New Here...

Don Z. · 01-15-2012, 02:56 PM

I'm glad I found the forum. There's a lot of history recorded here!

I guess I fall into the category of "new collector". I had, some years ago, a '41 BYF, but knew little about it (pre-internet days) and ended up selling it for far too little when I moved.

I recently picked up a restored 1914, that I probably paid far too much for, but I wanted a good shooter, and this one seems to fill that bill. I fired it for the first time yesterday, and while I had three or four "stovepipes" (Winchester 115 grain white box of 100 rnds, from WalMart) it's possible the follower spring is a little weak. Certainly, the Mec-Gar mags that arrived via US Mail just hours after I returned from the range are much "stiffer"!

Collectors will hate me, as I'm looking for a repro holster and tool, but it's a user, not just for looking at. As far as the cleaning rods go, I became a huge Otis fan in Afghanistan, so I'm not really looking for a rod or a jag.

Many silly questions to follow, as I have much to learn, but here is my first: Would it work to put a wooden base on the Mec-Gar? Even though it's just for the range, that plastic bottom looks just a little out of place.

alvin · 01-15-2012, 03:56 PM

I saw people installed a Nambu Type 14's magazine bottom on a Luger magazine (no one could find correct parts and a solution was needed). Looks like it fits well.

Edward Tinker · 01-15-2012, 03:58 PM

You can buy wood bases and install them, GT here on the forum can install them.

Ed

Don Z. · 01-16-2012, 10:37 AM

Great, thanks. I know IMA, for one, has them... I'll have to try it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edward Tinker

You can buy wood bases and install them, GT here on the forum can install them.

Ed

mrerick · 01-16-2012, 01:10 PM

Hi Don, and welcome to the forum.

The feeding problem that you experienced can be caused by a few things.

First, is the pistol clean and properly lubricated? If it's tight and dirty, drag can get the cycle timing off. Dirt under the extractor can also cause problems.

The easiest to take care of is the way you grip your Luger when shooting it. It has to have a well supported grip that prevents the pistol from rotating (rising) off level. That means a grip about as tight as you'd hold a child's hand as you guide them across the street. Often by paying attention to the grip, you'll find the Luger will shoot more reliably. This is a likely cause of stovepipes.

The condition of the recoil spring within your magazine is next on the list. Mec-Gar magazines are the best on the newly manufactured market. If you want the base replaced, consider sending it of to Gerald (G.T.) and let him do a complete job on it.

There were different strength coiled springs used on the earlier DWM and Erfurt Lugers.

The Mauser Lugers used a main recoil spring with (I believe) 20 or 21 turns. Earlier WW-I Lugers had 17-18 turns... Wolff sells a range of springs for the Luger:

http://www.gunsprings.com/index.cfm?...s&cID=1&mID=38

It's sometimes worth trying alternates if the first things don't work...

Marc

Don Z. · 01-16-2012, 11:56 PM

Marc,
Thanks... Actually played with it again today. 100 Rounds of Remington Shur-Shot, 115 grain, Mec-Gar Mags. Not one mis-fire.

Understood on the limp-wristing. Glocks do that too, but it's not something I've had a problem with in the past.

My next step is to try reloading. Not sure where that will take me, but I'm going to have to go in that direction if I want to use the Mannlicher my grandfather gave me, so I might as well. If I've done my research here well, I need to get a medium speed burning powder, and the gun was designed for 123 grain (closest I can find to that is 124) and a muzzle velocity about 1075fps.

Eventually, I'll take the magazine apart, count turns, etc. I know it's not original to the gun (serial numbers don't match) but it is a wooden base with an aluminum mag.

Thanks for all.

Don Z. · 01-16-2012, 11:58 PM

Mag pictures added, just for giggles...

lugerholsterrepair · 01-17-2012, 12:23 AM

Don, This magazine does not have an aluminum body. It is nickel plated steel. Aluminum would be way too weak for the feed lips to hold their shape.
Very nice body. Rare to find unblemished bodies on these early magazines.

mrerick · 01-17-2012, 01:28 AM

Don, be careful about disassembling a Luger magazine. It takes special fixtures to properly re-assemble them...

The different springs I mentioned are the recoil spring in the frame of the Luger.

Marc

MFC · 01-17-2012, 01:35 AM

Hi Don,
Don't take the mag apart or use it for shooting. It is WWI vintage and collectable. The wood can become brittle after 100 years. It would be a shame to crack the wood bottom or mar the tube.

Don Z. · 01-17-2012, 08:24 AM

See, you learn something here every day! I was loath to take it apart in the first place, which is why I bought the Mec-Gars. Now I know I made the right choice.

Nickel-Steel. Got it.

01-15-2012, 02:56 PM	#1
Don Z. User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: New Orleans Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	New Here... I'm glad I found the forum. There's a lot of history recorded here! I guess I fall into the category of "new collector". I had, some years ago, a '41 BYF, but knew little about it (pre-internet days) and ended up selling it for far too little when I moved. I recently picked up a restored 1914, that I probably paid far too much for, but I wanted a good shooter, and this one seems to fill that bill. I fired it for the first time yesterday, and while I had three or four "stovepipes" (Winchester 115 grain white box of 100 rnds, from WalMart) it's possible the follower spring is a little weak. Certainly, the Mec-Gar mags that arrived via US Mail just hours after I returned from the range are much "stiffer"! Collectors will hate me, as I'm looking for a repro holster and tool, but it's a user, not just for looking at. As far as the cleaning rods go, I became a huge Otis fan in Afghanistan, so I'm not really looking for a rod or a jag. Many silly questions to follow, as I have much to learn, but here is my first: Would it work to put a wooden base on the Mec-Gar? Even though it's just for the range, that plastic bottom looks just a little out of place. Attached Images __________________ I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness; I love only that which they defend.

01-15-2012, 03:56 PM	#2
alvin User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: US Posts: 3,843 Thanks: 132 Thanked 729 Times in 438 Posts	I saw people installed a Nambu Type 14's magazine bottom on a Luger magazine (no one could find correct parts and a solution was needed). Looks like it fits well. Attached Thumbnails

01-15-2012, 03:58 PM	#3
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,929 Thanks: 2,029 Thanked 4,527 Times in 2,090 Posts	You can buy wood bases and install them, GT here on the forum can install them. Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

01-16-2012, 01:10 PM	#5
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	Hi Don, and welcome to the forum. The feeding problem that you experienced can be caused by a few things. First, is the pistol clean and properly lubricated? If it's tight and dirty, drag can get the cycle timing off. Dirt under the extractor can also cause problems. The easiest to take care of is the way you grip your Luger when shooting it. It has to have a well supported grip that prevents the pistol from rotating (rising) off level. That means a grip about as tight as you'd hold a child's hand as you guide them across the street. Often by paying attention to the grip, you'll find the Luger will shoot more reliably. This is a likely cause of stovepipes. The condition of the recoil spring within your magazine is next on the list. Mec-Gar magazines are the best on the newly manufactured market. If you want the base replaced, consider sending it of to Gerald (G.T.) and let him do a complete job on it. There were different strength coiled springs used on the earlier DWM and Erfurt Lugers. The Mauser Lugers used a main recoil spring with (I believe) 20 or 21 turns. Earlier WW-I Lugers had 17-18 turns... Wolff sells a range of springs for the Luger: http://www.gunsprings.com/index.cfm?...s&cID=1&mID=38 It's sometimes worth trying alternates if the first things don't work... Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

01-16-2012, 11:56 PM	#6
Don Z. User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: New Orleans Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Marc, Thanks... Actually played with it again today. 100 Rounds of Remington Shur-Shot, 115 grain, Mec-Gar Mags. Not one mis-fire. Understood on the limp-wristing. Glocks do that too, but it's not something I've had a problem with in the past. My next step is to try reloading. Not sure where that will take me, but I'm going to have to go in that direction if I want to use the Mannlicher my grandfather gave me, so I might as well. If I've done my research here well, I need to get a medium speed burning powder, and the gun was designed for 123 grain (closest I can find to that is 124) and a muzzle velocity about 1075fps. Eventually, I'll take the magazine apart, count turns, etc. I know it's not original to the gun (serial numbers don't match) but it is a wooden base with an aluminum mag. Thanks for all. __________________ I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness; I love only that which they defend.

01-16-2012, 11:58 PM	#7
Don Z. User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: New Orleans Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Mag pictures added, just for giggles... Attached Images __________________ I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness; I love only that which they defend.

01-17-2012, 12:23 AM	#8
lugerholsterrepair Moderator Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arizona/Colorado Posts: 7,771 Thanks: 4,926 Thanked 3,124 Times in 1,434 Posts	Don, This magazine does not have an aluminum body. It is nickel plated steel. Aluminum would be way too weak for the feed lips to hold their shape. Very nice body. Rare to find unblemished bodies on these early magazines. __________________ Jerry Burney 11491 S. Guadalupe Drive Yuma AZ 85367-6182 lugerholsterrepair@earthlink.net 928 342-7583 (CO & AZ) Year Round 719 207-3331 (cell) "For those who Fight For It, Life has a flavor the protected will never know."

01-17-2012, 01:28 AM	#9
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	Don, be careful about disassembling a Luger magazine. It takes special fixtures to properly re-assemble them... The different springs I mentioned are the recoil spring in the frame of the Luger. Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

01-17-2012, 01:35 AM	#10
MFC User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,237 Thanks: 183 Thanked 281 Times in 162 Posts	Hi Don, Don't take the mag apart or use it for shooting. It is WWI vintage and collectable. The wood can become brittle after 100 years. It would be a shame to crack the wood bottom or mar the tube. __________________ Mike C.

01-17-2012, 08:24 AM	#11
Don Z. User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: New Orleans Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	See, you learn something here every day! I was loath to take it apart in the first place, which is why I bought the Mec-Gars. Now I know I made the right choice. Nickel-Steel. Got it. __________________ I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness; I love only that which they defend.