Just Cracked a Rear Toggle!!!

[Sharpsdressed Man]

I've heard that, but wasn't 124gr. standard issue in WWII?

[G.T.]

The enertia devoloped by a certain load is a dependent on several factors, the bullet weight is only one of them? It is like balancing bowls of soup, occasionally, you're going to spill some... case in point, cracked rear toggle, or, broken rear toggle pin...
Me personally, I just shoot'em, I don't know what makes'em work! (like Oddball, Kellys heros!) Best, til.....lat'r....GT....

[Doubs]

Originally Posted by Sharpsdressed Man

I've heard that, but wasn't 124gr. standard issue in WWII?

Not sure what the standard load was in WW2 as there were multiple loads in 9mm using light to heavy bullets manufactured. The original military load in 1908 when the Luger was adopted by the Imperial German Army was 123 grains at roughly 1090 fps.

Bullet weight and velocity are only two factors to consider. The powder used makes a huge difference. The powder must provide the proper impulse without excessive pressures and a medium burning powder is probably the best choice. Slow powders can maintain high pressures for too long and cause damage such as your broken toggle.

Most people find that Winchester 115 grain white box cartridges work the Luger action well. Be cautioned that heavy loads and NATO spec cartridges are a really bad idea for the Luger.

[G.T.]

If your preferred load checks out ok, then inspect the main spring? Too weak, or pooched from time and use, will break rear axils? I'm sure rear toggles take a beating also with that issue?... best, GT...

[Deputywood]

You guys are making me nervous about shooting my antique pistols, specifically my lugers.

Woody

[Bill_in_VA]

Originally Posted by Deputywood

You guys are making me nervous about shooting my antique pistols, specifically my lugers.

Woody

You should be nervous. This is a perfect example of why shooting a nice, matching, collectible pistol is a bad idea. The OP’s gun instantly became a mismatched shooter with appropriate devaluation.

[gunbugs]

Originally Posted by Bill_in_VA

You should be nervous. This is a perfect example of why shooting a nice, matching, collectible pistol is a bad idea. The OP’s gun instantly became a mismatched shooter with appropriate devaluation.

That only matters if "collector value" is the only reason you buy Lugers. Now he can shoot it all he wants.

[Jesse]

Originally Posted by Bill_in_VA

You should be nervous. This is a perfect example of why shooting a nice, matching, collectible pistol is a bad idea. The OP’s gun instantly became a mismatched shooter with appropriate devaluation.

i agree, there are still readily available shooters on the market thats not going to take a hit if you need to replace something.

[spangy]

Originally Posted by Doubs

Most people find that Winchester 115 grain white box cartridges work the Luger action well. Be cautioned that heavy loads and NATO spec cartridges are a really bad idea for the Luger.

Oddly enough these problems occurred in WW2 era as well. The Finnish shot out many Luger barrels by using their 9mm SMG rounds and eventually substituted Tikkakoski barrels for their Luger barrels.