as for the original Automags; I; out of habit change springs in those newly acquired because that is my own choice and works for me. I am also a fairly seasoned reloader which I think is an advantage to get a firearm to run, I can tailor the load to the particular pistol. I think...........my main shooting Lugers are in ok shape, smooth mechanicals; and I even have a fairly stout grip.

Wolff does make a 36# spring. I have never used one, so nothing worthwhile to offer on said spring here.

Lots of things in the Luger world that inhibits a particular pistol from working as they say. One thing I disagree with some on is using overly powerful ammo to make things work............beats the pistol to death and puts the user and folks to the side at risk.

I have no issues with the Wolff springs, mine are with the 38 versions(30 Luger, 9mmx19, and 7.65x19 wildcat) fwiw. There has been some discussion about custom built springs over the years here on this forum, but I am in the dark on that development. Would they be more better than the Wolff offerings?...............probably in some instances depending on who made them up. A guy like G.T. has the background in such, but he is kinda busy at times I hear.

So nothing here of any real use to you in a quick fix, guess I do not have the total package there.

[Rickybill]

See if you think new Wolff #38 spring might help my problem. My concern is spring too weak, too much recoil and wear and tear on Toggle and Mech? Slamming it back etc. Shooting Fiocchi 7.65s and by all accounts too weak so maybe weaker spring is good idea.

I'm using the action spring that was in my .30 when my dad got it some time in '60s.

If I load 85gr bullets at less than 1100fps, the gun short-strokes.
If I load at 1150, function is perfect, but there are signs of wear on the rear of the frame, the toggles, the toggle camming surfaces on the frame "ears", etc., that might appear excessive after fewer than 1000 rounds; can the line between too weak and too powerful be so slight?

I've installed the Wolff striker spring in my gun, but haven't messed with the action spring, as long as the gun is running.

[DonVoigt]

Originally Posted by Rickybill

I'm using the action spring that was in my .30 when my dad got it some time in '60s.

If I load 85gr bullets at less than 1100fps, the gun short-strokes.
If I load at 1150, function is perfect, but there are signs of wear on the rear of the frame, the toggles, the toggle camming surfaces on the frame "ears", etc., that might appear excessive after fewer than 1000 rounds; can the line between too weak and too powerful be so slight?

I've installed the Wolff striker spring in my gun, but haven't messed with the action spring, as long as the gun is running.

Yes, the line between too little and enough recoil is small!

I doubt you can discern any wear in the few rounds you have fired or after 1000.

Wear marks and even slight wear are "normal". Do be aware and consider that your are dealing with a 30+ lb spring in your pistol, with the same ammo that was used in the early 1900 leaf spring design, the spring with less than half the resistance of the coil spring set up. Which caused closure reliability problems, and is the reason for the coil spring coming into use.

I think you are worrying too much. JMHO.

PS: The wolf striker spring is stronger than it needs to be also, and the small tab on the spring retainer will experience excessive wear as a result, IMO and experience. it is very small in area and will benefit from use of the weakest spring that gives you reliable primer ignition; and frequent lubrication.
The original design strength was for "hard" military primers, and is not necessary for commercial primers. Something else to think about.