Restoring a Nazi marked FN-1922 to firing condition

[Float Pilot]

A local friend inherited a FN-1922 in a Luftwaffe holster. It is a late production probably made in early 1944 under Nazi supervision.

Originally I was just supposed to clean it up for him, but then I discovered that the pistol had been mutilated so it would not fire. The firing pin had been removed and the firing pin spring was bent over and had been pounded into the firing pin channel. Plus the little latch for the slide extension was missing along with the super tiny spring.
The story was that dad let his kids play with it when they were young. So I imagine he made it non-firing...

So I bought a firing pin, firing pin spring and spring guide.
Plus a slide extension latch and spring.

The barrel was so rusted that I had to put it in my vibrating tumbler for 24 hours.

After a week or so I finally received all the parts and after some hand fitting finally had it dry-firing pencils from the barrel
( DRY FIRING A MODEL 1922 IS NOT A GOOD IDEA ) so I use a pencil for the firing pin to impact to eraser end.

But yesterday I took it out to the range when it was 10 above zero and after 3 or 4 rounds the sear contact area of the firing pin sheared off and she went full auto... So I ordered another firing pin from a different source.

 

[oldironsights]

Sounds like you have all that you need to finish the restoration.
I have two of those Nazi stamped 1922's from 1944 with checkered wood grips.
The firing pin, sear & barrel extension small parts can drive one nuts.
Best of luck with it.

 

[Float Pilot]

They are certainly not the most robust design....
It was a little surprising when the little firing pin extension sheared off and she went full auto.
The cyclic rate was very fast since it sounded like one long and load shot.
I am still trying to figure out why it sheared off.

 

[Pilot]

Is that going to be your cockpit sidearm Floaty?

Cool pistol, would be interesting to know the Luftwaffe history. I wonder if this was a common pistol issued to flight crews.

 

[Hurryin' Hoosier]

I understand these were issued to Reeve Aleutian pilots for use if they over-shot Shemya!

 

[shootist2121]

I have one just like it including the drop style holster. Mine broke the very tip of the firing pin after 75 rounds. I got a replacement but had to fit it and it still does not reliably fire with that furring pin. I got second one( diff source) and that one works great.
You don't dry fire these type of striker based firearms as the striker beats it self to death. But what a fun piece of history. I found a spare barrel in 380 and it works great too. So I have both 32 and the 380. I also replaced the recoil spring with a wolf.

Enjoy

 

[Float Pilot]

The firing pin I originally bought from Numrich Gun Parts was junk.
Now I have one of order from Springfield Sporters. http://ssporters.com/parts/browning-1922.html

I am just trying to get the darn thing fixed up and sent back to the owner. I would never bet my life on one of these.

 

[Onmilo]

Not going to say the Nazi supervised, slave labor made 1922 and 1910 as well as the Hi-Power pistols were a little out of tolerance from time to time but,,,,

 

[TwoWheelFiend]

My dad used to have a M1922 Browning. Fun little gun to shoot. He sold it tho. Always bust his you know what about it lol

 

[Float Pilot]

The close up of the firing pin assembly shows where the engagement part broke off.

 

[shootist2121]

Don't feel bad about the Gun Parts firing pin. I did the same and that's why I had to fit it. Didn't even come close to matching the old one. And I too bought from Springfield Sports for the second one. That one worked. The design of the 1922 has the firing pin also acting as the ejector. If you look at your broken firing pin, notice the square shoulder face in. This actually needs to be rounded and some what cone shaped to properly fit the firing pin channel seat.
With the right firing pin, the 1922 is extremely reliable. Browning kept the design going till late 70s .

 

[bannockburn]

My brother has a pre-war Dutch contract variant that someone had refinished in bright nickel. Not much in the way of collectors value but an interesting addition to his gun collection.

 

[shootist2121]

Here is a pic of mine. Forgive the lighting

 

[shootist2121]

Here is a better pic of the firing pins.



Be safe

 

[Float Pilot]

Hmm... Maybe, when I get the next one in the mail,,, I might need to shorten the pin part... the last one was awfully long... Plus it looks like I may need to round some edges..,

I have never seen an original firing pin form a Model 1922.

How long is the actual pin part from the face of the tube body to the end???

 

[shootist2121]

As you asked, I measured my firing pin and it mic. Out as 1.1275" in length.
Hope this helps you out. The modified firing pin from Gun Parts measures the same after mods.

Be safe

 

[shootist2121]

Float Pilot:
Did you get you friends 1922 working?

 

[Float Pilot]

I just received the new firing pin the day before Thanksgiving.
I installed it last night. I need to test fire it today. The Springfield Sporters part was a lot more robust and had rounded edges compared to the Gun Part Corp firing pin.

 

[Roadkill]

This is for a Luger - very similar.

 

[Float Pilot]

It is zero degrees F outside.... So my test firing was pretty fast.
5 shots and it worked fine.
I cleaned & oiled it, then returned it to the owner about 5 minutes ago.

 

[shootist2121]

Glad it worked out for you.

Happy Holidays.. Stay warm!