Call SKB in Omaha. See what they say.

800-752-2767

 

Locking system is a Cross Bolt design..the Bar moves From Right to Left in Between Fingers on Barrel Thus Locking Barrel into Action...To get That Lever Back @ 5:00 Those Fingers will Need to be Reworked By Gunsmith.

 

I have a 785 SKB , that is very similar to your weatherby that has been shot very little, the top lever on it is in nearly the same position as yours, it looks like your cross bolt is protruding slightly on the left, which is good meaning that it is fully engaged, I think your gun is fine and would not worry about it, unless you can feel movement between the receiver and the monoblock , then SKB in omaha would be your best bet

 

The Weatherby / SKB has a block down below, and the crossbolt. I would pull the stock first. Since you haven't had any problems locking up, it may be as simple as a new lever spring. Inspect the block , and the crossbolt also. This is a good time to inspect your firing pins and springs also. This tool

PTG Weatherby, SKB Firing Pin Removal Tool

Easily removes the firing pin from Weatherby's and SKB's with this stainless steel tool. Square end fits onto the rear of the firing pin, and using a...

www.midwayusa.com

makes that job much easier.

If the block and or crossbolt are worn a lot, time to get it to a good gunsmith.

 

No, this is definitively not a top lever spring spring problem. This is an issue of wear on the Kirsten cross bolt. The fix is either an oversized crossbolt or a careful welding-up and shaping-down of the bites. Consult SKB in Omaha for sure.

 

If the cross bolt is worn and needs replaced, why would he want an oversized cross bolt?

I would think the original size cross bolt as designed by the SKB engineers would be the best choice.

 

I've had the entire lever / crossbolt replaced on one of my guns by SKB - it was not expensive and they only took about a week to do the work.
I agree - call them.
What was nice too, was they only wanted the receiver -which made shipping easy.

 

as steve said it is a issue of wear; a lot!

 

the crossbolt is a wear point. when it gets worn this much; it should be replaced with a larger one

 

So, you're saying the receiver that the cross bolt passes through is wearing along with the cross bolt?

I would think the cross bolt would be a softer metal so that only the cross bolt would show wear and could be replaced by a standard cross bolt.

Causing wear to the receiver, requiring an oversize cross bolt seems like a poor design. Just my opinion.

 

I would agree with 94 the bolt should be the wear item. if the receiver were the wear point it would be a lot more expensive to repair. that would not seem to make much sense in the design

 

i know that beretta makes oversize cross bolts for their ASE-90 thru DT-11 shotguns. other manufacturers make oversize "locking lugs". that is how you correct a top lever that is way to the left.

 

If the cross bolt is worn and needs replaced, why would he want an oversized cross bolt?

I would think the original size cross bolt as designed by the SKB engineers would be the best choice.

They're made oversize so they can be fit exactly.

I would agree with 94 the bolt should be the wear item. if the receiver were the wear point it would be a lot more expensive to repair. that would not seem to make much sense in the design

If that were why you used an oversized part, that the receiver were more than the crossbolt, the correct repair would be to Tig Weld the hole for the crossbolt in enough to be able to file it back to the correct size.

 

They're made oversize so they can be fit exactly.

Oh, now I understand. They aren't intended to be inserted as purchased. Rather they are oversized so you can 'grind to fit'. Now that makes sense! Thanks for the insight!

 

This is what SKB says based on picture and description of problem:

Now that we have seen it, we think it may be a sign that your top lever is on its way to failure. There is a tongue at the top of the lever embedded into the receiver head. You can't see it, but it's the part of the lever that attaches to the lug in the mechanism. It's possible the 6:30-7:00 position is a sign that some of the tongue has worn away. When it finally fails, you will not be able to open the gun.

 

tig weld; are you serious!

 

This is what SKB says based on picture and description of problem:
Now that we have seen it, we think it may be a sign that your top lever is on its way to failure. There is a tongue at the top of the lever embedded into the receiver head. You can't see it, but it's the part of the lever that attaches to the lug in the mechanism. It's possible the 6:30-7:00 position is a sign that some of the tongue has worn away. When it finally fails, you will not be able to open the gun.

^ ^ ^ ^ For a visual of what SKB is talking about, see the illustration below. SKB is concerned that there's some slop, wear, cracking, or breakage where the Top Lever tongue meshes with the matching recess in the Locking Bolt.

 

As I mentioned in an earlier post - I have had this repair done. It is an easy fix. Mine went until it broke - this is what SKB sent back to me. Broke in that exact spot as suggested by Jeff in the above post..

 

All the above posts are great, especially diagram from Jeff and picture from SKB Eric showing what could happen. Thanks to all. So to add new info, SKB says they do not have elaborate Athena top lever, but can substitute something workable. Bah Humbug. Embellishment is what gives an Athena curb appeal. Next brainstorm for all to consider: Could my top lever be welded and reshaped back to normal? Hate to give it up if I don't have to. Your thoughts?

 

........... Embellishment is what gives an Athena curb appeal. Next brainstorm for all to consider: Could my top lever be welded and reshaped back to normal? Hate to give it up if I don't have to. Your thoughts?

Anything can be fixed ...... but at what costs?
My thought? - I would let SKB repair it with a substitute top lever. Ask them for the fanciest one they have. They will then send you back your old one, which you could have a machinist repair. My guess is 99.9% of anyone that sees the other top lever on the gun would never know that is wasn't original.

 

Pretty much any such thing is possible, depending on the patience, available time and skill of your gunsmith, and on the contents of your wallet.

 

SKB Eric is correct. I don't know anything definite.

 

Slowly move the top lever side to side. Does the locking bolt move correspondingly as you move the top lever?

 

Block moves back & forth normally. I have short video but can't upload it here.

 

Yeah, your top lever isn't broken then. You just need a new locking block.

 

Locking block in open and closed position.

 

Potentially silly question, but it hasn't really been verified from any of the photos you've posted so far . . . where is the Top Lever when it is closed with the barrels on the gun?

 

Post #1 original picture is with barrels attached.

 

Update: top lever tab was about worn through. Repair took exactly 2 weeks including shipping back and forth.

 

THANKS for updating the thread. That picture says a 1000 words.

What did they come up with for a top lever? Are you happy with the way it looks now?