Luger P08 Trigger Side Plates

BP8045

April 16, 2012 07:39

It seems to me that trigger side plates look different than the other steel parts of a P08; I wonder if - instead of being forged - they were made by casting - either molten or powdered.

If so, that might have been done because of the odd thin and detailed shape. But some have a porous appearance, and occasionally are cracked or chipped. To make them differently may have been labor-saving - but not without some cost in fragility.

Does anyone know about this ?

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  perry shooter

  April 16, 2012 07:49

  all the original ones I have ever seen that had matching serial number to the rest of the pistol were milled. I have never seen a cracked or chipped one . Some of the later pistols made for interarms etc may have cast parts

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  p3skyking

  April 16, 2012 10:08

  I understand what you are talking about as I've seen it too. Some do indeed appear to be cast, but I'm of the opine that they are replacement. All original DWM and Mauser produced weapons have milled parts. Being unmarked, I assume that the porous parts migrated West from East Germany.

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  v35

  April 16, 2012 20:30

  Semi finished sideplates without trigger lever were offered and may still be found. Originals were completely finished having no rough surfaces.
  They all required fitting and finishing.
  I assume modern replacements were investment cast as you cite bubbles and irregularities.
  There's a lot of machining on these so casting would be the way to duplicate them.
  They're not stressed parts so if you find one that will clean up and fit with a little filing that's the way to go.

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  Toolman286

  April 17, 2012 15:06

  A WWII vet told me that when Lugers were brought back, some govm't hacks kept the side plates. GI's then ordered replacements from companys like Sarco or Numrich. Supposedly you could get one with your matching #s stamped on it for an extra charge. That may account for a different finish.

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