1938 S/42 98% with STIFF TD-lever? (pics) - Page 2

LugerVern · 07-08-2007, 07:52 AM

Nice gun!
Unless you just canÃ¢??t stand it I would leave the lever alone and allow it to break in naturally as suggested. Removing the damaged metal by jeweler files might be possible but you can also very quickly permanently damage your gun, something you really donÃ¢??t want to do as you have something special. Another better option is to use lapping compound, this you can find at any good auto store or even better Brownells Inc., use the finest grain you can find. Apply this to your lever and then cycle the lever back and forth in its natural rotation, after a few turns remove the lever and note the high spots, reapply the compound to the problem area and repeat. This will very quickly mate the surfaces perfectly without removing unnecessary metal. Make sure you clean your parts thoroughly after wards. I have also had some luck with metal polish used the same as the lapping compound, it depends on the tightness of your lever. Keep the compound/polish off the exterior parts of your gun; apply only to the lever shaft.
Honestly I would just leave it alone, that lever will eventually break in naturally or at least to the point that you can turn it without the use of a device. A good forcing device can be made from an old tooth brush handle, easily shaped into a perfect fit and soft enough not to mar your finish.
They say patience is learned, but the true trick is to learn from others mistakes Ã¢??go slowly my friend.

Good Luck

Vern

07-08-2007, 07:52 AM	#21
LugerVern User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Virginia Posts: 563 Thanks: 1 Thanked 34 Times in 27 Posts	Nice gun! Unless you just canÃ¢??t stand it I would leave the lever alone and allow it to break in naturally as suggested. Removing the damaged metal by jeweler files might be possible but you can also very quickly permanently damage your gun, something you really donÃ¢??t want to do as you have something special. Another better option is to use lapping compound, this you can find at any good auto store or even better Brownells Inc., use the finest grain you can find. Apply this to your lever and then cycle the lever back and forth in its natural rotation, after a few turns remove the lever and note the high spots, reapply the compound to the problem area and repeat. This will very quickly mate the surfaces perfectly without removing unnecessary metal. Make sure you clean your parts thoroughly after wards. I have also had some luck with metal polish used the same as the lapping compound, it depends on the tightness of your lever. Keep the compound/polish off the exterior parts of your gun; apply only to the lever shaft. Honestly I would just leave it alone, that lever will eventually break in naturally or at least to the point that you can turn it without the use of a device. A good forcing device can be made from an old tooth brush handle, easily shaped into a perfect fit and soft enough not to mar your finish. They say patience is learned, but the true trick is to learn from others mistakes Ã¢??go slowly my friend. Good Luck Vern