Feeding Issue

[heysox]

I took a friend shooting so she could try out her late Granddad's bring home Luger. It's an early (1913) Erfurt. The magazine seems period correct but has a different serial number, which is not unusual for military firearms. (I'm certainly no expert). I'm a Luger noobie, but experienced shooter/enthusiast for many decades. The magazine was loaded and has probably been so for decades, as the rounds were tarnished. The Luger (I had previously stripped and cleaned it) fired off the entire mag with no issues. I reloaded it with a mag of Aguila 115 gr. ammo. It would not feed at all. The top round nose dived below the feed ramp. I tried a single round in the mag and that fed just fine into the chamber. I loaded the mag fully and the Luger went through all the rounds with no nose diving or issues. Past experience has taught me that many if not most feeding issues are magazine related. I suggested new magazine springs. She only has the one magazine, so I could not positively say it's a magazine issue, but it seems very likely. Internet research indicates that there are square and non-square mag springs. Any way of knowing that without taking the mag apart? I don't have access to it and wanted to get her the springs as a surprise. Any thoughts from the Luger brain trust? What is the best source for new mag springs? I am sure that there is more than one modern maker. I will check Youtube for videos on swapping out the springs. TIA.

[Ron Wood]

The magazine is not "period correct", it should have a wood base, not aluminum (which is most likely from the 1920's )

[heysox]

Originally Posted by Ron Wood

The magazine is not "period correct", it should have a wood base, not aluminum (which is most likely from the 1920's )

Thanks for the clarification. I freely admit my minimal knowledge of Luger minutia. Is there a clue as to the type of mag spring it takes?

[Mac Cat]

Order yourself a Mac-gar brand magazine.
They are readily available in nickel or blue.

That very old magazines spring is probably a little tired.
Leaving magazines full for long periods of time reduces the spring strength, too.
I leave all of them empty for storage.

Make sure you are using FMJ 115gr Target loads like Winchester or PPU.

[velodog455~]

I'll second getting a Mec-Gar magazine. About $35 shipped as opposed to $100-$200 for a period-correct wood bottom mag that might also have age-related issues.

Here's where to go...
https://gunmagwarehouse.com/mec-gar-...fault_products

[Eugen]

OP, you got great advice from the replies above.

I'd also warn you not to try to replace the springs in your original mag. Unless you are very skilled or lucky, you are likely to cosmetically damage or perhaps ruin your original mag in the process. These mags are not your typical vintage mag that are generally friendly for mag spring replacement. There's a member on the forum named "G.T." that can replace the spring for you. He has fixed many for folks and he did a fine job on a mag for me.

So, just get a Mec-Gar mag and store your non-period correct, original mag. Lastly, I trust you properly cleaned and lubed your Erfurt before taking it to the range.

[heysox]

Thanks to all who responded. The Luger was carefully cleaned and lubed before use. I will pass along the Mec Gar info to my friend.