Locking Bolt Spring question

thorin6 · 01-31-2006, 08:58 PM

I've been reading the previous posts on this spring, and based on the comments went and looked for the Locking Bolt Spring on my 1917 Erfurt. The end of the spring is not visible, and my local gunsmith told me it was missing, but after learning that it is the second most likely part to break, I thought it best to take a look.
After removing the Locking Bolt, I saw that the spring was missing the last 1/3 of its length, but it was in the right spot, and it definately holds the Locking Bar in place.
Question is whether I should attempt to replace the spring, or just leave it as is. I have already fired the Luger through three magazine loads, and there were no apparent problems with the Locking Bolt. I intend to shoot the Luger occasionally (maybe two-four times a year), about 24-32 rounds each time. The pistol is all matching, including the grips (I have a set of cheap plastic grips to use when shooting), but the finish is rough and I don't think the occasional range trip will add to the wear.
Any advice on replacing the Locking Bolt Spring will be appreciated.

Edward Tinker · 01-31-2006, 09:09 PM

good questions, I know another collector that has one or two lugers with this problem and the silly man has ignored it...

Ed

Dwight Gruber · 01-31-2006, 10:41 PM

Since it is actually working, that is, it holds the lever in place and doesn't let it rotate so the sideplate falls off when you shoot, I'd say leave it alone. Relpacing it is a bit tricky, and it is possible to end up worse off than you are now.

--Dwight

Lugerdoc · 02-01-2006, 07:49 AM

Thorin, I agree with Dwight --- that you probably have enough of your sping remaining to do the job. But when it does fail eventually, I have new ones available @$15 or 2 for $25. TH

Luke · 02-01-2006, 08:23 AM

Tom -

Do the new springs look exactly like the old ones?

Thanks,
Luke

thorin6 · 02-01-2006, 10:42 PM

Thanks for the advice; I'll leave it as is, but pick up a spare just in case.

Lugerdoc · 02-03-2006, 08:03 AM

Luke, The DDR ones that I sell are the same as the originals, not the cheap US made ones. TH

01-31-2006, 08:58 PM	#1
thorin6 User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: North Carolina Posts: 43 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Locking Bolt Spring question I've been reading the previous posts on this spring, and based on the comments went and looked for the Locking Bolt Spring on my 1917 Erfurt. The end of the spring is not visible, and my local gunsmith told me it was missing, but after learning that it is the second most likely part to break, I thought it best to take a look. After removing the Locking Bolt, I saw that the spring was missing the last 1/3 of its length, but it was in the right spot, and it definately holds the Locking Bar in place. Question is whether I should attempt to replace the spring, or just leave it as is. I have already fired the Luger through three magazine loads, and there were no apparent problems with the Locking Bolt. I intend to shoot the Luger occasionally (maybe two-four times a year), about 24-32 rounds each time. The pistol is all matching, including the grips (I have a set of cheap plastic grips to use when shooting), but the finish is rough and I don't think the occasional range trip will add to the wear. Any advice on replacing the Locking Bolt Spring will be appreciated.

01-31-2006, 09:09 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 4,591 Times in 2,114 Posts	good questions, I know another collector that has one or two lugers with this problem and the silly man has ignored it... Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

02-01-2006, 07:49 AM	#4
Lugerdoc Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: POB 398 St.Charles,MO. 63302 Posts: 5,089 Thanks: 6 Thanked 737 Times in 484 Posts	Thorin, I agree with Dwight --- that you probably have enough of your sping remaining to do the job. But when it does fail eventually, I have new ones available @$15 or 2 for $25. TH __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 lugerdoc@charter.net

02-01-2006, 08:23 AM	#5
Luke User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: NC - USA Posts: 1,239 Thanks: 0 Thanked 19 Times in 7 Posts	Tom - Do the new springs look exactly like the old ones? Thanks, Luke __________________ "Peace, if possible; truth, at any cost." . . . Martin Luther

02-03-2006, 08:03 AM	#7
Lugerdoc Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: POB 398 St.Charles,MO. 63302 Posts: 5,089 Thanks: 6 Thanked 737 Times in 484 Posts	Luke, The DDR ones that I sell are the same as the originals, not the cheap US made ones. TH __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 lugerdoc@charter.net

01-31-2006, 10:41 PM	#3
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,908 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,330 Times in 435 Posts	Since it is actually working, that is, it holds the lever in place and doesn't let it rotate so the sideplate falls off when you shoot, I'd say leave it alone. Relpacing it is a bit tricky, and it is possible to end up worse off than you are now. --Dwight

02-01-2006, 10:42 PM	#6
thorin6 User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: North Carolina Posts: 43 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for the advice; I'll leave it as is, but pick up a spare just in case.