1939 Toggle Slide Tolerance

[ithacaartist]

I will agree to the extent that Lugers function adequately like this, but have a different view. True to the precision and extent of detail inherent in a Luger's manufacture, I think any pistol that left the factory would tend to have parts that are straight and true.

Exactly how the tines are bent can make a difference, I'd think. If the tines themselves are straight, but pinched in a bit, spreading them by hand to slip the block between them would only result in a slight resistance to the rotation of the rear toggle.

If a tine(s) is bowed, then squeezing them together to slide the upper into the frame, or spreading them to accept the breech block will bring the deformity into play during function.

If the tines bow in--between the breech and the toggle axle--the breech block will be slowed by the narrow area when assembled.

If they bow out, the barrel extension will be more snug than spec. when all is in place.

Whether they affect function--and how much--would be dictated by the extent of the deformity. It is obviously true that function is not affected noticeably in some cases, and I guess that can be acceptable. But IMHO, any bending of any part should be considered damage. I can attest that it is important with Erma toggle pistols--the .22's in particular, because they involve management of much lower energies when firing.

I'm keen to read what G.T. or Lugerdoc might say about the situation, in light of their experience in straightening out Lugers.