First post/First Luger/First problem

[PAcanis]

Yes, David. That sounds right. The firing pin is not staying back when the toggle comes forward.
But like I said, I am new to these. I am not sure if I am supposed to be doing something differently. I do not understand the mechanics yet and don't know anybody that has a Luger to mentor me.

It would be nice to know how exactly to release the toggle when the firearm is empty/unloaded. Do you have to drop the mag? For all I know dropping the mag prevents the firing pin from being able to be locked in a firing position...

If I understood the mechanics, then I could better access what might be going on.

[ithacaartist]

Originally Posted by PAcanis

If I understood the mechanics, then I could better access what might be going on.

+1 on John's suggestion to obtain Gerard Henrotin's e-book. It will give you a firm foundation for understanding how all the systems work in concert, and will represent the best $7.95 you've ever spent! Highly recommended!

To check for looseness in the side plate, put 'er fully back together (firing pin, guide, spring optional). To eliminate the possibility of damage from dry firing, either get some snap caps, but in this test, the pistol doesn't even need to be cocked. Hold a finger at the front or back end of the plate with half the fingertip also resting on the frame. When flexing the trigger, it is possible to detect motion in the side plate that cannot necessarily be seen. You'll be able to feel if the relationship between the side plate and frame changes as tension is applied to the system. If the side plate is jumping around when the trigger is flexed, it's an easy fix to tweak the tang of the side plate to snug things up again. Once this possible issue is addressed, and if it still won't function, then attention turns to the lever in the side plate. These levers can be adjusted, but it's a little more involved--annealing the lever, adjusting it, then re-hardening it--usually left to someone with appropriate level of expertise.

We can type "cocked" in a post, but must modify "c0ck" for it to work around the site's software and appear in a post.