Reproduction Snail Drum - progress

[G.T.]

Hi Ed! Yes, it, the strut assist kit, is offered by G.T. Specialties, they cost $55.00 for the kit, same price if you want to send me the loader to put the axil in for the mounting pin/stud?.... ... It actually helps quite a bit in the loading sequence of the drum operation... I developed it when we first started working out the problems on the drum mags.. The first thing we noticed was the mag catch notch was degrading badly from a point that was already marginal?... When we re-weld that area, we now use a hardening rod, same as what is used on blades and buckets to restore their working edges... harder, but not heat treated?... The strut still makes a big difference on loading stability and positive function.... ... best to all, til...lat'r....GT

[ithacaartist]

Thanks for the info on the Strut kit, G.T. I'm getting the impression that it might be a good idea for those who already own them to send any drum to you for a checkup and tuning even though it displays no immediate problems?

[G.T.]

Hi David, actually, the drums are, on a large percentage, not even usable right out of the box! They don't fit but just a few Lugers, they fail almost immediately with jams in the mag and in the gun...and almost immediately break as well!!! As far as I know, every one from first to last is the same, although they did seem to improve their assembly procedure a little as they went, but, all are basically the same parts, springs, etc.... When we're done with them, you really can barely tell it from an original? Just a little lighter gauge steel, and maybe a little softer steel as well... It takes a ton of work to make them function correctly..... But, we're doing it, one by one.... I have mainsprings already made for 50 units! ... once I reach that point... then it decision time... as quantity material order is the only feasible choice for the future.... (big numbers for old GT!...)... best to all, til....lat'r....GT.....

[Edward Tinker]

Went to the range with my numerich loader and trommel - could NOT get it to load.

I am looking on youtubes on this darn thing. Now, MY S&W 39 shot hollowpoints all day long

Ed

[lugerholsterrepair]

Ed, There's a sticky on Jans about loading...


These are George andersons directions to me for loading the German Luger 32 round snail drum.
Then my experiences with fireing it!

First turn the crank one full turn and lock with button. You may be able to hand load a few rounds while the crank is locked. I don't bother. Spray an ample amount of light oil into the magazine through the tube (you may want to do this a day before).

Next, lock the loader in place over the throat of the mag and begin feeding rounds into it you will quickly find that you need to push them down with the plunger after each round.

I would recommend that on the first go with each of your mags that you only go to 20 rounds. If they prove to function well then you may want to top them off.

After you have finished loading the mags and before you remove the loader unlock the crank and let it slowly return to a resting position. After folding the handle into place you should see that the end of the handle points to the number on the face of the mag that corresponds to the number of rounds loaded. With the loader still in place tap the magazine body a couple of times to get the spring to open and put full tension against the rounds loaded. You may want to spray more oil down the tube to lube the rounds a bit.

Remove the loader and you should be ready to go. Be sure to wear old clothes as there will be alot of oil splattering around the gun and mag. Have fun. geo


Those are great directions! First loaded the 20 rounds, no problems except for a small one. The drum is difficult to seat with the bolt closed. I suspect the tension is too great and will not push the top round down enough to lock.
Secondly, with the bolt locked back, the bolt will not go forward and strip a round...I could not detect why but if the mag is slightly lowered a round can be stripped, enter the chamber, the mag is seated and it fires all rounds without a hitch!
I first fired the 20, as you suggested, the mag handle pointed to the 20 as you said, then the 32 rounds were loaded and again the mag handle indicated the number loaded.
I fired it with the original stock and at around 100 yards it fired to point of aim. I did not re align the sight but shot over it rapid fire, I sure as hell would not want to be in front of that kind of firepower! This would be a good weapon to defend a machine gun emplacement or sweep a trench!
I thank you very much for the help George...Jerry

[G.T.]

Hi Ed, if it's one of the "GT" drums, please just send it to me, I will re-polish and test for N/C as long as it is one that "was supposed to work!" A few of the first ones released were not re-polished after "black oxide " coating and acid bath, (made them to rough" on the inside... They are ALL re-polished now!!!! One of those changes that we didn't realize when we scaled up... Send it to me, and I will make it correct.... best to you Ed, glad to be back, GT....

[Lugerdoc]

GT, Welcome home. I hope that our donations help with your medical cost. It's bad enough when one person is in an accident, let alone 3 of you. TH PS: Hopefully you can find a way to prevent the IRS from taking a bite, by putting it into a tax free medical fund. Please check with your accountant.

[DonVoigt]

I would not worry about the IRS, gifts of that individual size would not show up anywhere.

The donors can't take a tax deduction either.

[KABAR2]

Well I'm new to this site went looking for info on Gunparts snail drum and found a post about improvements GT has been making, I ordered a drum over laborday weekend with the 20% off code on magazines.... a nice savings on the drum..... can't wait to get it in hand, I have a 1915 dated Artillery Luger that's a reblue/shooter & a repro holster & stock rig... this drum will fill the void at reasonable cost..... I missed a original drum two years ago at a local auction for 1000.00...... will still keep looking for an original .... but for now the repro is fine.... hope it comes with the "GT" mark! thanks for all the work and research into fixes on this!

[DonVoigt]

Originally Posted by KABAR2

Well I'm new to this site went looking for info on Gunparts snail drum and found a post about improvements GT has been making, I ordered a drum over laborday weekend with the 20% off code on magazines.... a nice savings on the drum..... can't wait to get it in hand, I have a 1917 dated Artillery Luger that's a reblue/shooter & a repro holster & stock rig... this drum will fill the void at reasonable cost..... I missed a original drum two years ago at a local auction for 1000.00...... will still keep looking for an original .... but for now the repro is fine.... hope it comes with the "GT" mark! thanks for all the work and research into fixes on this!

If it does not come with the GT mark, send it back immediately and ask for one that does!

[KABAR2]

Originally Posted by DonVoigt

If it does not come with the GT mark, send it back immediately and ask for one that does!

Thanks I'll do that if need be... still waiting for it to clear my bank account..... their card system screwed up I ended up with three charges for the same item... so it's playing hell with the checking account... called them the next day to delete the two charges... never a dull moment.... hopefully it will be here next week...

[DonVoigt]

Now that is not nice, nor acceptable! Triple charging that is.

[KABAR2]

Originally Posted by DonVoigt

Now that is not nice, nor acceptable! Triple charging that is.

It was partly my fault they had my old address on file which messed thing up figured out the problem and fixed address but overall things got compounded hopefully it will clear up tonight....

[KABAR2]

Arrrg! They dumped all three charges! So tomorrow I will call and get it re-enstated thankfully I printed my receipt this is becoming an adventure

[Olle]

Originally Posted by KABAR2

Arrrg! They dumped all three charges! So tomorrow I will call and get it re-enstated thankfully I printed my receipt this is becoming an adventure

Ordering from Numrich can be interesting, especially if you order several of the same items. It may say that you ordered 10 and they will charge for 10, but if they only have 7 in stock they'll credit you for 3. Other times they'll charge the correct amount, but the order confirmation will still have the wrong amount on it. I have also seen my dealer discount being credited after the sale, almost like "Oops, we forgot to take it off". Then mix in a few returned item and you'll have an accounting nightmare on your hands. Many times you won't know how much you have actually paid until you have reconciled your bank account.

On the flip side, they are really good at fixing errors in the orders, and returns and exchanges are usually handled without any hiccups. I get the impression that they have realized that their ordering system sucks, and have perfected the art of damage control instead.

[KABAR2]

O.K. ..... Just got off the phone with Gunparts my order wasn't canceled the charges went off my account it will be charged when item ships ..... So I hope to see this sometime next week...

[rhuff]

I was at the Numrich site a few of days ago and they were stating that they were having a BIG problem with their computer server, and that shipping would be delayed by 2-4 days over normal. Perhaps they have gotten things ironed out by now......we can always hope.

[SIGP2101]

Will we ever find out about origin of this mag?

[DonVoigt]

Originally Posted by SIGP2101

Will we ever find out about origin of this mag?

I don't think so; if you meant who made them for Numrich.

Not something they would broadcast, JMO.

There are no signs on the drum itself, so if "legally" marked as required; they were likely made in the USA- though I would not wager any sum of $ on it.

[cirelaw]

I took a look~ http://www.gunpartscorp.com/ad/980980.htm