New (to me) Daewoo DP51

[lsudave]

This is my latest acquisition, picked it up last week. It had been on my radar for awhile, so when I ran across a solid deal (well below the $300 threshold), I decided to add it to the flock.

A brief note about my pistols- I'm a fan of duty pistols, especially the various fullsize metal-frame DA/SA variety. I think the 80's-90's is generally about the pinnacle for interesting duty handguns, as the tech and research had reached a point basically comparable to now, but most countries hadn't reached a point where they were making polymer frames or everyone was using the same design. Thus, you saw lots of different pistols out there, made of good materials, each with unique features.

Now, to this one- the DP51. It's the civilian version of the South Korean K5. Not really sure of my particular pistol's background, but it has both the B-West stampings on the right side of the slide (I think B-West was the US importer for the period mine was manufactured), and Century marks on the frame (which leads me to believe this gun was "reimported" by Century, probably from Israel or somewhere like that).
Looking at online reviews, there's not a lot out there. Early reviews seem to be snobbish and condescending, and make snarky remarks about Daewoo cars and electronics etc. Most of these are done by people who didn't know Daewoo produced firearms at all. Some of these reviews are countered by people who posted about the quality of the Daewoo rifles (which apparently are VERY good), and the fact that these pistols are issued to the ROK military, which shares a border with a very hostile neighbor to the North, and the expectation that any equipment they use would be of high quality due to that fact. Most of the more informed reviews list the scarcity of parts to be a legit negative, as the gun initially wasn't imported very long. This last negative seems to be currently addressed by the ongoing import/manufacture of the Lionheart brand, which is a Daewoo base that Lionheart has "tweaked" (new hammer, grips, sights, different grip serrations machined into the slide, cerakote finish applied by Lionheart). As I understand, Lionheart parts are 100% interchangeable with original DP51 parts, except for the sights, which require a different cut machined into the slide.

So, my DP51- interesting pistol which came in the usual "cheap gun" condition... some finish wear, appears to have been shot a lot and rarely (if ever) cleaned. Slide has some scratches, and had what the seller called "light pitting", which I cleaned away, and based on the color, actually appeared to be petrified glue from tape or a sticker. Matte blue slide with a modest amount of wear on the sharp edges, and other than the scratches, in VG condition, except for some heavy wear to the very front beneath the muzzle (holster wear I guess). It has "normal" slide serrations, similar to a HP. Frame- anodized aluminum in a greenish brown color, heavy wear at the front of the dust cover (further convincing me of holster wear); a ding where the hammer could hit the beavertail, some edge wear. Barrel came almost black, it was so dirty, cleaned up to show almost pristine. Grips- plastic, some scuffing, I polished them a bit with some headlight polish, and that seemed to clean them up. Came with 1 magazine, it was dirty as heck, I took it apart and wiped the grunge out, now smooth and functions as it should.

Once cleaned up-
Oldball series of design features that seem to borrow from various other pistols, but mesh well.
Most prominent resemblance is to S&W 59 series, especially to the lefthand side. Roughly the same size, and the gun will take S&W mags. The grip has a metal backstrap, so more similar to the 1st and 2nd Gen S&W's, not the 3rd Gen with the plastic wraparound grips. Slide and barrel resemble to the point that you could mistake them for each other, except for the point that the S&W has a slide safety/decocker, and the Daewoo has a frame safety. Disassembly is very much the same for both guns.
Righthand side displays an external trigger bar very similar to the Beretta 92 series. Safety is ambidextrous, disengages the trigger only, does not decock, and does not interfere with any hammer or slide movement. Does block the firing pin. Safety is a little weird, in that the pivot point is to the front (not the rear like a 1911, HP or CZ); requires a slightly different pressure point, and as such I find it a bit more uncomfortable to flick the safety ON with my thumb, but quite easy to flick it OFF.
Nice ergonomics, it has a full and rounded backstrap that feels heavier than my alloy 3rd Gen S&W (a 915), despite the fact that the grip is shorter. The mags hold 13 rds, and a S&W mag that fits flush in the 915 will stick out about 1/4 inch in the Daewoo.

Most unique feature has to be the Triple Action (or Fast Action, or Double Action +) hammer. Complex to explain, simple to operate. Basically- once the hammer is cocked, you push the hammer forward manually, and the trigger resets to a DA length of pull. NOT DA weight, it's quite light, and when you first apply pressure it flicks the hammer back to SA. So the trigger has 2 stages- flick back to SA, then continue and pull to fire in SA.

Shooting- I find the trigger to be pretty comfortable. In SA for me, there is a sliight click as the hammer sets (this is at the distance where, in the Double Action + mode, the hammer flicks back to SA), and then is crisp and light. Coming from the Double Action + setting, I don't get this extra click, so it has to be related to the complex trigger/hammer setup. Double Action, feels like a regular DA comparable to my Beretta or Sig. Trigger reset- not as short as my S&W, maybe more like my Beretta or CZ, very definite click reset, about 1/8" reset.
I shot a box of 50 rds, Yavex 115 gr FMJ (this is NATO spec, pretty hot). No failures or hiccups of any kind. Less felt recoil or muzzle flip than my S&W 915. Capable of mechanical accuracy, as I did put a couple right on the "X"... but I wasn't trying for that, rather I tried to see if there was anything functionally off. Sight picture was good, it has bright white 3 dot sights, they showed up easily. Did seem to shoot to point of aim at 10 yds. Eject/extraction was good, threw the brass firmly up and to the right, about even with me (I shot indoors in a bay, some of the brass was bouncing back off my head after hitting bay wall). My son and I shot, and we both agreed- accuracy was on par with my Sig P226, and both the DA and SA trigger pulls resemble the Sig.

Regarding the DA+: 1st and foremost, when we flicked the hammer forward, it didn't shoot (yes, I worried that the hammer falling might cause that). So that was safe. I do read that Lionheart states to apply the safety first, but that just seems to be for liability.
In shooting with the DA+: if you pull smoothly and slowly, you get a distinct stage where the hammer does fall back to SA. That's easy to replicate, without firing, as it happens early in the pull.
If you apply firm pressure with the intent to shoot (like if you were shooting DA), then the trigger is long, but light, and you don't really notice the stage. It's really not perceptively different than the SA pull, other than the length of the pull.




Edit- as I typed this, the Fedex truck arrived with my package from Numrich. Among other things I bought, I found that they had the original DP 51 magazines (13 rd capacity, made by Daewoo) on sale for $14.95, so I bought a few extra.
These do appear basically identical, with the following exceptions to my original:
on the base of my first one, it just says 9mm. On these new ones, it says DP519MMPARA. The springs on these are stronger; the original mag would just drop free when I hit the mag release, these jump out.
Can't go wrong with new OEM mags at that price!

 

[Wishoot]

Nice!

Friend of mine has one of these. Apparently, he somehow picked one up when he was stationed in Korea. He loves the thing.

 

[usp9]

Daewoo makes very high quality pistols. I've purchased several Daewoos over the years. One a DH40, same gun as the DP51 but in .40 cal. Love that funky trigger. I was lucky enough to also find a couple DP52s and a DP380. Great find, enjoy your "new" duty guns.

 

[lsudave]

Daewoo makes very high quality pistols

This certainly seems to be so

Love that funky trigger

I can see why, it's pretty unique. Gives you a different option. In serious usage, it's basically a long pull for added safety, but at SA weight so it's not going to affect your aim. For range time, kinda seems like it gives you that last-second confirmation when the hammer flips back.

For some reason, it feels rather Sig-like in the hand, and with the SA and DA triggers. I sort of expected it to feel more like a S&W, but it didn't. In appearance, it looks like the spawn of a S&W and a Beretta, with a frame safety tossed in.

My last two pickups have been satisfying. I have this and a Star BM for less than $500 total. If I were to look at just new offerings, I figure it would cost that much for just one comparable pistol. I know the Lionheart pistols go for more than that, and I'd think a smaller 1911 style 9 like the Star would also.

 

[Redcoat3340]

Nice catch. I had one, liked it as a "collectible" and range toy. Traded it for something and then later picked up a Lionheart. Even nicer than the Daewoo...but it too was sacrificed for something else.

I can't say I miss them....the Double Action + was, for me, a solution looking for a problem. But if I were a collector of duty pistols....the Daewoo would have been a keeper. Good luck with it.

 

[bannockburn]

Isudave

Great review of an otherwise relatively obscure service grade pistol. Would make for a decent car/truck gun.

 

[lsudave]

Isudave

Great review of an otherwise relatively obscure service grade pistol. Would make for a decent car/truck gun.

Guess it goes to show, there's little difference between obscure and elite.

Compared to Sig P226- Yes, there is the Sig and Sauer reputations to build on, but their P series is nothing like the 210 in design and construction. As for the rest:
Well designed handgun, good materials, carried by a US ally on the frontline of the conflict: equal there. South Korea and West Germany both faced war daily. Hell, South Korea might have been in a hotter zone. As for materials, the original stamped P226 was infamous for rusting, while I don't see that listed as an issue for the Daewoo (although to be fair, it's tough to find anything listed on the Daewoo).

Innovative features- the Sig got rid of the safety, moved controls around to new places, and put a decocker on. The Daewoo kept the safety, kept the controls, and provided a very interesting and functional response to the heavy DA pull.
Capacity- really, irrelevant. The Sig has more in a flush mounted mag, but you can put a S&W mag in with the same capacity. In fact, you can put any size mag into either, and put a bushing on the end of the mag (like we see nowadays) to match them up.

Truth be told, both are serviceable guns. Lionheart is throwing the marketing into it, and suddenly an obscure afterthought is a niche pistol with some value.

 

[Monac]

I have had a Daewoo DP in 40 S&W for quite a while, but I have not shot it in a long time. There was a very long article in American Handgunner about them at the time I bought it. According to it, the first Daewoo 40's had significant accuracy problems, so Daewoo did quite a bit of research, development, and re-tooling on them. Mine is reliable and accurate, as I recall. It is lightweight and handles well. I assumed the unusual trigger mechanism was a barrier to sales. Glad to see they are catching after all this time.

 

[lsudave]

Nice catch. I had one, liked it as a "collectible" and range toy. Traded it for something and then later picked up a Lionheart. Even nicer than the Daewoo...but it too was sacrificed for something else.

I can't say I miss them....the Double Action + was, for me, a solution looking for a problem. But if I were a collector of duty pistols....the Daewoo would have been a keeper. Good luck with it.

Oh yeah, definitely falls into the range toy/collectable spot for me.
Most of my guns were duty guns, at some point. Some definitely were and were surplussed or PD trade-ins, some were commercial sales of guns designed for duty.

Which leads me to this question- why does this particular pistol have a CAI import stamp? The slide says B-West, so that was the importer (at least at the time of manufacture). Possible re-import from another country, Israel being the most obvious choice?

 

[Walt Sherrill]

I've had several DP-51s, the first one was an absolute tack-driver, and I regret trading it for a more-valuable rifle. The second one was accurate, but not as precise as the first one. I also had a DH-40, which was OK, but they have the reputation of being not quite as accurate as the 9mm version. (They look similar, but they seem to be a bit larger.)

I now have a Lionheart LH9 (which is a rebranded version of the DP51 with some very minor differences); it's a fine gun. The trigger pull is a bit heavier than I like, and I've been trying other hammer springs to find one that eases it up a bit. So far no luck. Nice gun. (I think Lionheart has a slightly newer model out, now.)

You can use S&W Model 59 and some 59XX mags -- they are a little bit longer, but function fine. You can make the Model 59 mags work in the DH40 by lowering the front of the mag (where the front of the follower is located with a Dremel) a little so that the slightly larger .40 round will feed properly. ( Note: opening up the feed lips a bit, letting the round a hair higher might have the effet, but I didn't try that.) Finding FACTORY mags for any of these DaeWoo, but you may be able to buy them from Lionheart.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Oh yeah, definitely falls into the range toy/collectable spot for me.
Most of my guns were duty guns, at some point. Some definitely were and were surplussed or PD trade-ins, some were commercial sales of guns designed for duty.

Which leads me to this question- why does this particular pistol have a CAI import stamp? The slide says B-West, so that was the importer (at least at the time of manufacture). Possible re-import from another country, Israel being the most obvious choice?

Not sure when Century imported them- mine was imported by Kimber believe it or not!

I had the DP51c compact- it was decent, but I did have a few FTE with 115gr plinking ammo. HPs all ran fine.

Interesting note on mags: the factory Daewoo mags are are a few thousandths thicker than the S&W double stacks, so they will not work in the Smiths, but Smith mag bodies (and Marlin Camp 9) will work in the Daewoo. I also ran into some fitment issues with baseplates as the bottom of the grip cutout is a bit different.

In the end, it was an OK pistol, which served nightstand duty for awhile, but was eventually replaced by a 6904.
For around $300, its not a bad choice if you like metal framed guns (like me ) but I didn't think it was special enough to keep.

 

[lsudave]

I've had several DP-51s, the first one was an absolute tack-driver, and I regret trading it for a more-valuable rifle. The second one was accurate, but not as precise as the first one. I also had a DH-40, which was OK, but they have the reputation of being not quite as accurate as the 9mm version. (They look similar, but they seem to be a bit larger.)

I now have a Lionheart LH9 (which is a rebranded version of the DP51 with some very minor differences); it's a fine gun. The trigger pull is a bit heavier than I like

So Walt, you've owned several, and "returned" to it... can you expand on your experiences some? Was the first purchase because it was different, and then you liked it?

In the end, it was an OK pistol, which served nightstand duty for awhile, but was eventually replaced by a 6904.
For around $300, its not a bad choice if you like metal framed guns (like me ) but I didn't think it was special enough to keep.

Well, I have a flock, not just a pair or so. My approach is a set point ($300 as you state), then look for something either profoundly bargain at that price, or something unique and with a story behind it, that you don't see every day. I rotate them so they don't get worn out, and they're for range and general interest and conversation.

My general impression is that most allied countries push towards standardization, and by the time my son is my age, most of the firearms will be that way (not just caliber, but likely the same exact polymer framed gun). I like to look at the various designs- people wanted a hi-cap 9mm metal frame, so the Spaniards had the 30M, the Italians had the 92, the Koreans had the K5 (DP51), the Germans the P226 etc. It's fascinating to me.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

So Walt, you've owned several, and "returned" to it... can you expand on your experiences some? Was the first purchase because it was different, and then you liked it?
Well, I have a flock, not just a pair or so. My approach is a set point ($300 as you state), then look for something either profoundly bargain at that price, or something unique and with a story behind it, that you don't see every day. I rotate them so they don't get worn out, and they're for range and general interest and conversation.

My general impression is that most allied countries push towards standardization, and by the time my son is my age, most of the firearms will be that way (not just caliber, but likely the same exact polymer framed gun). I like to look at the various designs- people wanted a hi-cap 9mm metal frame, so the Spaniards had the 30M, the Italians had the 92, the Koreans had the K5 (DP51), the Germans the P226 etc. It's fascinating to me.

Ive got 32 handguns, so free space in my armory is at a premium. The Daewoo was neat and high quality, but not quite cool enough to earn a permanent spot when something nicer came around. IIRC, I used it as a partial trade on my 1917 DWM Luger, so no regrets there. Lol.
The Daewoo did get a fair amount of interest at the range- especially when you would hand it (unloaded, of course) to someone and tell them to PUSH the hammer forward!

 

[Walt Sherrill]

So Walt, you've owned several, and "returned" to it... can you expand on your experiences some? Was the first purchase because it was different, and then you liked it?

It is an interesting design, and the first DP-51 I owned was stellar. The other two were just OK, but that's true of many of the guns I've bought or traded for over the years. As it turned out, people had trades I wanted more than I wanted the DP-51s and DH-40, so I traded them away. I still regret trading the first one away. (I traded the DH-40 for a somewhat abused Inglis High Power (novelty, not a collector gun), and that didn't prove to be a good swap.)

I like the Lionheart LH9 (and the DP-51). It reminds me of a S&W Third Gen gun built by SIG, but with a frame mounted safety. They all seem to be well made and seemingly reliable. But the LH9 trigger is heavier than I like, and I'm still working on it.

I do like the trigger design -- and if I ever carry the LH9, it'll probably be carried cocked & locked, although hammer down but cocked works well with the right trigger weight (still working on that.) That feature is nice in the DP-51 and in the LH9 if you stay to stock hammer springs.

 

[lsudave]

Ive got 32 handguns, so free space in my armory is at a premium. The Daewoo was neat and high quality, but not quite cool enough to earn a permanent spot when something nicer came around. IIRC, I used it as a partial trade on my 1917 DWM Luger, so no regrets there. Lol.

You've got me by a few , but I feel as though I'm doing ok in that manner. I haven't jumped above $325 on anything yet, and don't have anything polymer-framed. Only duplicate in 9mm is the CZ 75 pre B; only other duplicates are the 3 CZ 27's I have (but they each have different markings and finish). The only other near-duplicate is Beretta, 92SF and 92S. Several Stars (impressed with them), several S&W.

I like the Lionheart LH9 (and the DP-51). It reminds me of a S&W Third Gen gun built by SIG, but with a frame mounted safety.

I've seen that said, and I own the DP51, Sig P226, and S&W 915.

Not being obtuse, what do you mean by "built by Sig"? Trigger? (that was our impression when we shot). Overall feel?
Keep in mind I own a 3rd Gen S&W, a W German P226 and the DP51, so I'm enjoying exploring others' impressions of them.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

I like the Lionheart LH9 (and the DP-51). It reminds me of a S&W Third Gen gun built by SIG, but with a frame mounted safety.

I've seen that said, and I own the DP51, Sig P226, and S&W 915.

Keep in mind I own a 3rd Gen S&W, a W German P226 and the DP51, so I'm enjoying exploring others' impressions of them.

It's the general look and feel of the gun, which looks a bit like a S&W 3rd Gen gun (had a bunch of 4XXX models) and feels a bit like a SIG. I disliked the S&W slide-mounted safety/decocker and capacity, and found the SIG high bore-axis an issue for me. The DaeWoo and Lionheart design avoids those issues.

I won't get another hammer-fired SIG (except a P-210 to replace the one I had to sell some years ago). I have had a bunch of other SIGs, including a P226 X-Five and P220 Super Match.)

I won't get another 2nd or 3rd Gen S& W,I unless it's a 952. While these guns have a lot of fans, I'm not one of them, but understand why folks love S&Ws. I've had a number of 40XX and 45XX models. I also had a S&W 52-2 but 5 round mags and difficulty finding good wadcutter ammo was a continuing problem. I might consider a 952 if I ever found one I could afford -- but since they cost about as much as the newer P210, I'd just get a P210.

The DP-51 looks like a S&W design and feels a bit like a SIG in the hand. Fit and finish have always been good. I like the trigger better. I won't say much about the LH9 until I get the hammer spring right, but I do like the action design.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

The DPs ergonomics seem more like those of the Beretta, personally. Big grip, a little chunky- but not unpleasant.
Its fit and finish actually remind me of some of the later, phosphate-coated Stars like the Firestar. Many of the small parts are obviously castings, but nicely executed ones. A no-nonsense, tough, but not terribly refined gun.

I don't have particularly big hands, but I've never got why people hate the M92s ergonomics. If I had to grab just one pistol and jump out a window with it, it would be my 92fs. The Beretta is definitely the Italian sports car of this crowd, with the slickest action and smoothest trigger.

I do find the DA trigger reach on the P226 a little long for me, though I have one- I prefer my 3 old single stack SIGs, 2x220s and a P225. Lots of folks don't like the long reset of the vintage SIG triggers, but I don't really notice it when I'm shooting them. No plans for a SRT or DAK trigger here. The high bore axis IS noticeable, especially with the .45 P220, and probably does make follow up shots a millisecond slower, but who cares. Love my SIGs!

As for the S&W autos, I didn't like them for the longest time because the notchy, multistage triggers turned me off the first time I shot one, but over the years I have come to appreciate them. I feel very fortunate to have found nice examples of all three generations (39,645,6904) before they really start to explode in value....

 

[lsudave]

Uh oh

had some misfires today, primers weren't struck at all. I don't have a punch handy (my last one broke), so haven't taken the firing pin out. I sprayed it down a lot with brake cleaner, did the pencil test. I'm launching the pencil on SA, but not on DA.
In looking at the firing pin end, it seems like it's intact, I must just have some crud in the channel. Guess I have to go get another punch, and go check that out. Bummer.

S&B 124 gr FMJ, good ignition with all my other DA/SAs that I brought with me (Beretta 92FS, Sig P226, CZ 75, S&W 915, Zastava CZ99, PHP MV9, Star 30MI).

 

[Walt Sherrill]

Numrich has a hammer spring for the DP51, and that might be a good next step if cleaning the firing pin channel doesn't help. The spring is cheap.

 

[Captcurt]

Not sure when Century imported them- mine was imported by Kimber believe it or not!

I had the DP51c compact- it was decent, but I did have a few FTE with 115gr plinking ammo. HPs all ran fine.

Interesting note on mags: the factory Daewoo mags are are a few thousandths thicker than the S&W double stacks, so they will not work in the Smiths, but Smith mag bodies (and Marlin Camp 9) will work in the Daewoo. I also ran into some fitment issues with baseplates as the bottom of the grip cutout is a bit different.

In the end, it was an OK pistol, which served nightstand duty for awhile, but was eventually replaced by a 6904.
For around $300, its not a bad choice if you like metal framed guns (like me ) but I didn't think it was special enough to keep.

 

[Captcurt]

CAI quit imports in 2004 I believe. I just sold a DP 51 in the box with papers for $550. I really liked the triple action trigger but I couldn't hit my own butt with it. The sights are fixed and my gun shot low and to the left. They seem to be well built and are a good looking pistol. Ergonomics are good and since the gun takes S&W mags the only downside is the accuracy. If the OP's gun shoots to suit him he has a winner. For $300 it was a bargain if it shoots where he looks.

 

[lsudave]

Numrich has a hammer spring for the DP51, and that might be a good next step if cleaning the firing pin channel doesn't help. The spring is cheap.

Cheap, and out of stock.

OK, weird. Firing pin channel is clean, and firing pin in good shape. And nah, I don't want to do THAT again... killed another punch, but I got everything back together.

As for the issue- judging from the pencil test, I have a SA pistol, with occasional DA strikes. I question whether the trigger bar spring is strong enough

(not my photo but it shows what I'm looking at)

The punch is pointed at it.

Mine doesn't seem to consistently push the bar up tight enough on DA.

Just found a guy on ebay that has parts for this gun, so I ordered springs; the hammer spring, the trigger bar spring, and another recoil spring. I looked around, couldn't find any at Wolff or anywhere else. Hopefully, this will fix it. If not, maybe the trigger bar itself is bad, and he has that listed also.

I guess the only other thing would be the firing pin block lever might be worn down; so if the springs don't address it, I will go after the bar and lever. We'll see. I didn't intend to do a complete overhaul, but if the parts are available (as they appear to be), this could become an interesting learning project.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

You may simply be showing the spring in question out of position to identify the part, but the spring shown in your photo above, resting on top of the trigger bar is supposed to be inserted into the groove on the bottom of the trigger bar. If you think that spring is weak, Numrich DOES (sometimes) have a replacement spring but they are currently out of stock. https://www.gunpartscorp.com/products/728330

But, IF that is the position in which you found the spring when you removed the grips, that might explain some of the behavior you describe.

 

[AABEN]

I have a 40 and love the way it shoots it is is one of my guns that I carry !!

 

[lsudave]

You may simply be showing the spring in question out of position to identify the part, but the spring shown in your photo above, resting on top of the trigger bar is supposed to be inserted into the groove on the bottom of the trigger bar. If you think that spring is weak, Numrich DOES have a replacement spring but they are currently out of stock. https://www.gunpartscorp.com/products/728330

But, IF that is the position in which you found the spring when you removed the grips, that might explain some of the behavior you describe.

Oh no-- thanks for that, but no, mine was in the slots as it should be.

My trigger bar has an awful lot of play when it's in DA, and when checking with the grips off, I kept trying to see what's going on. Appears to be a timing issue; the trigger bar has to be caught and moved by the hammer, and thus engages the firing pin block lever and pushes that upward. Now, if I provided some more upward pressure on the trigger bar, DA fires (pencil). Appears like it just isn't pressing up into the hammer group with enough tension, until I get to SA. At that point, it does.

Remember this quote from above:

In SA for me, there is a sliight click as the hammer sets (this is at the distance where, in the Double Action + mode, the hammer flicks back to SA), and then is crisp and light. Coming from the Double Action + setting, I don't get this extra click, so it has to be related to the complex trigger/hammer setup. Double Action, feels like a regular DA comparable to my Beretta or Sig.

In staring into the assembly as I work the trigger and watch- the "slight click" is the trigger bar, moving from a free-floating, disengaged position, up into alignment with the hammer and firing pin block lever.

Now to be clear- the gun was filthy, and the first time I took the grips off to clean it, the safety came apart. I had the gun left side up when it happened, the right side of the safety came loose and off. So I could have accidentally done something then, putting it back together (I might have bent that spring and reduced the tension).
It could have been that way, since someone had fiddled around (I don't think the safety would fall apart on it's own, and removal seems to be a step in getting to the internals).

My totally amateur diagnosis is- the loose trigger bar isn't engaging the firing pin lever firmly enough; so one of 3 things.

1. weak trigger bar *spring* (definitely could get bent out of shape if you don't know what you are doing)
2. worn down firing pin block lever, too smooth and rounded to get a clean catch without greater tension. Possible, too. Gun overall shows lots of wear
3. trigger bar lever is worn and not sharp enough to engage without greater tension. I guess that could be the case, it's white in the area that engages the hammer, but it's also pretty thick and solid.

My money is on #1 or #2, and I hope it's #1.