1921 Luger

TMB · 01-12-2014, 03:59 PM

Hi, I was having trigger reset problems I think I have fixed thanks to this forum. What I was wondering is my Luger has 1921 stamped on it no maker just 42 with last two numbers of serial behind it. Does that mean it was made by Mauser in 1921 or is that a model number? Thanks

Edward Tinker · 01-12-2014, 04:15 PM

You would need to show pictures as Mauser did not make lugers until mid 1930's

1921 would be the year made

but we'd need to see pictures, left, right, top and then close ups of the markings

Neil Young · 01-12-2014, 06:23 PM

I'm getting a little senile, but I don't think Mauser was in the Luger business in 1921. My 1921 has DWM on the toggle. If all of that is true, your 1921 has the wrong toggle assembly on it.

TMB · 01-12-2014, 07:31 PM

It could be but the last two numbers of the serial number is stamped on it. The side plate doesn't have number but the only part I see on it that the numbers doesn't match is the locking bolt.
Maybe some one took the parts from a Mauser that's numbers matched Idk. I was just confused about the 1921 & 42 code. I'll try to take some pictures that show when I have better lighting I'm using cell for pictures so far have only been able to get good pics in the sun light but I don't have any of this yet.

Edward Tinker · 01-12-2014, 08:49 PM

TMB, I know for a fact that mauser did not make Lugers until the K date, i.e. 1930's

There is no question on that, so either it has been force matched or someone got lucky, but it should have a DWM on the toggle - fur sure

kubel · 01-12-2014, 11:03 PM

Maybe it's a 42 code Luger with the serial number being 1921?

TMB · 01-13-2014, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kubel

Maybe it's a 42 code Luger with the serial number being 1921?

No the serial is in three places on the left side, under the barrel and front of frame. Maybe it is force matched but seems like if some one did that they'd have force matched the side plate and lock bolt too. I did search around a little and read that Mauser bought DWM Luger equipment in 1929 & thought the 1921 on mine might have been the model a mis stamp or put together with some parts from 1921 maybe Idk. It has been re-blued so no matter what it is it's just a shooter.

DavidJayUden · 01-13-2014, 07:48 AM

This can be settled very easily.
Photos please.
dju

Edward Tinker · 01-13-2014, 09:59 AM

groan... pictures of the left, right and top would eliminate all this guessing like David said.........

TMB · 01-13-2014, 06:42 PM

[ATTACH][ATTACH][ATTACH][ATTACH][ATTACH][ATTACH]Attachment 39537[/ATTACH][/ATTACH][/ATTACH][/ATTACH][/ATTACH][/ATTACH]pictures

This is it. The grips and mag I bought. The grips that came on it were loose and I thought these look better. The mag that came with it is stainless with brown plastic bottom. I paid $500 for it. It's a pretty good shooter except trigger wasn't resetting every 2 or 3 shots. I think I have that fixed now though.

sheepherder · 01-13-2014, 07:05 PM

The sideplate is interesting...I don't think it's original, but I like the full-height 'bulge'...

DavidJayUden · 01-13-2014, 08:12 PM

"Interesting" is a nice way of putting it...
TMB:
I can't tell much that will help you except that the toggle and the upper frame definitely do not match, as in they were made quite a few years apart. The frame is DWM and toggle is Mauser. The finish looks very glossy, suggesting a buff-n-blue job, but it is hard to tell from the photos.
Now to your reset problem, Sheepherder is right about the side plate, definitely not a genuine Luger part. And one photo suggests that it does not fit correctly against the frame. Somewhere, either in the fit to the frame or the bend of the parts on the inside of the plate, lies your problem.
Try holding the plate very tightly against the frame while you cycle it and dry fire it, just to see if that changes things.
dju

kzullick · 01-13-2014, 08:24 PM

The side plate is off of a Swiss Luger

TMB · 01-13-2014, 09:29 PM

Thanks for the replies. I did the polish trigger lever as shown in the R,R&R section, so far it seems to be working. Not sure how to bend parts.

wlyon · 01-13-2014, 10:28 PM

Agree the sideplate is Swiss. I believe for the 1906/29. I would find a regular sideplate. Bill

TMB · 01-14-2014, 03:21 PM

Thanks again for the info. I did some more searching and think the mag that came with it is Swiss also.

If the polishing the trigger lever works to fix the trigger reset problem. Since the pistol is put together with parts from multiple pistols. What would be the reason to find a regular side plate, and are the repro side plates any good if I do change it?

rhuff · 01-14-2014, 03:45 PM

To me, because it is a mixed Luger, it is a "shooter" category piece. If you can get that side plate to function for you in a reliable fashion, I would not change it out. If on the other hand, it will not function reliably, then a change out is in order. I, personally, would stick with original Luger parts if available to you.

DavidJayUden · 01-14-2014, 03:51 PM

There is probably a pretty decent chance that a standard DWM sideplate will clip right on.
Anything else is more likely to need alteration or fitting.
But it is a crap shoot...
There is a member "DZ" who advertises lots of different numbered original sideplates down below in the "for sale" column. He may trade for your Swiss, or you may be able to sell it.
dju

alanint · 01-14-2014, 06:11 PM

I think you gentlemen are being generous with that side plate. I find it much too crude to be a factory made part.

I suggest a home made replacement part. A photo of the side plate interior would be of further help in establishing its pedigree.

TMB · 01-14-2014, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanint

I think you gentlemen are being generous with that side plate. I find it much too crude to be a factory made part.

I suggest a home made replacement part. A photo of the side plate interior would be of further help in establishing its pedigree.

Attachment 39556
Just took this of interior not very good but best I could get right now.

01-12-2014, 03:59 PM	#1
TMB User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: California Posts: 13 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	1921 Luger Hi, I was having trigger reset problems I think I have fixed thanks to this forum. What I was wondering is my Luger has 1921 stamped on it no maker just 42 with last two numbers of serial behind it. Does that mean it was made by Mauser in 1921 or is that a model number? Thanks

01-12-2014, 04:15 PM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,966 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,595 Times in 2,116 Posts	You would need to show pictures as Mauser did not make lugers until mid 1930's 1921 would be the year made but we'd need to see pictures, left, right, top and then close ups of the markings __________________ 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

01-12-2014, 06:23 PM	#3
Neil Young Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Scottsboro, Alabama Posts: 548 Thanks: 566 Thanked 443 Times in 168 Posts	I'm getting a little senile, but I don't think Mauser was in the Luger business in 1921. My 1921 has DWM on the toggle. If all of that is true, your 1921 has the wrong toggle assembly on it. __________________ Neil The hurrier I go the behinder I get. Sometimes it takes me all day to get nothing done.

01-12-2014, 08:49 PM	#5
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,966 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,595 Times in 2,116 Posts	TMB, I know for a fact that mauser did not make Lugers until the K date, i.e. 1930's There is no question on that, so either it has been force matched or someone got lucky, but it should have a DWM on the toggle - fur sure __________________ 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

01-13-2014, 06:42 PM	#10
TMB User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: California Posts: 13 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	pictures [ATTACH][ATTACH][ATTACH][ATTACH][ATTACH][ATTACH]Attachment 39537[/ATTACH][/ATTACH][/ATTACH][/ATTACH][/ATTACH][/ATTACH]pictures This is it. The grips and mag I bought. The grips that came on it were loose and I thought these look better. The mag that came with it is stainless with brown plastic bottom. I paid $500 for it. It's a pretty good shooter except trigger wasn't resetting every 2 or 3 shots. I think I have that fixed now though. Last edited by TMB; 10-22-2014 at 09:52 PM.

01-12-2014, 07:31 PM	#4
TMB User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: California Posts: 13 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	It could be but the last two numbers of the serial number is stamped on it. The side plate doesn't have number but the only part I see on it that the numbers doesn't match is the locking bolt. Maybe some one took the parts from a Mauser that's numbers matched Idk. I was just confused about the 1921 & 42 code. I'll try to take some pictures that show when I have better lighting I'm using cell for pictures so far have only been able to get good pics in the sun light but I don't have any of this yet.

01-12-2014, 11:03 PM	#6
kubel User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 124 Thanks: 5 Thanked 32 Times in 20 Posts	Maybe it's a 42 code Luger with the serial number being 1921?

01-13-2014, 07:48 AM	#8
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	This can be settled very easily. Photos please. dju

01-13-2014, 09:59 AM	#9
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,966 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,595 Times in 2,116 Posts	groan... pictures of the left, right and top would eliminate all this guessing like David said.........

01-13-2014, 07:05 PM	#11
sheepherder Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: ...on the 'ol Erie Canal... Posts: 8,197 Thanks: 1,416 Thanked 4,462 Times in 2,336 Posts	The sideplate is interesting...I don't think it's original, but I like the full-height 'bulge'... __________________ I like my coffee the way I like my women... ...Cold and bitter...

01-13-2014, 08:12 PM	#12
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	"Interesting" is a nice way of putting it... TMB: I can't tell much that will help you except that the toggle and the upper frame definitely do not match, as in they were made quite a few years apart. The frame is DWM and toggle is Mauser. The finish looks very glossy, suggesting a buff-n-blue job, but it is hard to tell from the photos. Now to your reset problem, Sheepherder is right about the side plate, definitely not a genuine Luger part. And one photo suggests that it does not fit correctly against the frame. Somewhere, either in the fit to the frame or the bend of the parts on the inside of the plate, lies your problem. Try holding the plate very tightly against the frame while you cycle it and dry fire it, just to see if that changes things. dju

01-13-2014, 08:24 PM	#13
kzullick Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: East Berwick, Pennsylvania Posts: 239 Thanks: 683 Thanked 104 Times in 85 Posts	The side plate is off of a Swiss Luger

01-13-2014, 09:29 PM	#14
TMB User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: California Posts: 13 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Thanks for the replies. I did the polish trigger lever as shown in the R,R&R section, so far it seems to be working. Not sure how to bend parts.

01-13-2014, 10:28 PM	#15
wlyon Lifer 2X Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: May 2005 Location: Somewhere in Montana Posts: 2,655 Thanks: 3,212 Thanked 2,619 Times in 971 Posts	Agree the sideplate is Swiss. I believe for the 1906/29. I would find a regular sideplate. Bill __________________ Bill Lyon

01-14-2014, 03:21 PM	#16
TMB User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: California Posts: 13 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Thanks again for the info. I did some more searching and think the mag that came with it is Swiss also. If the polishing the trigger lever works to fix the trigger reset problem. Since the pistol is put together with parts from multiple pistols. What would be the reason to find a regular side plate, and are the repro side plates any good if I do change it?

01-14-2014, 03:45 PM	#17
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,308 Thanks: 2,737 Thanked 993 Times in 729 Posts	To me, because it is a mixed Luger, it is a "shooter" category piece. If you can get that side plate to function for you in a reliable fashion, I would not change it out. If on the other hand, it will not function reliably, then a change out is in order. I, personally, would stick with original Luger parts if available to you.

01-14-2014, 03:51 PM	#18
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	There is probably a pretty decent chance that a standard DWM sideplate will clip right on. Anything else is more likely to need alteration or fitting. But it is a crap shoot... There is a member "DZ" who advertises lots of different numbered original sideplates down below in the "for sale" column. He may trade for your Swiss, or you may be able to sell it. dju

01-14-2014, 06:11 PM	#19
alanint User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Marco Island, Florida Posts: 4,867 Thanks: 1,685 Thanked 1,917 Times in 1,193 Posts	I think you gentlemen are being generous with that side plate. I find it much too crude to be a factory made part. I suggest a home made replacement part. A photo of the side plate interior would be of further help in establishing its pedigree.