Mauser 1934 firing pin not disengaging trigger bar

[gorseks]

I purchased a Mauser 1934 that was reported to be mechanically functioning.  Unfortunately the firing pin is not disengaging from the trigger bar, allowing it to move forward to strike the primer.   The trigger clicks, the bar moves downward, but the firing pin doesn't disengage from the bar.  The is experienced with the pistol disassembled and the same functions are noted when it is assembled.


I tried to down load a video of the action, and so far has not downloaded successfully (so I took photos of specific parts).  If it doesn't, I can send it as an attachment in an email to help others see what I am experiencing (I have the pistol disassembled to show the moving parts (as long as this is allowed in this forum)


The seller has agreed to take it back, But I like the pistol and wish to see if I can resolve the problem and get it back into working order.  I am familiar with full disassembly, replacing springs (have a spring packet from Wolf Springs, but these did not resolve the issue, so replaced the original springs), appropriately lubricating and re-assembly.


Any help would be greatly appreciated. 


Thanks Steve

[1914mauser]

Steve,

I appreciate your situation. Unfortunately diagnosing mechanical issues via e-mail or forum is extremely difficult if not impossible. If you fit the parts and it still does not function the seller would be justified to not accept a return. If it is properly assembled, the parts move as they should and the striker fails to release, the most likely reason is that the striker was replaced but not fitted to the trigger bar or vise verse. A knowledgeable gunsmith should be able to fit the parts but that is something that I would not attempt to explain how to do via a forum.

Regards,

[gorseks]

Thanks B Mason,

No worries.  Understand diagnosing over forum is challenging at best;  just appreciating a little guidance on where to look next as to possible issues others may have had with this particular pistol.


 Once the pistol did not fire at the range, i called the seller to see what he wanted to do (before opening it up, especially given that it was sold as a working pistol).  He offered the option of sending it back right then, or opening it up, cleaning it (he recommended just using some "WD-40 to loosen up the parts; thats what these old guns need sometimes") and if still doesnt work then send it back.   


I really like the pistol and its history, so am trying to get it working as a functional pistol.  I collect them but also fire them at the range (history held in the hand and used, as well as admired in the case or on the shelf)


Ive worked with period C96, and WWII P38, P08 Luger, HSc, and PPK's, and comfotable with these.   All challenginging pistols in their own rights in getting them functioning properly (usually spring or part issues) But this Mauser 1934 has a striker fire system that has posed a different type of challenge.   


My main thought, as you noted as a possibility, is whether parts were replaced (or possibly not matching to the pistol; 1914 or 1910 placed in this 1934).   


As you might have experienced, many gunsmiths are not familiar with these vintage pistols, and most times i send one in, they come back with more problems than when i started (i currently have had a PPK in 3 times and still not fixed properly).   Im not dinging the gunsmith, just explaining my experience and the challenges with these C&R's. People who relish in their complexity and simplicity are truely a much better source of information.


If you know of a good Mauser specialist around Portland Oregon that would be great.  I will look at the trigger bar/ striker relationship. 


Much appreciated

[gorseks]

Follow up:  Problem Solved!


I did find a gentleman out in the country who has been a gunsmith for the last 40+ yrs.  He loved the opportunity to check out this pistol (he has worked on many Mauser's but never a Mauser 1934) and was willing to problem solve with me.  We worked on it for about an hour, taking it apart and putting it back together, making sure that all the parts were original and functioning. 


In short, this turned out to be a worn magazine lip (or possibly the ejector/hold open catch maybe worn down). Pushing up on the magazine firmly into the magazine well, while pulling the trigger, actuated the trigger bar and released the striker consistently.   

Although this magazine looks to be in good condition, the upper lip does demonstrate wear on right side back corner where the magazine engages the hold open catch (see Photos).


QUESTION:  In order to make sure that it is a magazine issue, and not the hold open catch, I need to acquire a magazine without wear on the lips.  I have looked online and most of the WWII era mags look worn.   Are there any good after market brands or stores that anyone knows to purchase a Magazine?


Also, I hope this may help someone in the future that may have similar issue. 


Thanks, Steve
[/size]

[gorseks]

the two other photos:

[Darrenw]

Hi, I have a similar problem as this with two Mausers, one 1914 and one 1934, the magazines I have are also both a bit worn at the top at the back of the feed ramp. I am curious to know whether a new replacement mag has resolved the issue?
Is it the fact that the pistol seem to think the magazine is not fully seated or indeed not in at all that is causing the issue according to your gunsmith?
I'll take another look at this when next on the range on the 5th August and will report back then
regards Darren

[1914mauser]

Darrenw,

Yes, the magazines could be the problem as these models have a magazine safety feature that does not allow the striker to fall if a magazine is not seated. Wear to the magazine could be the problem as well as a few other possibilities.

Regards,

[gorseks]

Sorry for the late response:    Preface;  as noted above by B Mason, work with a good gunsmith if you are not familiar with working on firearms.

I purchased a WWII replacement magazine (expensive) in very excellent condition and little wear.  I tried out the new magazine.  Still same problem.  I would have to push up on the mag to get the firing pin to disengage the trigger bar.   

I then went through looking at the other parts and the "ejector & hold open catch" looked great without significant wear, and the "magazine catch" was seated properly in the ejector & hold open catch.   

I found some original parts on the internet (trigger bar and firing pin) which turned out to be relatively inexpensive in relation to the original magazine.  I replaced the trigger bar first, and the pistol has functioned perfectly without any further issues (including smooth disassembly). Comparing the two parts did not reveal any significant wear that would explain the difference.  But for what ever reason, the replaced trigger bar did the trick. 

The below listing outlines the parts mentioned and you can find the parts here, on Ebay or other sights such as gunbroker.com.

Numrich:

  https://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufacturers/Mauser-33384/AutoPistols-37346/1934PocketPistol-35076.htm?results=40


Happy collecting, Steve

[pardt]

That's great news that you were able to get the issues resolved. I had sold a guy a safety bar awhile back and it was similar situation where they looked identical but one would not work, so I sent him a couple others to try and he did find one that worked

[icollect2]

Apologies for bumping an old thread for my first post. I believe that I can share information related to the original issue. An internet search brought me here and the info in this thread helped solve my problem and I hope to play it forward with a slightly different solution to a similar problem.


I had the same issue, took firearm apart to clean ( whether to clean 100 years of gunk/history whatever is a topic for a different thread) When I got it back together it would just click upon trigger pull, striker wouldn't release.


Well solved it with the help of this thread, turns out I had not fully seated the magazine catch which left the magazine a bit loose once inserted and just loose enough so that the disconnector wouldn't engage, pushing the magazine catch all the way in solved the issue!


Thanks for all the information and wisdom shared in this thread and on this wonderful site! The internet is not ALL all lies and mean people. I have solved many prior issues with other firearms with the help of the internet, what a great resource!


also and sorry for using up all my internet karma in one post but would someone have approximate manufacturing date for 6.35 cal 1910 sn 249XXXX I'm thinking 1923/24?


Thank you and have a nice day!
Scott

[1914mauser]

1923 would be the year of manufacture of your .25. Regards,