Erma 22 kit se08 vs se08/2

[STEINBVG]

Originally Posted by ithacaartist

"less unreliable" sums it up pretty well, I think.

The toggle knobs in the SE 08/2 are definitely more aesthetically pleasing since they're visually closer to the ones which they replace.

It makes sense that these work better due to the feed ramp and dedicated ejector, and presuming they were an improvement over the preceding model.

But unless I'm mistaken, the extractor system of the SE 08/2 has an open top, unlike the earlier versions which are sort of "tunneled in." This leaves open the possibility that the extractor will decide to go flying off some day, just like happens to Erma's KGP series of toggle pistols.

My SE 08 kit wouldn't line up with the sear bar on my 1917 DWM, but fit just fine in my 6" 70s' Mauser Swiss pattern, which is its contemporary...that is, alter I fashioned a new spacer so it would fit into the 6" barrel. The original spacer is for installing the .22 sleeve barrel in a 9mm X 100mm barrel. I think it would fit into a 7" barrel with no spacer, but it's too short for an Artillery's 8" barrel.

Ammo picky is extremely correct. Golden Eagle Match Pistol 40 gr LRN does the best in mine--and I tried a lot of different ammo trying to get this thing to work, trust me!

You've also got me wondering if the chambers of the kits suffer from the tightness European-cut chambers when compared to chambers with SAAMI specs. I found a thread on another forum about running a "standard" or "Sporting" finishing reamer into the chambers of some of the luger-styled Erma .22s--including La-22, Ep-22 and KGP69--with terrific improvement in their feeding and extracting. I don't see why the process wouldn't also help a kit.

Running them "wet" also seems to help. After loading a mag, a spritz of Rem-oil into the mag's slot for the follower button will give improved function.

Thanks, excellent summary.

Yes, I forgot the feeding issue+ the balance of the main and striker spring- both work against blow back and then during forward motion fight each other. Very narrow delicate balance for a reliable operation for variety of ammo.

As far as feeding, it appears that 22 round has to jump from the magazine to the barrel insert overcoming an empty space- no ramp[ not sure if the better looking ramp on se-08/2 solved that issue.

I'm looking at my 1911 RIA with advantage arms 22 kit- how well designed it is and reliable regardless of ammo. As i mentioned i even made it function well with s22 shorts.
http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthread.php?t=41131

I have a couple of ideas to try to improve the kit to the standards of modern conversion kits...
1)using Mec Gar magazine shell with the Ruger Mark magazine 22 inside of it[fits in perfect]- it seems to have much better follower and lips geometry.
2) fill the gap between the magazine and the rectangular chamber on the kit barrel with a drop- in ramp, or altogether remove the existing chamber and replace it with a custom that would incorporate much better ramp.

3) I have an extra ejector for 9 mm, it may need to be adapted to better kick out the 22 shell- or I may not need to with the new improvised magazine.

The original magazine had an ejector built- in and it seemed to fight the regular outside ejector- hence it had been recommended to be removed for earlier kits.

I will keep you posted..