What can you tell me about my Luger? - Page 2

mrerick · 04-29-2013, 10:10 PM

Fiocchi makes ammo in .30 Luger. Not sure of sources in today's market. I doubt it's in as much demand as 9mm...

There have been a couple of different lengths of receiver. It's possible that your 9mm upper might work with the frame. To fire 9mm, you probably will need a stronger recoil spring.

Note that the receiver / frame / trigger plate / take down lever were all hand fit on Lugers. For that reason, you may or may not find that your receiver will function with the frame, even if it is of the correct dimensions.

I wouldn't try it without having someone experienced with Luger gunsmithing do it.

Marc

Edward Tinker · 04-29-2013, 10:40 PM

I bought some 30 Luger recently for about $25 a box, shipped

cneider · 04-29-2013, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edward Tinker

I bought some 30 Luger recently for about $25 a box, shipped

From here?

http://shop.militaryshooters.com/cat...11&pid=1008332

rhuff · 04-30-2013, 03:49 PM

I haven't checked recently, but have purchased a fair amount of Fiocchi FMJ 30 Luger ammo from Able's Ammo(Able's Sport) in Texas. It is worth a try. The shipping is reasonable due to being in So. Az.

I, also, have a 1921 DWM Alphabet Luger in 30 Luger, plus a complete 1939 rebarreled receiver(Erfurt Toggle train) that I switch back and forth on my DWM frame so that I can shoot 9mm, and 30 Luger. It can be done, but you need to check things out for fit and function.

cneider · 04-30-2013, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhuff

I haven't checked recently, but have purchased a fair amount of Fiocchi FMJ 30 Luger ammo from Able's Ammo(Able's Sport) in Texas. It is worth a try. The shipping is reasonable due to being in So. Az.

I, also, have a 1921 DWM Alphabet Luger in 30 Luger, plus a complete 1939 rebarreled receiver(Erfurt Toggle train) that I switch back and forth on my DWM frame so that I can shoot 9mm, and 30 Luger. It can be done, but you need to check things out for fit and function.

Are the magazines caliber specific? Will 9mm magazines feed 30 Luger ammo and vice versa?

SteveM · 04-30-2013, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cneider

Are the magazines caliber specific? Will 9mm magazines feed 30 Luger ammo and vice versa?

Yes, same magazines for both calibers. Look around for the 30 cal ammo and don't pay the 50 buck price that everybody asks for the Winchester stuff.

Ben M. · 04-30-2013, 09:56 PM

here is ammo source.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/167...cket-box-of-50

cneider · 04-30-2013, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben M.

here is ammo source.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/167...cket-box-of-50

I noticed "Out of stock, no backorder." But you can be sure I'll check back with them in 3 weeks! Thanks, Ben! I have an account with Midway. I better also order some .30 Luger reloading dies

cneider · 05-07-2013, 03:11 PM

So I didn't defile it by having it re-barreled or re-blued. I DID dismantle it as much as I dared, cleaned everything in Agitene with a nylon bristle brush, ran a copper brush though the bore to get out the lead fouling and coated everything with CLP before reassembling it. Lookin' good now! Would reconditioning the grips be a sacrilege? They look somewhat beat up. What do you guys use on those walnut grips? Stain? Shoe polish? Minwax?

Sergio Natali · 09-10-2013, 01:29 PM

I'm glad you did not have it reblued, in fact once done its value is gone, and it's true that for us collectors a Luger is far more attractive as it is. Anyway be VERY careful when you take the grips off, having said that I would address you to the F.A.Q. of this forum where you can find an useful answer to your question about cleaning old walnut grips. One more thing just do not use shoe polish of course! :-)

John Sabato · 09-10-2013, 03:43 PM

Member Hugh Clark (Hugh) can make your grips look like they were never used... including fixing the million dollar chip below the safety lever...

Tony Min · 10-23-2013, 01:04 PM

The finish is beautiful the way it is.

cneider · 12-26-2013, 06:31 PM

OK, I took your advice and ordered the P08 recoil spring from Numrich. Clearly, there is a difference between the two springs. The upper spring is the original .30 Luger spring. The lower spring is the replacement spring that Numrich sent, ostensibly for firing 9mm. I just don't see how I'm going to compress that longer spring enough to engage the spring guide hook over the recoil lever. I had a hard enough time reinstalling the original shorter spring. Is there something wrong with this picture? Maybe this wasn't meant to be? I assumed the lower frames for P08's were identical between .30 Luger commercial models and 9mm models. Maybe this isn't the case?

CAP Black · 12-26-2013, 09:10 PM

There is a difference between a recoil spring and a main spring. To replace a flat main spring you need some modification, I believe.
Jack

cneider · 12-26-2013, 09:37 PM

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufact...093.htm?page=3

So I should replace part #50 to fire 9MM? Why the difference in length between the 2 recoil springs?

John Sabato · 12-27-2013, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cneider

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufact...093.htm?page=3

So I should replace part #50 to fire 9MM? Why the difference in length between the 2 recoil springs?

No, CAP Black Jack must be confused by your question because he is incorrect this time, and that doesn't happen often... the flat spring (50) is from the early model Luger pistols... the round spring (31) is the correct spring for your P.08

Getting it in the pistol can be a real challenge. Here is a photo tutorial that THOR posted many years ago... it will serve you well.

http://www.lugerforum.com/Mainspring_Install.html

The difference in length is simply because your original spring is suffering from metal fatigue...

Welcome to the lugerforum.

cneider · 12-27-2013, 10:17 AM

Thanks, John. Good information! Does this mean I will be able to fire .30 Luger AND 9mm Parabellum by merely switching uppers and using the SAME spring?

John Sabato · 12-27-2013, 11:10 AM

If you have two different upper assemblies fitted to your frame, you should be able to shoot both calibers... the problem is that if the spring tension is adequate for 9mm, then the .30 caliber loads may not be strong enough for reliable functioning... If you handload, you can custom build your loads to suit the gun...

cneider · 12-27-2013, 12:20 PM

It worked! Off to the range with my "hybrid Luger!" I'll see what kind of loads I can work up in .30 Luger if there are cycling problems. As an added benefit, I notice that the trigger pull is a lot sweeter now with the new spring. Before, I often had to squeeze real hard sometimes to get off a shot.

rhuff · 12-27-2013, 04:28 PM

Good luck with your new springs. You can lock your toggle back and leave it that way for 24-48 hours and allow the mainspring to "take a set".

In my 1921 DWM Luger, I installed the 9mm mainspring, and then load some 30 Luger rounds to factory spec. and they function well with the 9mm spring. That way I can switch back and forth with my complete upper, including toggle train, in 9mm. I hope that things work out well for you also.

04-29-2013, 10:10 PM	#21
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	Fiocchi makes ammo in .30 Luger. Not sure of sources in today's market. I doubt it's in as much demand as 9mm... There have been a couple of different lengths of receiver. It's possible that your 9mm upper might work with the frame. To fire 9mm, you probably will need a stronger recoil spring. Note that the receiver / frame / trigger plate / take down lever were all hand fit on Lugers. For that reason, you may or may not find that your receiver will function with the frame, even if it is of the correct dimensions. I wouldn't try it without having someone experienced with Luger gunsmithing do it. Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

09-10-2013, 01:29 PM	#30
Sergio Natali User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Somewhere in Northern Italy Posts: 2,646 Thanks: 1,082 Thanked 1,783 Times in 1,007 Posts	I'm glad you did not have it reblued, in fact once done its value is gone, and it's true that for us collectors a Luger is far more attractive as it is. Anyway be VERY careful when you take the grips off, having said that I would address you to the F.A.Q. of this forum where you can find an useful answer to your question about cleaning old walnut grips. One more thing just do not use shoe polish of course! :-) __________________ "Originality can't be restored and should be at the top of any collector's priority list.

09-10-2013, 03:43 PM	#31
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	Member Hugh Clark (Hugh) can make your grips look like they were never used... including fixing the million dollar chip below the safety lever... __________________ 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..."*

12-26-2013, 06:31 PM	#33
cneider User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 59 Thanks: 28 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Firing 9mm upper on .30 Luger lower OK, I took your advice and ordered the P08 recoil spring from Numrich. Clearly, there is a difference between the two springs. The upper spring is the original .30 Luger spring. The lower spring is the replacement spring that Numrich sent, ostensibly for firing 9mm. I just don't see how I'm going to compress that longer spring enough to engage the spring guide hook over the recoil lever. I had a hard enough time reinstalling the original shorter spring. Is there something wrong with this picture? Maybe this wasn't meant to be? I assumed the lower frames for P08's were identical between .30 Luger commercial models and 9mm models. Maybe this isn't the case? Attached Thumbnails

12-27-2013, 11:10 AM	#38
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	If you have two different upper assemblies fitted to your frame, you should be able to shoot both calibers... the problem is that if the spring tension is adequate for 9mm, then the .30 caliber loads may not be strong enough for reliable functioning... If you handload, you can custom build your loads to suit the gun... __________________ 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..."*

04-29-2013, 10:40 PM	#22
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,909 Thanks: 1,986 Thanked 4,500 Times in 2,076 Posts	I bought some 30 Luger recently for about $25 a box, shipped

04-30-2013, 03:49 PM	#24
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,270 Thanks: 2,686 Thanked 958 Times in 704 Posts	I haven't checked recently, but have purchased a fair amount of Fiocchi FMJ 30 Luger ammo from Able's Ammo(Able's Sport) in Texas. It is worth a try. The shipping is reasonable due to being in So. Az. I, also, have a 1921 DWM Alphabet Luger in 30 Luger, plus a complete 1939 rebarreled receiver(Erfurt Toggle train) that I switch back and forth on my DWM frame so that I can shoot 9mm, and 30 Luger. It can be done, but you need to check things out for fit and function.

04-30-2013, 09:56 PM	#27
Ben M. User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Retired to Naples, FL. Posts: 474 Thanks: 82 Thanked 117 Times in 79 Posts	here is ammo source. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/167...cket-box-of-50

05-07-2013, 03:11 PM	#29
cneider User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 59 Thanks: 28 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	So I didn't defile it by having it re-barreled or re-blued. I DID dismantle it as much as I dared, cleaned everything in Agitene with a nylon bristle brush, ran a copper brush though the bore to get out the lead fouling and coated everything with CLP before reassembling it. Lookin' good now! Would reconditioning the grips be a sacrilege? They look somewhat beat up. What do you guys use on those walnut grips? Stain? Shoe polish? Minwax?

10-23-2013, 01:04 PM	#32
Tony Min User Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 169 Thanks: 0 Thanked 21 Times in 14 Posts	The finish is beautiful the way it is.

12-26-2013, 09:10 PM	#34
CAP Black User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Fairmont, WV Right here in Mountaineer country and God's country Posts: 767 Thanks: 100 Thanked 168 Times in 96 Posts	There is a difference between a recoil spring and a main spring. To replace a flat main spring you need some modification, I believe. Jack

12-26-2013, 09:37 PM	#35
cneider User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 59 Thanks: 28 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	http://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufact...093.htm?page=3 So I should replace part #50 to fire 9MM? Why the difference in length between the 2 recoil springs?

12-27-2013, 10:17 AM	#37
cneider User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 59 Thanks: 28 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Thanks, John. Good information! Does this mean I will be able to fire .30 Luger AND 9mm Parabellum by merely switching uppers and using the SAME spring?

12-27-2013, 12:20 PM	#39
cneider User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 59 Thanks: 28 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	It worked! Off to the range with my "hybrid Luger!" I'll see what kind of loads I can work up in .30 Luger if there are cycling problems. As an added benefit, I notice that the trigger pull is a lot sweeter now with the new spring. Before, I often had to squeeze real hard sometimes to get off a shot.

12-27-2013, 04:28 PM	#40
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,270 Thanks: 2,686 Thanked 958 Times in 704 Posts	Good luck with your new springs. You can lock your toggle back and leave it that way for 24-48 hours and allow the mainspring to "take a set". In my 1921 DWM Luger, I installed the 9mm mainspring, and then load some 30 Luger rounds to factory spec. and they function well with the 9mm spring. That way I can switch back and forth with my complete upper, including toggle train, in 9mm. I hope that things work out well for you also.