P.38 retaining pin removal question

Matt · 03-07-2001, 06:46 PM

Does anyone know how to remove the pin that retains the takedown lever on a P.38? The pin is worn and causes the takedown lever to pop out when the slide is pulled back. A couple of sources I've checked list the part as available, but I don't have a clue how to remove it.

Marvin · 03-07-2001, 08:31 PM

Matt,

The dissaembly of the takedown lever is as follows: Rotate the takedown lever to a point midway betweenits two positions and pressit out from right to left. Take care its spring and plunger do not fly out and become lost.

The spring and plunger are for keeping pressure on the lever. Maybe someone else knows a better way???? This has worked for me.

Marvin

03-07-2001, 09:25 PM

Marvin is right. You may find that you are missing the plunger pin I had the same problem. The previous owner had taken it apart and let the spring fly some place. I was able to get parts from John Raum, also try Tom Heller. Both are outstanding Gentlemen.

Matt · 03-07-2001, 09:38 PM

Upon closer examination, I can tell the retaining pin and spring are staked into the frame and will not come out. The takedown lever falls out on its own. Unless I can work this problem out with the seller, I may have to have it repaired. The pistol is in excellent condition otherwise and I don't want to risk "boogering" it up. Do you know of any good P.38 gunsmiths?

Thanks,

Matt

03-07-2001, 11:34 PM

Matt, If you can see the TD lever plunger inside the frame through the hole just behind the slot for the lever, chances are that the spring is dead or missing, because with the lever removed these usually fly out with some force. You would not believe how many of these I have sold, because they flew out and disappeared into the carpet. Best to do this job IN A BOX. If you can see the plunger through the hole, try to move it forward with a small jewelers screw driver through the hole, but point it in a safe direction, preferably into a box. Tom

Kyrie · 03-08-2001, 12:37 PM

Hi Folks,

This is a "good, bad, and ugly" subject :-(

In some P.38's the takedown lever plunger is staked in place and is a real bear to remove. If you cannot coax it out via Tom's method you may have a pistol with the plunger staked in place. The only way to remove a plunger that is staked in place is to remove the stake. This is done by *very* carefully drilling out the stake.

Hope this helps.

Best regards,

Kyrie

Matt · 03-08-2001, 10:35 PM

But the good news is the seller is going to take the pistol back for repair. Thanks for your help guys.

Matt

03-07-2001, 06:46 PM	#1
Matt User Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 196 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	P.38 retaining pin removal question Does anyone know how to remove the pin that retains the takedown lever on a P.38? The pin is worn and causes the takedown lever to pop out when the slide is pulled back. A couple of sources I've checked list the part as available, but I don't have a clue how to remove it.

03-07-2001, 08:31 PM	#2
Marvin User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Upstate S.C. Posts: 1,132 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: P.38 retaining pin removal question Matt, The dissaembly of the takedown lever is as follows: Rotate the takedown lever to a point midway betweenits two positions and pressit out from right to left. Take care its spring and plunger do not fly out and become lost. The spring and plunger are for keeping pressure on the lever. Maybe someone else knows a better way???? This has worked for me. Marvin

03-07-2001, 09:25 PM	#3
Tracy Guest Posts: n/a	Re: P.38 retaining pin removal question Marvin is right. You may find that you are missing the plunger pin I had the same problem. The previous owner had taken it apart and let the spring fly some place. I was able to get parts from John Raum, also try Tom Heller. Both are outstanding Gentlemen.

03-07-2001, 09:38 PM	#4
Matt User Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 196 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Marvin and Tracy, Upon closer examination, I can tell the retaining pin and spring are staked into the frame and will not come out. The takedown lever falls out on its own. Unless I can work this problem out with the seller, I may have to have it repaired. The pistol is in excellent condition otherwise and I don't want to risk "boogering" it up. Do you know of any good P.38 gunsmiths? Thanks, Matt

03-07-2001, 11:34 PM	#5
tom heller Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Marvin and Tracy, Matt, If you can see the TD lever plunger inside the frame through the hole just behind the slot for the lever, chances are that the spring is dead or missing, because with the lever removed these usually fly out with some force. You would not believe how many of these I have sold, because they flew out and disappeared into the carpet. Best to do this job IN A BOX. If you can see the plunger through the hole, try to move it forward with a small jewelers screw driver through the hole, but point it in a safe direction, preferably into a box. Tom

03-08-2001, 12:37 PM	#6
Kyrie User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 757 Thanks: 0 Thanked 212 Times in 101 Posts	Re: Marvin and Tracy, Hi Folks, This is a "good, bad, and ugly" subject :-( In some P.38's the takedown lever plunger is staked in place and is a real bear to remove. If you cannot coax it out via Tom's method you may have a pistol with the plunger staked in place. The only way to remove a plunger that is staked in place is to remove the stake. This is done by very carefully drilling out the stake. Hope this helps. Best regards, Kyrie

03-08-2001, 10:35 PM	#7
Matt User Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 196 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	The plunger is staked ... But the good news is the seller is going to take the pistol back for repair. Thanks for your help guys. Matt