How can I safely pull trigger after cocking?

12-30-2001, 10:34 AM

I need some help. I just acquired my first Luger, a 1915 DMW. First I pulled back the cocking lever. When I went to release it forward I squeezed the trigger at the same time I slid the lever forward thinking this would keep the trigger from cocking like on my 98K when I close the bolt. But, after I did this and squeezed the trigger I got a dry fire. What am I doing wrong? Any help from you pros would be greatly appreciated.

John D. · 12-30-2001, 10:43 AM

Hi Sam...

OK - you *almost* have the technique right

Let the toggle go all the way forward - but don't pull the trigger (it will dry fire)..

Next - lift the toggle about 1/3 of the way through it's firing cycle (enough so the breechblock pulls back - but just before you feel the mainspring take effect on the toggle assembly). You will feel a definate "transition" at that point.

Now - with the toggle at that point, squeeze the trigger, and it should release the firing pin.

Once you do it a couple of times - you'll get the feel of the point you need to lift the toggle ears back to release the firing pin safely...

Hope this helps - and post back if this technique doesn't work for you, OK???

12-30-2001, 07:41 PM

Thanks John. I tried your suggestion a few times by pulling the toggle back about 1/3 and depressing the trigger. So far I still don't have the right spot but I will keep practicing. I have been using a dummy round without a primer cap so as not to do much damage.

John D. · 12-30-2001, 08:02 PM

OK - sounds like you may be pulling the toggle up a bit too far?? Try pulling it up/back so that the breechblock moves back only about 1/2 an inch or so. Right about that point, the effort to pull it back farther should be noticibly firmer. Anyway - that's the point you want - just before the toggle pull-back gets firmer...

I like the idea of the dummy round as well - great idea!!

Let us know if it still doesn't work for you, OK???

12-30-2001, 08:36 PM

Worked John.Just a 1/2 inch or so and firing pin disengaged.Thanks! Now, second question: When I pull the toggle back and it locks open because there is no bullet in the clip, is there a way to close the toggle without putting a bullet in the clip and letting the toggle cycle the bullet into the chamber. I am sure you have the answer to this one also. Sam

John D. · 12-30-2001, 08:42 PM

Outstanding!!! Glad it worked out..!!!

As for letting the toggle fall with an empty clip - sure.. Just pull the clip out part way or all the way. Then - pull back on the toggle a bit. That will release the hold open (which is held in place with an empty clip) and let the toggle come forward...

Hope This helps!!!

12-30-2001, 09:05 PM

Thanks John. It's guys like you that make this hobby so great. Now I can sleep soundly tonight.

Dok · 12-30-2001, 09:11 PM

better than Unisom!!!!

John D. · 12-30-2001, 09:12 PM

There are dozens of folks on this Board who offer their expertise - and you are right there with us, as you share the same passion for these fine firearms...

Welcome to the Forum, Sam..!!!

12-30-2001, 10:34 AM	#1
Sam Guest Posts: n/a	How can I safely pull trigger after cocking? I need some help. I just acquired my first Luger, a 1915 DMW. First I pulled back the cocking lever. When I went to release it forward I squeezed the trigger at the same time I slid the lever forward thinking this would keep the trigger from cocking like on my 98K when I close the bolt. But, after I did this and squeezed the trigger I got a dry fire. What am I doing wrong? Any help from you pros would be greatly appreciated.

12-30-2001, 10:43 AM	#2
John D. Administrator & Site Owner LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: A Little NE of Somewhere... Posts: 2,651 Thanks: 477 Thanked 515 Times in 128 Posts	Re: How can I safely pull trigger after cocking? Hi Sam... OK - you almost have the technique right Let the toggle go all the way forward - but don't pull the trigger (it will dry fire).. Next - lift the toggle about 1/3 of the way through it's firing cycle (enough so the breechblock pulls back - but just before you feel the mainspring take effect on the toggle assembly). You will feel a definate "transition" at that point. Now - with the toggle at that point, squeeze the trigger, and it should release the firing pin. Once you do it a couple of times - you'll get the feel of the point you need to lift the toggle ears back to release the firing pin safely... Hope this helps - and post back if this technique doesn't work for you, OK???

12-30-2001, 07:41 PM	#3
Sam Guest Posts: n/a	Re: How can I safely pull trigger after cocking? Thanks John. I tried your suggestion a few times by pulling the toggle back about 1/3 and depressing the trigger. So far I still don't have the right spot but I will keep practicing. I have been using a dummy round without a primer cap so as not to do much damage.

12-30-2001, 08:02 PM	#4
John D. Administrator & Site Owner LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: A Little NE of Somewhere... Posts: 2,651 Thanks: 477 Thanked 515 Times in 128 Posts	Hi Sam..! OK - sounds like you may be pulling the toggle up a bit too far?? Try pulling it up/back so that the breechblock moves back only about 1/2 an inch or so. Right about that point, the effort to pull it back farther should be noticibly firmer. Anyway - that's the point you want - just before the toggle pull-back gets firmer... I like the idea of the dummy round as well - great idea!! Let us know if it still doesn't work for you, OK???

12-30-2001, 08:36 PM	#5
Sam Guest Posts: n/a	It Worked! Worked John.Just a 1/2 inch or so and firing pin disengaged.Thanks! Now, second question: When I pull the toggle back and it locks open because there is no bullet in the clip, is there a way to close the toggle without putting a bullet in the clip and letting the toggle cycle the bullet into the chamber. I am sure you have the answer to this one also. Sam

12-30-2001, 08:42 PM	#6
John D. Administrator & Site Owner LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: A Little NE of Somewhere... Posts: 2,651 Thanks: 477 Thanked 515 Times in 128 Posts	Re: It Worked! Outstanding!!! Glad it worked out..!!! As for letting the toggle fall with an empty clip - sure.. Just pull the clip out part way or all the way. Then - pull back on the toggle a bit. That will release the hold open (which is held in place with an empty clip) and let the toggle come forward... Hope This helps!!!

12-30-2001, 09:05 PM	#7
Sam Guest Posts: n/a	Re: It Worked! Thanks John. It's guys like you that make this hobby so great. Now I can sleep soundly tonight.

12-30-2001, 09:11 PM	#8
Dok RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Bermuda (Eat Your Heart Out) Posts: 1,626 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Better market that John.... better than Unisom!!!!

12-30-2001, 09:12 PM	#9
John D. Administrator & Site Owner LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: A Little NE of Somewhere... Posts: 2,651 Thanks: 477 Thanked 515 Times in 128 Posts	My Pleasure.... There are dozens of folks on this Board who offer their expertise - and you are right there with us, as you share the same passion for these fine firearms... Welcome to the Forum, Sam..!!!