New To This Forum - First Question!

RHRH · 08-13-2023, 02:07 PM

Dear LF Group,

I just recently aquired a 1918, Erfurt, 9mm Luger and just today signed into this group. I thoroughly cleaned the gun itself and the inside and outside of the magazine. I have not fired it yet, range later this week. It appears to function ok but the toggle will not lock back. I have examined the action by removing the wooden grip panels but find nothing immediately evident. The magazine stays in the gun well and does not fall out. I have read some internet remarks on the magazine follower not engaging correctly. When I look at this I cannot see that the magzine follower has anythiing to engage with. Any ideas regarding the lack of lock back would be appreciated.

Thank you, Bob

gunnertwo · 08-13-2023, 06:22 PM

First- Welcome! Very helpful and knowledgable folks here.

I will assume the empty magazine is in the pistol and the toggle will not lock in the upright position. If you have another magazine see if the same condition exists. The first solution is to eliminate the magazine as the cause. Perhaps the magazine spring is weak and will not lift the "hold-open". Images of the frame with the toggle train removed will help diagnose the problem. Others will comment with their suggestions.

G2

reiver · 08-13-2023, 11:36 PM

The hold open mechanism is on the right side of the frame as you look down on it muzzle forward. The 'button' on the mag engages an element of the spring loaded hold open device. If it is there and operating the spring in the mag can be weak or the L shaped arm of the mechanism is worn and does not engage the bolt. A pic of that area would help.

Norme · 08-14-2023, 03:23 PM

If this helps any, here is a photo of the hold-open mechanism as seen from above.
Norm

Doubs · 08-14-2023, 06:34 PM

Norme's picture should help you identify the hold open that is activated by the magazine follower pushing the block upward and preventing the action from closing.

Is yours missing or possibly never there? If never there, you may have a frame manufactured in 1913 or before without the hold open installed. Lugers made without the hold open could be retrofit by the Erfurt factory and many were but some weren't. A 1918 Luger should have the hold open so it's possible that the upper and frame are from different Lugers. Pictures of your Luger would help; top, both sides, front of the frame etc.

mrerick · 08-15-2023, 01:51 PM

Welcome to the forum. Our FAQ document (follow the FAQ link above) will have useful reference material.

08-13-2023, 02:07 PM	#1
RHRH New User Join Date: Aug 2023 Posts: 1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	New To This Forum - First Question! Dear LF Group, I just recently aquired a 1918, Erfurt, 9mm Luger and just today signed into this group. I thoroughly cleaned the gun itself and the inside and outside of the magazine. I have not fired it yet, range later this week. It appears to function ok but the toggle will not lock back. I have examined the action by removing the wooden grip panels but find nothing immediately evident. The magazine stays in the gun well and does not fall out. I have read some internet remarks on the magazine follower not engaging correctly. When I look at this I cannot see that the magzine follower has anythiing to engage with. Any ideas regarding the lack of lock back would be appreciated. Thank you, Bob

08-14-2023, 03:23 PM	#4
Norme Always A Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,417 Thanks: 226 Thanked 2,603 Times in 933 Posts	If this helps any, here is a photo of the hold-open mechanism as seen from above. Norm Attached Thumbnails

08-15-2023, 01:51 PM	#6
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	Welcome to the forum. Our FAQ document (follow the FAQ link above) will have useful reference material. __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

08-13-2023, 06:22 PM	#2
gunnertwo User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Nampa, Idaho Posts: 623 Thanks: 826 Thanked 930 Times in 363 Posts	First- Welcome! Very helpful and knowledgable folks here. I will assume the empty magazine is in the pistol and the toggle will not lock in the upright position. If you have another magazine see if the same condition exists. The first solution is to eliminate the magazine as the cause. Perhaps the magazine spring is weak and will not lift the "hold-open". Images of the frame with the toggle train removed will help diagnose the problem. Others will comment with their suggestions. G2

08-13-2023, 11:36 PM	#3
reiver User Join Date: Feb 2023 Posts: 132 Thanks: 81 Thanked 149 Times in 63 Posts	The hold open mechanism is on the right side of the frame as you look down on it muzzle forward. The 'button' on the mag engages an element of the spring loaded hold open device. If it is there and operating the spring in the mag can be weak or the L shaped arm of the mechanism is worn and does not engage the bolt. A pic of that area would help.

08-14-2023, 06:34 PM	#5
Doubs User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Byron, Georgia Posts: 1,698 Thanks: 792 Thanked 1,687 Times in 554 Posts	Norme's picture should help you identify the hold open that is activated by the magazine follower pushing the block upward and preventing the action from closing. Is yours missing or possibly never there? If never there, you may have a frame manufactured in 1913 or before without the hold open installed. Lugers made without the hold open could be retrofit by the Erfurt factory and many were but some weren't. A 1918 Luger should have the hold open so it's possible that the upper and frame are from different Lugers. Pictures of your Luger would help; top, both sides, front of the frame etc.