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Femaru p37

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apen

Femaru p37

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Posts: 9

Oct 10 10 5:39 AM

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Hi all
I had a chance to get a war time Femaru P37 marked jhv 43. It seem in a very good shape. I was very desapointed by my first firing test as this old brave doen't fire any more. I suspect the firing pin to be used, although no problem can be detected visualy.

Would you know the normal length of it's firing pin ? and where I could buy a replacement ?

Thanks a lot

albert

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WVchuck

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Posts: 14453

Oct 10 10 3:15 PM

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Welcome Albert,
I did a quick search of regular parts places and couldn't find one to help you.
Check the gun auction places on line and talk to your local gunsmith to see what they might be abvle to do for you.
What makes you think that it's the firing pin?

apen

Hi

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Posts: 9

Oct 11 10 3:08 PM

Thanks for your help.

What makes you think that it's the firing pin ? Because it seems really too short. it doesn't extend thru the slide when the hammer is in the shot position. But in fact, that might not be the real cause if the firing pin is an inertia type. I haven't be able to find this information while googlin around. Maybe you know about that ?

The hammer spring seems rather strong, well, compared to other parabellums that I got in hand. So I don't suspect it.

Finaly, if the firing pin is an inertia type, the only explanation I have if that the firing pin spring should have been replaced by a wrong (too strong) type. The fact this part is the only available as spare (down with the recoil spring) makes me think that it may be subject to break.
It could have be replaced by a previous owner with one with similar dimensions, but not with the same strength. That could make some sense...

For the story, It was given to my father by the end of the war so it's kind of a family jewell

.
(I live in a country that don't have anything like your second amendment. So local gunsmith wouldn't be much help).

What is your opinion ?

Last Edited By: apen Oct 11 10 4:05 PM. Edited 2 times.

WVchuck

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Posts: 14453

Oct 11 10 6:22 PM

Forum Co-Administrator

If I get a chance to, I'll pull out my Femaru and measure the firing pin for an over-all length. I've got the ahndguns put away and it's a chore to get to them easily.
Being in another country, I don't know about the export/customs regulations if a firing pin was found here and being able to get it over there.
Are the primers showing any sign of being hit by the firing pin?
Could it possibly be the ammunition? Which brand are you using?

WVchuck

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Posts: 14453

Oct 12 10 5:50 AM

Forum Co-Administrator

http://www.marstar.ca/images/HungarianPistol2.gif
Looks like a normal firing pin, no striker.
I got mine out and pressed on the back of the pin and the tip protrudes quite a bit. I didn't want to take it down completely to get the firing pin out of the slide though as it was fairly late in the evening.

apen

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Posts: 9

Oct 12 10 5:01 PM

The primer has been hit, but the punch is rather weak compared to a correctly fired cardridge.

When I press on the back of the pin till it is aligned with the slide, the front doesn't protrude at all. I've to push the pin deeper in it's hole to see the front. Well rather hard to explain, especially for a non native speaker.

This picture should clarify. There is :
- When I press the pin with a drill bit at the back (left) , how it protrudes at the front (right)
- a couple of punched primer : top : p37, botton : .38 correctly fired

http://www.pictureshack.us/images/589pic.jpg

Regulations here are more restrictive than all you can figure. Everything that looks likes a weapon is forbidden (even toys must use flashy colors not to be used as real weapons). I wouldn't even think of ordering a nut.

As you probably understood, this thing is much more than a piece of metal to me...

Thanks for all this help anyway.

Last Edited By: apen Oct 12 10 5:16 PM. Edited 1 times.

WVchuck

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Posts: 14453

Oct 13 10 6:02 PM

Forum Co-Administrator

Thanks for the picture. The firing pin appears to not be protruding from the face at all compared to what mine looks like when pressed in from the rear.
If a replacement pin is not available, perhaps the services of a good welder/gunsmith could build the tip up on your existing pin.
Here's a few pictures and measurements of the over-all length of the firing pin, as well as the protrusion from pressing in the back of it up to the slide with my thumb while trying to take a picture.

As an aside, your command of the language is excellent.
Best of luck in getting your family heirloom to becoming functional again.
Hopefully that isn't something that is a restricted activity where you are located.
I have read that in some countries, clipping the pin is one of the things that they do to render a firearm "inoperable".
At least it hasn't been confiscated and melted down.

apen

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Posts: 9

Oct 14 10 2:11 PM

I still don't really understand the way you can attach pictures in this forum.

http://www.pictureshack.us/images/19955.JPG

As you can figure, mine is 51.6mm long ie 2.031 inches, making it 0.064" shorter. It could explain the symptom.
As I've the chance to own a lathe, I can easily make a new one.

Could you give me the length of the thin part and of the thick one so I could figure what to change, ideally vs the position of the center notch? (maybe a little abusing ?)
What is your jhv ?

All these questions because I cannot explain the fact that my pin seems absolutly new without any evidence of post-build machining. Like if there have been several versions (but one that doesn't work) It is really very strange !

Thank you for the time you take to help me. I would be very proud to solve this enigma .

Last Edited By: apen Oct 14 10 2:17 PM. Edited 1 times.

WVchuck

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Posts: 14453

Oct 14 10 5:10 PM

Forum Co-Administrator

I'm a little leery of removing the firing pin again....that is almost a three handed job getting it put back together again.
I won't get into it again this evening, but will try to do so this weekend after the hunting day is over.
Here's a link to the one I stumbled into a few years ago.
http://parallaxscurioandr...eply/148363#reply-148363
I've shot it several times, picked up a reproduction magazine and late last year, a correct magazine with the proper stampings on the floorplate.

Last Edited By: WVchuck Oct 14 10 5:13 PM. Edited 1 times.

WVchuck

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Posts: 14453

Oct 14 10 5:25 PM

Forum Co-Administrator

It takes a little work to get the pictures to embed, but it can be done.
If you set up an account with photobucket, it automatically gives you an image code to copy and paste pictures right to the site here.

apen

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Posts: 9

Oct 17 10 3:25 PM

Thank you for your time. This old thing is waiting to get back to life for 70 years.
You know, some extra days will not make it worse . Take all the time you need. You already did a lot.

For the history, I had a chance to discuss with a friend who is very documented on ww2. He thinks that it could a factory defect, mabe made on purpose. He said that sabotage was wery frequent in occupied countries.

Bye

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WVchuck

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Posts: 14453

Oct 17 10 3:39 PM

Forum Co-Administrator

I haven't had a chance to get the 37 back out again yet, but I will do so later this evening or 1st thing tomorrow after I get in from work.
I can imagine having to draw your weapon from it's holster to use and only having it go click.......that would have to be a disheartening moment.

Colin

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Posts: 2349

Oct 23 10 11:00 PM

Apen: You might check the very front of the firing pin channel in the slide to be sure there isn't a lot of dried grease in there that might be preventing the pin from coming all the way out.

apen

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Posts: 9

Oct 24 10 12:17 PM

Hi colin

It could be a good idea but as you can see on these pics

htttp://www.pictureshack.us/images/589pic.jpg

The pin doesn't protrude the slide when pushed with a drill bit, as would do the hammer.
According to the mesurements, it is really too short. As soon as vwchuck posts the dimensions, i will try to turn a new one. I'll post pictures when done.

Last Edited By: apen Oct 24 10 12:22 PM. Edited 1 times.

WVchuck

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Posts: 14453

Oct 24 10 3:03 PM

Forum Co-Administrator

If I don't get caught up in any other projects today, I'll try to get the new info posted this evening.

WVchuck

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Posts: 14453

Oct 24 10 3:41 PM

Forum Co-Administrator

Here ya go....it was easier the second time around getting that pin out of there.
Hopefully, these measurements will help get you where you need to be with making one of the correct length.

apen

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Posts: 9

Oct 28 10 5:17 PM

Thank you so much for those pics. I'll keep you updated (I've to figure how to turn the long thin part)

VIS35

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Posts: 3571

Oct 28 10 8:17 PM

Forum Site Moderator

apen,

If you have not already done so, perhaps you can check with these two gentleman for parts.

Jim Shaffer (412) 672-6830. Jim does not do email or e'net, also don't call him before 12 noon. Also you may try Tom Heller at hellerarms@webtv.net.

Francis

VIS
aka Blind Hog
"Even a Blind Hog sometimes finds an acorn"

apen

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Posts: 9

Nov 13 10 12:57 PM

Hello all

It a long time but i've the new pin done. I'll try it and let you know.

WVchuck

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Posts: 14453

Nov 13 10 1:59 PM

Forum Co-Administrator

Please keep us updated!!

apen

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Posts: 9

Nov 20 10 3:52 PM

Click Click click.. Still doesn't work. This is probably my fault as I dit it from an allen bolt I had which revealed to be a little short. I'm 0.02" shorter than yours.

Also I've made the test with the ammo that was already punched from previous tests. Dont't know if it can still fire. Got to find a new one (not easy here)
Comparing my new pin to yours when inserted into the slide still shows a noticeable difference. I've got a longer steel rod and will make another one.

For sure I'll keep you updated.

Thank you so much for all this help

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