Re-tapping grip screw hole ?

Captain Emo · 01-01-2005, 12:09 PM

I picked up a very nice 1940/42. It has one issue, one of the grip screw holes is buggered up. Can I run a tap through it to clean it up? Is there an experienced Luger gunsmith that can do this for me so I don't make things worse?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Here's her picture.

Hugh · 01-02-2005, 11:20 PM

Captain Emo,

The correct tap to clean up the threads in a 1940 is 3/16x32 TPI. This is not a common thread size but can be found at the larger machine tool supply houses i/e Travers Tool Co.

If you don't want to attempt this yourself, you can send me your frame and I will do it for you free of charge but it will cost you shipping both ways. The frame will have to be sent by UPS or Fedex 2nd day air (their regulations) and will be costly.

sambuscemi · 01-04-2005, 08:57 PM

Hugh: Remember before you buy another set of taps for the 3/16-32 TPI, you have to keep in mind that it is the Whitworth thread confirguation which is not the standard 3/16-32 TPI. This is a British Standard. Much like the thread on the barrel is also British Standard 18mm x 1.27 and not Metric.

Hugh · 01-04-2005, 09:40 PM

You're right Sam, I just read the size off the tap, forgot about it being Whitworth specs.

Captain Emo · 01-04-2005, 10:04 PM

I'll check the price on shipping. I am afraid I might do more damage than presently exists. I wouldn't know that I was doing the tapping properly. Please correct me if I am wrong.

Otherwise, I can't pass up your generous offer. She has some issues, as you will see, but otherwise she is a lovely pistol. I did not really buy the "run over by a tank in France" story, but he really believed it. I really think it was used to beat something like a hammer. I would think a tank would do much more damage.

Hugh · 01-04-2005, 10:16 PM

Captain Emo,

Shipping one way will run around $15-$20, more depending on how much insurance you buy. You can go the the UPS or FEDEX website to get an esitmate. My zip code is 77538. If you have a couple of extra grip screws and the threads are not buggered up to bad on the frame, you may be able to clean them up with some cutting oil and a grip screw & a good screwdriver.

Captain Emo · 01-04-2005, 11:04 PM

I did that on the one side. I am afraid to mess with the other.

Captain Emo · 01-07-2005, 08:41 PM

Hugh:

Send me your address and I'll get her off to you. I thank you in advance for your help. I can't wait to have her cleaned up. Frank says "HI".

Eric

01-01-2005, 12:09 PM	#1
Captain Emo User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Mid-West Posts: 111 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re-tapping grip screw hole ? I picked up a very nice 1940/42. It has one issue, one of the grip screw holes is buggered up. Can I run a tap through it to clean it up? Is there an experienced Luger gunsmith that can do this for me so I don't make things worse? Thanks in advance for your help. Here's her picture.

01-02-2005, 11:20 PM	#2
Hugh RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Southeast Texas Swamp Posts: 2,460 Thanks: 2 Thanked 166 Times in 65 Posts	Captain Emo, The correct tap to clean up the threads in a 1940 is 3/16x32 TPI. This is not a common thread size but can be found at the larger machine tool supply houses i/e Travers Tool Co. If you don't want to attempt this yourself, you can send me your frame and I will do it for you free of charge but it will cost you shipping both ways. The frame will have to be sent by UPS or Fedex 2nd day air (their regulations) and will be costly. __________________ *TRUMP FOR PREZ IN '20!*

01-04-2005, 09:40 PM	#4
Hugh RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Southeast Texas Swamp Posts: 2,460 Thanks: 2 Thanked 166 Times in 65 Posts	You're right Sam, I just read the size off the tap, forgot about it being Whitworth specs. __________________ *TRUMP FOR PREZ IN '20!*

01-04-2005, 10:16 PM	#6
Hugh RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Southeast Texas Swamp Posts: 2,460 Thanks: 2 Thanked 166 Times in 65 Posts	Captain Emo, Shipping one way will run around $15-$20, more depending on how much insurance you buy. You can go the the UPS or FEDEX website to get an esitmate. My zip code is 77538. If you have a couple of extra grip screws and the threads are not buggered up to bad on the frame, you may be able to clean them up with some cutting oil and a grip screw & a good screwdriver. __________________ *TRUMP FOR PREZ IN '20!*

01-04-2005, 08:57 PM	#3
sambuscemi User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 192 Thanks: 0 Thanked 15 Times in 4 Posts	Hugh: Remember before you buy another set of taps for the 3/16-32 TPI, you have to keep in mind that it is the Whitworth thread confirguation which is not the standard 3/16-32 TPI. This is a British Standard. Much like the thread on the barrel is also British Standard 18mm x 1.27 and not Metric.

01-04-2005, 10:04 PM	#5
Captain Emo User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Mid-West Posts: 111 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I'll check the price on shipping. I am afraid I might do more damage than presently exists. I wouldn't know that I was doing the tapping properly. Please correct me if I am wrong. Otherwise, I can't pass up your generous offer. She has some issues, as you will see, but otherwise she is a lovely pistol. I did not really buy the "run over by a tank in France" story, but he really believed it. I really think it was used to beat something like a hammer. I would think a tank would do much more damage.

01-04-2005, 11:04 PM	#7
Captain Emo User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Mid-West Posts: 111 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I did that on the one side. I am afraid to mess with the other.

01-07-2005, 08:41 PM	#8
Captain Emo User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Mid-West Posts: 111 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hugh: Send me your address and I'll get her off to you. I thank you in advance for your help. I can't wait to have her cleaned up. Frank says "HI". Eric