[ishoottrap]

I just did a routine cleaning i.e. not taking the stock off and I noticed the following. The release lever feels smooth when the barrel is removed. When the barrel is on, I can feel some slight grabbing as I start to move the lever. So I think the friction is not internal to the action but where the locking bolt (part 45) engages the slot below the lower barrel. I worked and greased it a few times. I can still feel some friction but will see how it goes. Open to other ideas.

Try exerting pressure downward and upward toward the muzzle (as if you were opening/closing the gun) while actuating the lever to see if the problem changes. It could be binding a bit if the contact between the tops of the receiver walls are contacting the "wings" on the monoblock anywhere but at the very rear.

 

[ishoottrap]

RHODE,
Have experienced the same with three Brand NEW Browning O/U’s. Two were Citori’s and one a 725. In each case believe the fitment on the locking bolt ramp and the same on the barrel lug it fits into was the culprit. One of the Citori’s had visible machine/file marks on the barrel lug surface. Was able to very lightly hone the surface smooth. The other two, 725 and Citori had fairly smooth looking surfaces but after closing the action and firing the release lever was NOT easy or smooth to operate and open the action. On all three applied grease to the mating surface for several months, cleaning off and reapplying after each days shooting. Two of the three now function perfect and no longer apply the grease. The third is the least used and still apply grease and will continue to do so until the release lever works smoothly.
Realize as a break action guns springs weaken with useage and age, greasing is NOT a suggested practice, but with a NEW gun spring pressure is high and the grease definitly helps the mating surfaces polish/seat in.
Hope this helps.

Realize as a break action guns springs weaken with useage and age, greasing is NOT a suggested practice, - Perazzi and I disagree. Sliding surfaces should be greased. Keeping the bolt engaged is a matter of geometry and spring pressure and should not depend on friction.