Peening

RobB MD · 07-03-2024, 08:15 PM

Hello Everybody

I just bought my first Luger (1939 Mauser S/42) cleaned and oiled it, and fired 1 magazine of regular WWB 115 grain. It functioned perfectly however upon inspecting it when I got home, I noticed some peening on the toggle knob and frame rails. There are also some scratches on the inside back of the frame. I honestly can’t remember if the peening was on the gun when I bought it because I needed a magnifying glass to spot it, but I do remember the finish was already worn in those spots.

I am thinking that somebody fired some hot +P or subgun ammo through it at some point. I only go shooting once a year so the pistol will most likely be a safe queen but my question is…do you think the peening will cause issues if it is ever fired again?

Thank you

Ron Wood · 07-03-2024, 08:43 PM

I can't imagine how these points could not be "peened". The toggle knobs striking the rear frame ramps is what makes a toggle action work. I think you can go ahead and fire the bejeebers out of it.
Ron

gunbugs · 07-04-2024, 12:40 AM

Those are the common wear points on a P08. All of mine have the same bright spots.

RobB MD · 07-04-2024, 09:40 PM

Thanks for the replies. I was mostly concerned about the dents on the edges of the knobs and ramp and how it related to function. I assume the smoother the surfaces the better. Anyways, if you say it is normal wear and tear then that is all that I needed to hear.

Have a great weekend

gunbugs · 07-05-2024, 02:38 AM

I usually throw a little grease on the shiny spots, it probably cuts down on the wear and tear, and stays put better than oil.

ithacaartist · 07-06-2024, 08:41 PM

The wear doesn't look particularly extensive. Doug's tip about lubricating the interface certainly can't hurt.

Talk about peening! I had a 90s Stainless Luger for a while. When it arrived, there was enough metal displaced in the same area to present a "lip" that had been upset towards the inside of the frame. A few licks of a file took it back down to flush.

Eugen · 07-07-2024, 01:57 PM

You got great answers above. You did right in asking questions. This is a wonderful place to learn and there are so many helpful folks on the forum.

spangy · 07-08-2024, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Wood

The toggle knobs striking the rear frame ramps is what makes a toggle action work. I think you can go ahead and fire the bejeebers out of it.
Ron

Great advice from a seasoned member.

You are in essence "making the gun YOURS"
Congratulations

07-03-2024, 08:15 PM	#1
RobB MD New User Join Date: Jul 2024 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Peening Hello Everybody I just bought my first Luger (1939 Mauser S/42) cleaned and oiled it, and fired 1 magazine of regular WWB 115 grain. It functioned perfectly however upon inspecting it when I got home, I noticed some peening on the toggle knob and frame rails. There are also some scratches on the inside back of the frame. I honestly can’t remember if the peening was on the gun when I bought it because I needed a magnifying glass to spot it, but I do remember the finish was already worn in those spots. I am thinking that somebody fired some hot +P or subgun ammo through it at some point. I only go shooting once a year so the pistol will most likely be a safe queen but my question is…do you think the peening will cause issues if it is ever fired again? Thank you Attached Thumbnails

07-03-2024, 08:43 PM	#2
Ron Wood Moderator 2010 LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Santa Teresa New Mexico just outside of the West Texas town of El Paso Posts: 7,022 Thanks: 1,090 Thanked 5,179 Times in 1,703 Posts	I can't imagine how these points could not be "peened". The toggle knobs striking the rear frame ramps is what makes a toggle action work. I think you can go ahead and fire the bejeebers out of it. Ron __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

07-06-2024, 08:41 PM	#6
ithacaartist Twice a Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atop the highest hill in Schuyler County NY Posts: 3,347 Thanks: 7,285 Thanked 2,579 Times in 1,366 Posts	The wear doesn't look particularly extensive. Doug's tip about lubricating the interface certainly can't hurt. Talk about peening! I had a 90s Stainless Luger for a while. When it arrived, there was enough metal displaced in the same area to present a "lip" that had been upset towards the inside of the frame. A few licks of a file took it back down to flush. __________________ "... Liberty is the seed and soil, the air and light, the dew and rain of progress, love and joy."-- Robert Greene Ingersoll 1894

07-07-2024, 01:57 PM	#7
Eugen User Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Newburgh,IN Posts: 790 Thanks: 394 Thanked 631 Times in 334 Posts	You got great answers above. You did right in asking questions. This is a wonderful place to learn and there are so many helpful folks on the forum. __________________ “God created war so that Americans would learn geography.” ― Mark Twain

07-04-2024, 12:40 AM	#3
gunbugs Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Fairbanks, Alaska. Home of the best moose. Posts: 660 Thanks: 366 Thanked 1,179 Times in 395 Posts	Those are the common wear points on a P08. All of mine have the same bright spots.

07-04-2024, 09:40 PM	#4
RobB MD New User Join Date: Jul 2024 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for the replies. I was mostly concerned about the dents on the edges of the knobs and ramp and how it related to function. I assume the smoother the surfaces the better. Anyways, if you say it is normal wear and tear then that is all that I needed to hear. Have a great weekend

07-05-2024, 02:38 AM	#5
gunbugs Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Fairbanks, Alaska. Home of the best moose. Posts: 660 Thanks: 366 Thanked 1,179 Times in 395 Posts	I usually throw a little grease on the shiny spots, it probably cuts down on the wear and tear, and stays put better than oil.