Help me out Luger guys...

[EddieCoyle]

I've got a couple of Lugers (an S/42 and a byf 41) that are having similar FTE problems. I can barely get through a mag without a round failing to eject. I've been shooting Remington UMC and WWB (I have yet to reload 9mm because it's been cheap, although that is about to change).

I've replaced mainsprings and striker springs in both. I have new Wolff mag springs but do not know how to replace them. Would ne mag springs help alleviate the problem? If so, how do you replace them?

Should I replace the ejector springs? Both seem really strong.

I've read that the early European 9x19 rounds were hotter than what we get here now for factory ammo. Should I try hotter ammo? And - can someone recommend a load?

Any other ideas?

Thanks in advance.

 

[BigG]

Are they original mags? I would trust them before aftermarket.

The Luger should be clean and lubed with Break Free CLP because it works on inertia alone to cock the striker.

I wouldn't shoot reloads until I got it shooting well with WWB. You don't need hotter ammo.

 

[EddieCoyle]

I have only original mags and do run it wet (but not too wet) with CLP.

 

[Old Fuff]

I this an issue that just started, or has it always been that way since you owned the guns?

I doubt that the magazine(s) would cause an ejection problem, but it could be ammunition related or possibly a rough or corroded chamber. Another distant possibliity would be a week extractor spring letting the case drop.

 

[shootist2121]

My experience with lugers are limited and have been many years ago. My brother had one and we had a heck of time getting it to run right. It wasn't till years later that i found out that most require, I repeat most require a +P pressure almost to function on factory ammo.

That said the cure maybe in you hand ..The new wolf springs if I recall are calibrated to standard pressure.

I was sucessful with handloads with 6gr of unigue with a 115 jacket round, but that is well over the max these days in such a small case. I discover later that gunsmiths were routinely removing a couple of coils on the main spring to get the surplus P-08's function but that was in the mid 70's The 30 cal lugers I have shot have not experienced that same issue. Not sure why but S & B 7.65 luger seems to function those that I shot.

To replace the main spring on a luger...I would find a gunsmith familiar with them. The tension on it and matching the taggle link is a nightmare of frustration.

 

[shootist2121]

EddieCoyle
I misread you comments. I didn't realize you had already replaced the main springs. I personally don't recommend my load as that is way harsh on 50 year old firearms. And it was a time I was going thru magnumidous ( 70's)
I would work on one with the main spring, clip a coil at a time and testing with factory ammo.

They are fun to shoot when working right. Using even +P ammo might give you an idea if that is the issue, but I would not use it but for testing. Again these are 50 year old firearms and have collector value even if they are just shooter grade.

Be safe and let'us know how it goes...

 

[rcmodel]

Yep, I bet it's the ammo.

Even back 40 years ago, American 9mm ammo would not function a lot of Luger's.

Our stuff wouldn't cycle one, but WWII German stuff would put empty brass in low earth orbit.

Spring strength is part of it, but the toggle-lock cam angle soaks up a lot of recoil energy, and there is nothing much you can do about the basic design of the cam except shoot hotter ammo it was designed for.

I'd try some Sellior & Bellot or other European 9mm ammo and see what it does with that.

rcmodel