Repair bolt face damage?

mrerick · 02-23-2016, 03:26 PM

Recently, when inspecting my 1917 DWM LP08, I noticed that there was some pitting and chipping on the front of the bolt face.

This does not interfere with cycling, and doesn't expose the back of the cartridge case to any problems. I'm interested in opinions in whether this should be repaired or left alone.

Is this the type of thing that TIG micro-welding and milling or filing could be used to repair? (Sorry about the camera shake on this closeup)...

Thanks, Marc

John Sabato · 02-23-2016, 03:41 PM

Marc, The only way to know for sure is to have the breechblock x-rayed to see if there are any fractures in the steel... but I offer my OPINION that this is just surface pitting that should not have compromised the structural integrity of the breechblock. After cleaning the pitting and stopping the active rust, I would have no problem in shooting this Luger. But you have to make that decision for yourself...

With regard to your question, yes, careful TIG welding or filling of the pit damage could be used to restore the block, and then file or machined back to its original condition.

wlyon · 02-23-2016, 04:10 PM

Marc
I would just leave it like it is. I would not hesitate to shoot it. Bill

DonVoigt · 02-23-2016, 05:22 PM

Leave it alone.

Welding may do more damage than help, IMO.

It is not that bad, if it is a shooter, I'd smooth it up a bit. If a collector- see initial comment.

mrerick · 02-24-2016, 10:40 AM

Thanks for the review and advice! I'll leave it as it is...

As it's all matching and in original finish, I don't plan on shooting it anyway.

Thanks again! Marc

02-23-2016, 03:26 PM	#1
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,900 Thanks: 1,370 Thanked 3,094 Times in 1,503 Posts	Repair bolt face damage? Recently, when inspecting my 1917 DWM LP08, I noticed that there was some pitting and chipping on the front of the bolt face. This does not interfere with cycling, and doesn't expose the back of the cartridge case to any problems. I'm interested in opinions in whether this should be repaired or left alone. Is this the type of thing that TIG micro-welding and milling or filing could be used to repair? (Sorry about the camera shake on this closeup)... Thanks, Marc Attached Thumbnails __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

02-23-2016, 03:41 PM	#2
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,150 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	Marc, The only way to know for sure is to have the breechblock x-rayed to see if there are any fractures in the steel... but I offer my OPINION that this is just surface pitting that should not have compromised the structural integrity of the breechblock. After cleaning the pitting and stopping the active rust, I would have no problem in shooting this Luger. But you have to make that decision for yourself... With regard to your question, yes, careful TIG welding or filling of the pit damage could be used to restore the block, and then file or machined back to its original condition. __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

02-23-2016, 04:10 PM	#3
wlyon Lifer 2X Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: May 2005 Location: Somewhere in Montana Posts: 2,614 Thanks: 3,140 Thanked 2,519 Times in 939 Posts	Marc I would just leave it like it is. I would not hesitate to shoot it. Bill __________________ Bill Lyon

02-23-2016, 05:22 PM	#4
DonVoigt User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: near Charlotte NC Posts: 4,677 Thanks: 1,439 Thanked 4,347 Times in 2,038 Posts	Leave it alone. Welding may do more damage than help, IMO. It is not that bad, if it is a shooter, I'd smooth it up a bit. If a collector- see initial comment. __________________ 03man(Don Voigt); Luger student and collector. Looking for DWM side plate: 69 ; Dreyse 1907 pistol K.S. Gendarmerie

02-24-2016, 10:40 AM	#5
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,900 Thanks: 1,370 Thanked 3,094 Times in 1,503 Posts	Thanks for the review and advice! I'll leave it as it is... As it's all matching and in original finish, I don't plan on shooting it anyway. Thanks again! Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.