Holdopen problems

Bill Cullen · 02-22-2005, 12:54 AM

I recently bought a shooter grade as part of a larger purchase. It is a 1918 Erfurt. I am experiencing very sporadic functioning of the holdopen. I have several questions that hopefully those more knowledgable can answer.

1. If mag is removed, should holdopen still function?
2. Assuming the holdopen is bad, is it's replacement relatively easy for a non-gunsmith?
3. Where can holdopens be purchased? Note, numbers are irrelevant, the gun is already a mismatch.
4. The wood bottom mag that came with gun is sloppy. it looks like someone manually enlarged the slot in mag where mag catch engages. Woudl this have anything to do with holdopen functioning? Note I have tried a spare mag that fits better but holdopen still was not reliably functioning.
5. Can the issue be as simple as a spring replacement? I looked at the exploded view but did not see a separate spring associated with holdopen. Therefore, I'm assuming the shape of the part acts as a spring by itself.

Thanks

Bill Cullen

Dwight Gruber · 02-22-2005, 01:15 AM

Bill,

1. No
2. Yes
3. Put a notice in the WTB forum. Also keep your eye on ebay.
4. Maybe
5. Could be, there should be a spring.

If you can find a replacement holdopen, make sure that it has a spring attached--aftermarket springs are a problem.

--Dwight

policeluger · 02-22-2005, 05:08 AM

#4...it has everything to do with hold open, if the mag does not sit high enough in the mag well, it will not engage the hold open.
#5...there is the hold open and hold open spring that make that sub unit of parts that perform the hold open operation....
let us know if we can help

Vlim · 02-22-2005, 07:15 AM

Hi,

Something I noticed a while ago. My VoPo mismatch has a cut-out for the holdopen that appears to be much deeper than the cut-out on other lugers I have. As a result, the holdopen (VoPo replacement) sits much deeper into the cutout than on the other pistols. Result is that the toggle repeatedly fails to stay open after the last shot.

The moral of the story: Check the depth the holdopen is sitting in as well.

Lugerdoc · 02-22-2005, 09:33 AM

Bill, The condition of your mag DOES make a big difference in the HO function. If your HO does pop on with the mag removed or between shot, you definately need a new spring. I do have new European made springs that will work in original HOs @$25, or the whole original unit @$50. TH

02-22-2005, 12:54 AM	#1
Bill Cullen User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 23 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Holdopen problems I recently bought a shooter grade as part of a larger purchase. It is a 1918 Erfurt. I am experiencing very sporadic functioning of the holdopen. I have several questions that hopefully those more knowledgable can answer. 1. If mag is removed, should holdopen still function? 2. Assuming the holdopen is bad, is it's replacement relatively easy for a non-gunsmith? 3. Where can holdopens be purchased? Note, numbers are irrelevant, the gun is already a mismatch. 4. The wood bottom mag that came with gun is sloppy. it looks like someone manually enlarged the slot in mag where mag catch engages. Woudl this have anything to do with holdopen functioning? Note I have tried a spare mag that fits better but holdopen still was not reliably functioning. 5. Can the issue be as simple as a spring replacement? I looked at the exploded view but did not see a separate spring associated with holdopen. Therefore, I'm assuming the shape of the part acts as a spring by itself. Thanks Bill Cullen

02-22-2005, 01:15 AM	#2
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,899 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,300 Times in 429 Posts	Bill, 1. No 2. Yes 3. Put a notice in the WTB forum. Also keep your eye on ebay. 4. Maybe 5. Could be, there should be a spring. If you can find a replacement holdopen, make sure that it has a spring attached--aftermarket springs are a problem. --Dwight

02-22-2005, 05:08 AM	#3
policeluger RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ca. Posts: 2,141 Thanks: 8 Thanked 89 Times in 54 Posts	#4...it has everything to do with hold open, if the mag does not sit high enough in the mag well, it will not engage the hold open. #5...there is the hold open and hold open spring that make that sub unit of parts that perform the hold open operation.... let us know if we can help

02-22-2005, 07:15 AM	#4
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,988 Times in 1,205 Posts	Hi, Something I noticed a while ago. My VoPo mismatch has a cut-out for the holdopen that appears to be much deeper than the cut-out on other lugers I have. As a result, the holdopen (VoPo replacement) sits much deeper into the cutout than on the other pistols. Result is that the toggle repeatedly fails to stay open after the last shot. The moral of the story: Check the depth the holdopen is sitting in as well.

02-22-2005, 09:33 AM	#5
Lugerdoc Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: POB 398 St.Charles,MO. 63302 Posts: 5,089 Thanks: 6 Thanked 736 Times in 483 Posts	Bill, The condition of your mag DOES make a big difference in the HO function. If your HO does pop on with the mag removed or between shot, you definately need a new spring. I do have new European made springs that will work in original HOs @$25, or the whole original unit @$50. TH __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 lugerdoc@charter.net