locking bolt/take down lever hard to operate

Mac Cat · 09-01-2024, 08:31 PM

That is a pretty common feature of many semi-auto pistols, not just the Luger.
Sometimes you can just work them to loosen up, using oil.

You may also want to remove the small tension spring and see if the lever is still stiff.
If it is, it may need some filing to fit properly.
Or, you can buy another one pretty easily and see if a different one fits better.
They are not completely interchangeable parts - some need hand fitting.

The springs are fairly easy to remove and replace.
Some lugers don't even have one, but that wouldn't be smart for a pistol you are going to shoot.

Glad you chose to use a wooden stick and not a pair of piers !

09-01-2024, 08:31 PM	#2
Mac Cat Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 769 Thanks: 2,189 Thanked 656 Times in 350 Posts	That is a pretty common feature of many semi-auto pistols, not just the Luger. Sometimes you can just work them to loosen up, using oil. You may also want to remove the small tension spring and see if the lever is still stiff. If it is, it may need some filing to fit properly. Or, you can buy another one pretty easily and see if a different one fits better. They are not completely interchangeable parts - some need hand fitting. The springs are fairly easy to remove and replace. Some lugers don't even have one, but that wouldn't be smart for a pistol you are going to shoot. Glad you chose to use a wooden stick and not a pair of piers !