Specs for original P'08 ammo

unspellable · 09-13-2005, 08:27 AM

The Wolf (Wolfe?) springs are rated at 36, 38, 40 lbf full load. Wolfe obtained the 38 lbf figure by measuring the recoil spring from a Mauser P08. Measuring only one pistol does not prove you're right, but the above figures are in the ball park

The Wolf springs are much longer than the originals, which means that they have a higher preload than the originals, and that the spring is actually softer than the original even though it has the same loaded force.

How all this works in the actual shoooting, I have no opinions on at present.

It is a common misconception that springs weaken with use. Actually they do not weaken until shortly before total failure. If your Luger's recoil spring does not meet spec, odds are ten to one somebody has been tampering with it. This is very common, I've opened up several shooter grade Lugers and found no two recoil springs alike. Thor concurred with me on this point. I suspect all the spring tampering came about because of the myth that Lugers need hot ammo, where as in reality it's the OAL that is critical. Tampering with the springs is likely to detract from reliability. Georg himself said the entire spring set was a delicate balancing act.

09-13-2005, 08:27 AM	#17
unspellable User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Iowa Posts: 768 Thanks: 0 Thanked 19 Times in 11 Posts	The Wolf (Wolfe?) springs are rated at 36, 38, 40 lbf full load. Wolfe obtained the 38 lbf figure by measuring the recoil spring from a Mauser P08. Measuring only one pistol does not prove you're right, but the above figures are in the ball park The Wolf springs are much longer than the originals, which means that they have a higher preload than the originals, and that the spring is actually softer than the original even though it has the same loaded force. How all this works in the actual shoooting, I have no opinions on at present. It is a common misconception that springs weaken with use. Actually they do not weaken until shortly before total failure. If your Luger's recoil spring does not meet spec, odds are ten to one somebody has been tampering with it. This is very common, I've opened up several shooter grade Lugers and found no two recoil springs alike. Thor concurred with me on this point. I suspect all the spring tampering came about because of the myth that Lugers need hot ammo, where as in reality it's the OAL that is critical. Tampering with the springs is likely to detract from reliability. Georg himself said the entire spring set was a delicate balancing act.