Deutshe Werke 32 Cal

Question
Bob I am having trouble dismanlting gun for cleaning.
Any directions

Thanks Gino

Answer
Hi Gino.

If this is your firearm...

http://images.gunsamerica.com/upload/976766279-1.jpg

...then you have a have a .32 ACP Ortgies pistol made between early 1920s to late 1930s. Heinrich Ortgies sold the company to Deutche Werke (note the DW grip logo) and the guns were sold world-wide. Many were brought back to the USA by soldiers after WWII but DW was out of business before the war started. These pistols were also made in .25 ACP and .380 ACP.

Takedown procedure is as follows however I strongly advise you to have the pistol checked for safety by a gunsmith before firing. Most gunsmiths will do this for free and it could save your life:

"Dismounting: Unless you know where to start, this is probably the most difficult pistol to dismount that will ever be encountered. It is very simple when you know the trick but is almost impossible unless you are familiar with it.

1. First withdraw the magazine and draw back the slide to see that there is no cartridge in the firing chamber.

2. Then holding the pistol in the right hand push in the grip safety release button with the right thumb. While holding this in, with the left hand push the slide back about one half inch and lift it up. It may be lifted off the receiver.

3. The striker pin and spring may be pushed forward and pulled out of the breechblock section of the slide.

Reassembly: In reassembly, there is also a trick to remember. In the top of the breechblock end of the slide is a small semicircular cut. When the firing pin spring is pushed forward, a small stem which is inserted in the rear of this spring can be pushed down into this semicircular cut where it will lock the spring into place to permit reassembly. If this spring is not locked into position the slide cannot be remounted on the receiver since the spring will project out the rear end. The slide must be replaced very carefully, and care taken to see that this spring and its rod do not leap out. Both pieces are so small that they can be easily lost. The grips on this weapon are held by a small spring catch on the rear of the receiver inside the magazine well.

Insert a small screwdriver or a stick in the magazine well and about halfway up it will strike against the spring catch and release the grips which may then be lifted off."