Trigger function problem I'd like some advice about

markm3 · 09-26-2002, 10:14 PM

As I was cleaning my P08 long barrel yesterday, I noticed something amiss. When I pulled the toggle back a half-inch and heard the click, I tested the trigger. Nothing. No click, just a back and forth motion against the spring. My other Luger clicks, the trigger engages and when pulled, simulates the firing procedure. The same thing happens with the empty magazine in, as it does with no magazine. Clearly, something is not right here. The last time I fired it, it was fine, and I cannot recall the trigger failing to engage before. Does anyone have any insight as to what might be causing this? Or is it not unusual for the trigger not to function absent a magazine and a chambered round?

Many thanks to all of the terrific folks wo have made this forum a real pleasure for a newbie.

Regards,

Mark

Doubs · 09-26-2002, 11:43 PM

Remove the sideplate and make sure the wire rod that the trigger lever (the "L" piece) pivots on and also holds the lever in place hasn't moved away from the "locked" position. If it has, it'll cause just the problem you describe.

markm3 · 09-26-2002, 11:46 PM

Many thanks, Doubs. That makes perfect sense, and I'll do that tomorrow.

Jerry Harris · 09-26-2002, 11:56 PM

Mark,

I'm assuming you mean that you cocked the Luger (got the click), then closed the breech (put the toggle back down), then pulled the trigger which would normally dry fire, but nothing happened.

Here's an additional test: When nothing happens, does the breech open very easily and then get stiff at about 1/4" back? If so, that confirms the firing pin is still cocked.

Your description is consistent with a sear that won't quite release, but please take time to be sure, and wait for more answers here before trying to modify anything. Doubs' suggestion makes sense, and a loose side plate can also reduce the ability of the trigger lever to push the sear far enough to trip the firing pin.

markm3 · 09-27-2002, 04:11 PM

Jerry:

Many thanks. Yes, your description of wha t I did in the first instance is correct.

I then did the test you described, and sure enough, the firing pin is cocked. It would seem that the sear is not doing what it is supposed to do, for whatever reason.

Any suggestions on anything I can do, or should I take it to a gunsmith? If the latter, please let me know of anyone in the Washington, DC area that you may recommend.

Thanks and regards,

Mark

John Sabato · 09-27-2002, 05:04 PM

I am in the DC area Mark (work in Herndon VA)... and it doesn't seem to me like a gunsmith is warranted..where are you?

markm3 · 09-27-2002, 06:28 PM

John:

Many thanks. I'm in Alexandria. We're not at all far apart. If there is some convenient time I can bring it by in the near future, that would be terrific!

Regards,

Mark

John Sabato · 09-30-2002, 11:08 AM

Mark, Check your private messages with the profile link at the top of this page.

09-26-2002, 10:14 PM	#1
markm3 User Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 59 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Trigger function problem I'd like some advice about As I was cleaning my P08 long barrel yesterday, I noticed something amiss. When I pulled the toggle back a half-inch and heard the click, I tested the trigger. Nothing. No click, just a back and forth motion against the spring. My other Luger clicks, the trigger engages and when pulled, simulates the firing procedure. The same thing happens with the empty magazine in, as it does with no magazine. Clearly, something is not right here. The last time I fired it, it was fine, and I cannot recall the trigger failing to engage before. Does anyone have any insight as to what might be causing this? Or is it not unusual for the trigger not to function absent a magazine and a chambered round? Many thanks to all of the terrific folks wo have made this forum a real pleasure for a newbie. Regards, Mark __________________ markm3

09-26-2002, 11:46 PM	#3
markm3 User Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 59 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Many thanks, Doubs. That makes perfect sense, and I'll do that tomorrow. __________________ markm3

09-27-2002, 04:11 PM	#5
markm3 User Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 59 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Jerry: Many thanks. Yes, your description of wha t I did in the first instance is correct. I then did the test you described, and sure enough, the firing pin is cocked. It would seem that the sear is not doing what it is supposed to do, for whatever reason. Any suggestions on anything I can do, or should I take it to a gunsmith? If the latter, please let me know of anyone in the Washington, DC area that you may recommend. Thanks and regards, Mark __________________ markm3

09-27-2002, 05:04 PM	#6
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	I am in the DC area Mark (work in Herndon VA)... and it doesn't seem to me like a gunsmith is warranted..where are you? __________________ 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..."*

09-27-2002, 06:28 PM	#7
markm3 User Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 59 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	John: Many thanks. I'm in Alexandria. We're not at all far apart. If there is some convenient time I can bring it by in the near future, that would be terrific! Regards, Mark __________________ markm3

09-26-2002, 11:43 PM	#2
Doubs User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Byron, Georgia Posts: 1,671 Thanks: 771 Thanked 1,615 Times in 526 Posts	Remove the sideplate and make sure the wire rod that the trigger lever (the "L" piece) pivots on and also holds the lever in place hasn't moved away from the "locked" position. If it has, it'll cause just the problem you describe.

09-26-2002, 11:56 PM	#4
Jerry Harris User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 64 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Mark, I'm assuming you mean that you cocked the Luger (got the click), then closed the breech (put the toggle back down), then pulled the trigger which would normally dry fire, but nothing happened. Here's an additional test: When nothing happens, does the breech open very easily and then get stiff at about 1/4" back? If so, that confirms the firing pin is still cocked. Your description is consistent with a sear that won't quite release, but please take time to be sure, and wait for more answers here before trying to modify anything. Doubs' suggestion makes sense, and a loose side plate can also reduce the ability of the trigger lever to push the sear far enough to trip the firing pin.

09-30-2002, 11:08 AM	#8
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	Mark, Check your private messages with the profile link at the top of this page. __________________ 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..."*