Length of Mainspring

trekster · 03-16-2013, 12:37 PM

I have a "shooter" (DWM on toggle) that probably is an East German rework, perhaps early 20s. It is caliber 9mm.

I have completely stripped the piece, so I can remove all the old "brown" crud and relube it with a modern gun lubricant.

I'm curious if the mainspring is original, and the proper one for the 9mm caliber. When removed from the gun, and in a completely relaxed mode the mainspring measures 3.5 inches in length, and has approximately 22 coils.

Does this appear to be the proper mainspring for this gun?

mrerick · 03-16-2013, 02:08 PM

You have a recoil spring appropriate to a later Luger (like those made by Mauser).

The earlier coiled springs associated with the .30 Luger and the 9mm Imperial / Weimar era Lugers had fewer coils.

This relates somewhat to the ballistic characteristics of the ammunition of the eras.

Get some 115gn standard velocity 9mm ammo (Winchester white box, etc...) and give it a try. Use a firm handhold and observe how it cycles. Watch the area on the receiver right at the back where the rear toggle impacts it.

Marc

03-16-2013, 12:37 PM	#1
trekster User Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 8 Thanks: 3 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Length of Mainspring I have a "shooter" (DWM on toggle) that probably is an East German rework, perhaps early 20s. It is caliber 9mm. I have completely stripped the piece, so I can remove all the old "brown" crud and relube it with a modern gun lubricant. I'm curious if the mainspring is original, and the proper one for the 9mm caliber. When removed from the gun, and in a completely relaxed mode the mainspring measures 3.5 inches in length, and has approximately 22 coils. Does this appear to be the proper mainspring for this gun?

03-16-2013, 02:08 PM	#2
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,909 Thanks: 1,374 Thanked 3,110 Times in 1,510 Posts	You have a recoil spring appropriate to a later Luger (like those made by Mauser). The earlier coiled springs associated with the .30 Luger and the 9mm Imperial / Weimar era Lugers had fewer coils. This relates somewhat to the ballistic characteristics of the ammunition of the eras. Get some 115gn standard velocity 9mm ammo (Winchester white box, etc...) and give it a try. Use a firm handhold and observe how it cycles. Watch the area on the receiver right at the back where the rear toggle impacts it. Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.