Help with this question about a Luger

[Douglas Jr.]

Hi everybody,

This time I need your help about a Luger from a friend. It is a standard DWM 1918, chambered to 9mm with German Army Imperial proofs, with a WWII magazine.

My doubt is about the fact that the toggle does not stay open with the empty magazine inside the gun (as happen with my DWM 1914 Luger). Can someone explain what is going on? It is a technical problem or only a common thing with these late war pistols?

At last I must say that I´ve read in other messages something about the "hold-open". Where is this piece in a Luger? There is pistols that do not have it?

Sorry for such dumb questions, but here is the only place where I can find some serious help.

Best regards,

Douglas.

[GerColctor]

Douglas

Your hold open problem is of a technical nature, as all of the 1918 Lugers were manufactured with the hold open installed.
In early 1913 it was ordered by the military that all Lugers would be produced with a hold open. Those Lugers that were made prior to this order were to be retrofitted with the approprite hold open and the gun so marked on the right side as to indicate that this was done. This order was not always followed and there are early miltary Lugers that never had this piece installed.
The hold open system was offered to the military by DWM when the first contracts were discussed in 1908, but at that time they didn't want them installed. Must have been a "money saving" decision.

The hold open can be seen in the receiver, on the right side.
Joe

[Douglas Jr.]

Thank you!

Hi Joe,

I found it! I tested it with three differents magazines and it seems that it doesn´t go upwards enough to hold the toggle open .

To me the its spring is much more stronger than would be expected, so it doesn´t allow the piece to reach the correct position. I recomended to my friend not mess with it for a while since I´m afraid to force the spring and break accidentaly.

Thanks and best regards,

Douglas.