Trigger Dead, sometimes

BobSandy · 01-26-2018, 01:02 PM

Fired for the first time my DWM (1921) luger. Extremely accurate and fun. My first luger to own. Received as a gift from my son. However, sometimes during the middle of emptying a magazine, the trigger is inoperable. Pressure on trigger and nothing. I drop out the mag, re-insert, and re-apply pressure and than it fires. Any ideas??

ithacaartist · 01-26-2018, 01:40 PM

Check the sear bar's plunger to see if its motion is gummed up by accumulated stuff in its well. Fiddling with the mag may jiggle it loose or give it some time so that it pops back out and works thereafter.

To be completely removed, the retaining pin for the plunger must be pressed out, which is a pain. Running solvent and lube into the system and working the plunger in and out repeatedly to flush out gunk usually works. Compressed air or "blaster" shot in there will also help.

Edward Tinker · 01-26-2018, 01:41 PM

Taking the mag out and reinserting should have nothing to do with the trigger?

I am assuming that the trigger is not set, its sticking or the firing pin is a bit? But it would either be cocked or not unless you brought the toggle backwards and let it go (recocking it)

Ed

Karl · 01-26-2018, 02:01 PM

Bob,

My guess is that the sear bar plunger is not returning for some reason. With the gun unloaded, hold the trigger down, c*ck the gun (by pulling the toggle back until it cocks and letting it return to battery), and then release the trigger. You should here a slight click when trigger lever releases the plunger. If you don't, the plunger is not releasing.

As stated above, a likely problem is a gummed up plunger. I suggest soaking the plunger end of the sear bar in penetrating oil like Kroil and working it to make sure it is completely free.

Another possibility, if this is a mismatched gun or has a mismatched side plate, is the trigger lever in the side plate. If the trigger lever in its retracted position does not clear the plunger it cannot reset. If this is the problem you may need to polish a little more of a bevel on the back of the trigger lever using a fine Arkansas stone. Hope this helps.

KFS

mrerick · 01-26-2018, 02:25 PM

Hi Bob and welcome to the forum.

As mentioned by Karl and David, the most likely cause is that the little plunger at the front of the sear bar is dirty and sticking. The spring is inside the plunger which is retained in the front end of the sear bar. Sometimes you can clean it with spray or soaking solvents. The plunger is the Luger's disconnector and involved in trigger reset.

The trigger plate and linkage of a Luger has to be hand fit. If your pistol is all matching and not heavily worn, the sticky plunger is probably it. If the plate or trigger linkage parts have been replaced then the fit of the parts is more possible. If this is the issue, don't try messing with this yourself. It takes some experience to do it right. At least a couple expert Luger gunsmiths habituate this board if you need help.

You may enjoy the FAQ document we publish here. Just follow the FAQ link at the top of each forum page.

BobSandy · 01-26-2018, 04:07 PM

Thank you for taking the time to respond to these newby issues. Mine is a "shooter" with numbers stamped over numbers. Still a very fine firearm. Will attempt to clean sear bar and seat.

Any recommendation on purchasing additional magazines? Is there a link for purchasing parts here on our site?

rhuff · 01-26-2018, 04:20 PM

Most/all here will recommend the Mec-Gar brand of P08 magazine. They are the best of the aftermarket mags. Greg Cote LLC. usually has them in stock for a good price point.

Our own Lugerdoc(on this forum) is one source that has a ton of knowledge concerning Lugers, and a lot of original and aftermarket parts. He is good to work with, also.

DonVoigt · 01-26-2018, 04:23 PM

Yes, clean and check all mentioned above; a weak trigger return spring can cause the same problem.
No link, but a multitude of places to buy Mec-gar luger magazines, which are the best of the aftermarket mags still available.
Original mags are 3x the price or more- so it depends on what you want!

Welcome, and enjoy your luger- just be careful- they can cause addiction!

mrerick · 01-26-2018, 04:48 PM

Bob, it sounds like you may have a Russian Capture or VoPo Luger. Pictures will help us help you identify it. Take pictures in sharp focus under indirect (shaded) natural sunlight without using a flash.

Those were arsenal re-fitted by workers who knew how to work with the Luger action. Of course, it might also have been "worked on" after that by parties unknown. The RC or VoPo guns have also often been dip refinished, a reduced labor process for putting on a new finish as part of the rework.

BobSandy · 01-26-2018, 05:51 PM

Photos attached.

mrerick · 01-26-2018, 08:21 PM

The "X" is evidence that it is a Russian Capture. I can't see enough of the side plate, but I think it's a replacement.

You already have one of the best running magazines available. A "fxo" or 2/1001 marked Haenel Schmeisser milled magazine.

I can't see the frame ears profile clearly, but they may have the Hump. It could also just be the angle and background... Pix straight on please?

Start by cleaning up the sear plunger... Marc

BobSandy · 01-29-2018, 12:57 PM

Marc, thanks for your input. Still trying to load photos.

BobSandy · 01-30-2018, 04:36 PM

Finally. Marc, is this what you meant?

Mike Kay · 02-03-2018, 02:13 AM

I had similar issues with my 1939 VOPO Luger. After running through all the possible causes, it turned out to be the trigger spring.

Best
Mike

mrerick · 02-03-2018, 10:45 AM

Hi Bob, these pictures unfortunately still are out of focus and the lighting doesn't help make details visible.

It looks like your frame has the Mauser hump in two of these photos. The finish also looks dip refinished.

The grips are probably post war reproduction grips from the rear profile appearance and checkering. These grips did not come from a VoPo rework, and were most likely added later.

The original serial number was scrubbed off the base of the magazine.

Any progress on the disconnector and trigger reset?

tudorbug · 02-03-2018, 11:21 AM

May I add my compliments on the photograph of old Corvette. It caught my eye immediately. I owned a 1965, 1966, 1967 and 1969 many years ago.

David

BobSandy · 02-05-2018, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrerick

Hi Bob, these pictures unfortunately still are out of focus and the lighting doesn't help make details visible.

It looks like your frame has the Mauser hump in two of these photos. The finish also looks dip refinished.

The grips are probably post war reproduction grips from the rear profile appearance and checkering. These grips did not come from a VoPo rework, and were most likely added later.

The original serial number was scrubbed off the base of the magazine.

Any progress on the disconnector and trigger reset?

I've taken apart my PPK, .45, Kimber, P-38. I look at the luger exploded view w many more parts. Probably this week. Thanks for your input. Just a 'shooter' but Ive always wanted one.

BobSandy · 02-05-2018, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tudorbug

May I add my compliments on the photograph of old Corvette. It caught my eye immediately. I owned a 1965, 1966, 1967 and 1969 many years ago.

David

David,
Never expected to communicate w another Corvette guy on a gun forum. Love my '59 and '65. Had new ones and all I could do is wash/polish them. These old bombs keep me busy either fixing or restoring. Great for a retired guy. All your Corvettes are classics.
"Save the wave".

DavidJayUden · 02-05-2018, 02:17 PM

YouTube has some tutorials on disassembly what you may find beneficial.
dju

01-26-2018, 01:02 PM	#1
BobSandy User Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Fulshear, Texas Posts: 7 Thanks: 9 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Trigger Dead, sometimes Fired for the first time my DWM (1921) luger. Extremely accurate and fun. My first luger to own. Received as a gift from my son. However, sometimes during the middle of emptying a magazine, the trigger is inoperable. Pressure on trigger and nothing. I drop out the mag, re-insert, and re-apply pressure and than it fires. Any ideas??

01-26-2018, 01:40 PM	#2
ithacaartist Twice a Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atop the highest hill in Schuyler County NY Posts: 3,346 Thanks: 7,277 Thanked 2,578 Times in 1,365 Posts	Check the sear bar's plunger to see if its motion is gummed up by accumulated stuff in its well. Fiddling with the mag may jiggle it loose or give it some time so that it pops back out and works thereafter. To be completely removed, the retaining pin for the plunger must be pressed out, which is a pain. Running solvent and lube into the system and working the plunger in and out repeatedly to flush out gunk usually works. Compressed air or "blaster" shot in there will also help. __________________ "... Liberty is the seed and soil, the air and light, the dew and rain of progress, love and joy."-- Robert Greene Ingersoll 1894

01-26-2018, 02:25 PM	#5
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,909 Thanks: 1,374 Thanked 3,110 Times in 1,510 Posts	Hi Bob and welcome to the forum. As mentioned by Karl and David, the most likely cause is that the little plunger at the front of the sear bar is dirty and sticking. The spring is inside the plunger which is retained in the front end of the sear bar. Sometimes you can clean it with spray or soaking solvents. The plunger is the Luger's disconnector and involved in trigger reset. The trigger plate and linkage of a Luger has to be hand fit. If your pistol is all matching and not heavily worn, the sticky plunger is probably it. If the plate or trigger linkage parts have been replaced then the fit of the parts is more possible. If this is the issue, don't try messing with this yourself. It takes some experience to do it right. At least a couple expert Luger gunsmiths habituate this board if you need help. You may enjoy the FAQ document we publish here. Just follow the FAQ link at the top of each forum page. __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

01-26-2018, 04:20 PM	#7
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,291 Thanks: 2,709 Thanked 972 Times in 717 Posts	Most/all here will recommend the Mec-Gar brand of P08 magazine. They are the best of the aftermarket mags. Greg Cote LLC. usually has them in stock for a good price point. Our own Lugerdoc(on this forum) is one source that has a ton of knowledge concerning Lugers, and a lot of original and aftermarket parts. He is good to work with, also. __________________ Need DWM breechblock #21

01-26-2018, 04:23 PM	#8
DonVoigt User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: near Charlotte NC Posts: 4,681 Thanks: 1,441 Thanked 4,350 Times in 2,040 Posts	Yes, clean and check all mentioned above; a weak trigger return spring can cause the same problem. No link, but a multitude of places to buy Mec-gar luger magazines, which are the best of the aftermarket mags still available. Original mags are 3x the price or more- so it depends on what you want! Welcome, and enjoy your luger- just be careful- they can cause addiction! __________________ 03man(Don Voigt); Luger student and collector. Looking for DWM side plate: 69 ; Dreyse 1907 pistol K.S. Gendarmerie

01-26-2018, 01:41 PM	#3
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,933 Thanks: 2,032 Thanked 4,530 Times in 2,092 Posts	Taking the mag out and reinserting should have nothing to do with the trigger? I am assuming that the trigger is not set, its sticking or the firing pin is a bit? But it would either be cocked or not unless you brought the toggle backwards and let it go (recocking it) Ed

01-26-2018, 02:01 PM	#4
Karl Lifer - Twice Over Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Savannah Posts: 522 Thanks: 0 Thanked 271 Times in 118 Posts	Bob, My guess is that the sear bar plunger is not returning for some reason. With the gun unloaded, hold the trigger down, c*ck the gun (by pulling the toggle back until it cocks and letting it return to battery), and then release the trigger. You should here a slight click when trigger lever releases the plunger. If you don't, the plunger is not releasing. As stated above, a likely problem is a gummed up plunger. I suggest soaking the plunger end of the sear bar in penetrating oil like Kroil and working it to make sure it is completely free. Another possibility, if this is a mismatched gun or has a mismatched side plate, is the trigger lever in the side plate. If the trigger lever in its retracted position does not clear the plunger it cannot reset. If this is the problem you may need to polish a little more of a bevel on the back of the trigger lever using a fine Arkansas stone. Hope this helps. KFS

01-26-2018, 04:07 PM	#6
BobSandy User Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Fulshear, Texas Posts: 7 Thanks: 9 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Thank you for taking the time to respond to these newby issues. Mine is a "shooter" with numbers stamped over numbers. Still a very fine firearm. Will attempt to clean sear bar and seat. Any recommendation on purchasing additional magazines? Is there a link for purchasing parts here on our site?

01-26-2018, 04:48 PM	#9
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,909 Thanks: 1,374 Thanked 3,110 Times in 1,510 Posts	Bob, it sounds like you may have a Russian Capture or VoPo Luger. Pictures will help us help you identify it. Take pictures in sharp focus under indirect (shaded) natural sunlight without using a flash. Those were arsenal re-fitted by workers who knew how to work with the Luger action. Of course, it might also have been "worked on" after that by parties unknown. The RC or VoPo guns have also often been dip refinished, a reduced labor process for putting on a new finish as part of the rework. __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

01-26-2018, 05:51 PM	#10
BobSandy User Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Fulshear, Texas Posts: 7 Thanks: 9 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Photos attached. Attached Thumbnails

01-26-2018, 08:21 PM	#11
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,909 Thanks: 1,374 Thanked 3,110 Times in 1,510 Posts	The "X" is evidence that it is a Russian Capture. I can't see enough of the side plate, but I think it's a replacement. You already have one of the best running magazines available. A "fxo" or 2/1001 marked Haenel Schmeisser milled magazine. I can't see the frame ears profile clearly, but they may have the Hump. It could also just be the angle and background... Pix straight on please? Start by cleaning up the sear plunger... Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

01-29-2018, 12:57 PM	#12
BobSandy User Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Fulshear, Texas Posts: 7 Thanks: 9 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Marc, thanks for your input. Still trying to load photos.

01-30-2018, 04:36 PM	#13
BobSandy User Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Fulshear, Texas Posts: 7 Thanks: 9 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Finally. Marc, is this what you meant? Attached Thumbnails

02-03-2018, 02:13 AM	#14
Mike Kay User Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: South Africa Posts: 24 Thanks: 38 Thanked 48 Times in 14 Posts	I had similar issues with my 1939 VOPO Luger. After running through all the possible causes, it turned out to be the trigger spring. Best Mike

02-03-2018, 10:45 AM	#15
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,909 Thanks: 1,374 Thanked 3,110 Times in 1,510 Posts	Hi Bob, these pictures unfortunately still are out of focus and the lighting doesn't help make details visible. It looks like your frame has the Mauser hump in two of these photos. The finish also looks dip refinished. The grips are probably post war reproduction grips from the rear profile appearance and checkering. These grips did not come from a VoPo rework, and were most likely added later. The original serial number was scrubbed off the base of the magazine. Any progress on the disconnector and trigger reset? __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

02-03-2018, 11:21 AM	#16
tudorbug Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Georgia Posts: 387 Thanks: 0 Thanked 40 Times in 29 Posts	May I add my compliments on the photograph of old Corvette. It caught my eye immediately. I owned a 1965, 1966, 1967 and 1969 many years ago. David

02-05-2018, 02:17 PM	#19
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	YouTube has some tutorials on disassembly what you may find beneficial. dju