Question about shooting a Luger

[Luke]

On the assumption that you are checking out the mechanism and not attempting to fire the gun:

Remember that you cannot pull the toggle back unless the safety lever is in the "FIRING" position. In the "SAFE" or "GESICHERT" position the safety bar blocks the outward movement of the sear bar thereby preventing the rearward motion of the toggle system.

1. Whether loaded or unloaded, remove the magazine.
2. INSURE THERE IS *NOT* A ROUND IN THE CHAMBER.
3. Pull the toggle all the way back and, without releasing, allow it to move forward slowly. It will stop about 1/4 inch from the closed position.
4. While still holding the toggle securely pull the trigger, and the toggle will continue forward to the fully closed position. This prevents accidental dry firing which is not good for the gun.
5. The toggle is now closed, and the firing mechanism is NOT cocked.

I'm sure you already knew most of this, but in the interest of thoroughness and safety I tried not to leave out any steps.

Hope this helps.