New Guy with 1918 Erfurt Luger

[runscott]

Originally Posted by G.T.

...you should be able to actuate the hold open while holding toggle back? It's tricky, but after a little effort you'll get it... Once the toggle is locked back / open, (only way it, the take down lever, can be moved!!!)

I don't know what you mean by "actuate the hold open" and when I google it, I just see instructions that say the same, without defining what "actuate the hold open" actually means.

update - if I use a screwdriver wrapped in cloth, I can get the take-down lever to go down. I'll just put it away and wait for the new magazine to arrive. If that doesn't solve the problem Ill punt. I apologize for bothering you all so much about this, and I appreciate all the information you have provided. If this one isn't workable, I'll certainly have a head-start with the next one. I've probably put about ten hours of work in on it since it arrived yesterday.

[Doubs]

Originally Posted by runscott

I don't know what you mean by "actuate the hold open" and when I google it, I just see instructions that say the same, without defining what "actuate the hold open" actually means.

With an empty magazine in the pistol, the follower button on the right side should push up against the hold open. When the action is pulled fully to the rear, the button pushes the hold open upward and prevents the action from closing; i.e., the breech block is caught by the hold open and is locked open Your magazine may have a weak spring and not work the hold open. A new MecGar mag should resolve that if it's truly a problem.

My father used to hold the action open with one hand and reach into the receiver with the other and pull the hold open into position to lock the action open. I saw him do that many times.

As HerrKaiser says, some take down levers are really difficult. A little oil on it might help.

[runscott]

Originally Posted by HerrKaiser

Some advice, put some lubricating oil (I use remoil) on the sideplate area where the TD lever engages it. You may also check the inside of the frame and lube up the lever itself inside the frame to see if that helps at all.

Will do both when I break down and clean today.

Originally Posted by Doubs

With an empty magazine in the pistol, the follower button on the right side should push up against the hold open. When the action is pulled fully to the rear, the button pushes the hold open upward and prevents the action from closing; i.e., the breech block is caught by the hold open and is locked open Your magazine may have a weak spring and not work the hold open. A new MecGar mag should resolve that if it's truly a problem.

My father used to hold the action open with one hand and reach into the receiver with the other and pull the hold open into position to lock the action open. I saw him do that many times.

As HerrKaiser says, some take down levers are really difficult. A little oil on it might help.

I see what you are saying. The follower button doesn't move when I pull the action back. I'm not gutsy enough yet to put my fingers in there - I'll just wait for the new mec-gar and see if that fixes the issue. I don't have any other mags with follower buttons, so it's tough to judge the spring strength, but it seems a little weak to me.

Thanks all.

[runscott]

I don't see the post anymore, but someone had asked about the sideplate. Sadly, it is blank.