[Big Az Al]

Check your top lever stop with the barrels off.

Because waiting fro the top lever to reach or go past Dead center may never happen! Because of the way the action or block was made will not let it even get to center.

Prepping to blue I saw that this top lever will never reach dead center or 6 oclock. The only parts in my hand are the frame and top lever.

That is why KNOWING your shotgun and not just hearing "it isn't at 6 oclock or dead center," can get you in trouble.

If you wait for this top lever to reach 6 oclock, it would be loose yet never get there!

Take your barrels off, release the top lever to it's stop. Where the top lever stops with out the barrels is the barrel worn out position when the barrels are on the frame.

KNOW YOUR SHOTGUN!

AL

 

[pheasantsgalore]

Interesting- thanks for sharing this.

 

[o-hale]

What receiver is that, mine is not made that way, thanks.

 

[Big Az Al]

It is a Perazzi MX8.

I have had, one or more of every model of Browning, plus Beretta and this about the tenth Perazzi where the top lever stops before reaching center, in my hand.

That is why I when having a chance to post pictures that explain the need to be sure of your gun.

Ever hear, "my gun seems loose, but the top lever isn't close to center."?

Some will never reach center and it is such a hard check. I mean take the barrels off, trip the release and see where the top lever stops.

Al

 

[o-hale]

If you look at most Perazzi’s both sides on top look like the right side of yours, i.e. mirror image.

 

[Big Az Al]

If you look at most Perazzi’s both sides on top look like the right side of yours, i.e. mirror image.

Yes most do, but I have still had them where the top lever stops before center. The picture has obvious cosmetic contouring but many without that obvious look still will never center the top lever.

Al

 

[o-hale]

I understand and agree with you, as far as when to replace locking block I let Dan decide that.

 

[Rabbit-hunter]

Check your top lever stop with the barrels off.

Because waiting fro the top lever to reach or go past Dead center may never happen! Because of the way the action or block was made will not let it even get to center.

View attachment 1886131 View attachment 1886132

Prepping to blue I saw that this top lever will never reach dead center or 6 oclock. The only parts in my hand are the frame and top lever.

That is why KNOWING your shotgun and not just hearing "it isn't at 6 oclock or dead center," can get you in trouble.

If you wait for this top lever to reach 6 oclock, it would be loose yet never get there!

Take your barrels off, release the top lever to it's stop. Where the top lever stops with out the barrels is the barrel worn out position when the barrels are on the frame.

KNOW YOUR SHOTGUN!

AL

Thanks for sharing this, it's good to know

 

[Steven Rademacher]

Al is exactly right. On the other end of the spectrum, you have guns like my Kolar Max Trap T/A. With barrels off (or open), the top lever will go a fair distance past 6 o'clock. Currently the lever sits moderately to the right of center. However, what matters is the distance between the two!

Please excuse the messy looking, prototype PFS grip.

 

[Big Az Al]

Al is exactly right. On the other end of the spectrum, you have guns like my Kolar Max Trap T/A. With barrels off (or open), the top lever will go a fair distance past 6 o'clock. Currently the lever sits moderately to the right of center. However, what matters is the distance between the two!

Please excuse the messy looking, prototype PFS grip.

View attachment 1886391 View attachment 1886392

Thank you for this counter point. It is what everyone is looking for.
But there are guns that just won't do that.

Al

 

[jansonuhl]

Check your top lever stop with the barrels off.

Because waiting fro the top lever to reach or go past Dead center may never happen! Because of the way the action or block was made will not let it even get to center.

View attachment 1886131 View attachment 1886132

Prepping to blue I saw that this top lever will never reach dead center or 6 oclock. The only parts in my hand are the frame and top lever.

That is why KNOWING your shotgun and not just hearing "it isn't at 6 oclock or dead center," can get you in trouble.

If you wait for this top lever to reach 6 oclock, it would be loose yet never get there!

Take your barrels off, release the top lever to it's stop. Where the top lever stops with out the barrels is the barrel worn out position when the barrels are on the frame.

KNOW YOUR SHOTGUN!

AL

I spot check for looseness by putting barrels on gun and seeing if can get movement by twisting them.

 

[Steven Rademacher]

I spot check for looseness by putting barrels on gun and seeing if can get movement by twisting them.

Yep. The best way I've found is snap barrels on receiver without the forearm. Then grab the muzzle in your left hand, with your right hand below the receiver. Now wave it and twist it around. If there is any movement whatsoever between barrel and receiver, you will feel it right away.

 

[Big Az Al]

I spot check for looseness by putting barrels on gun and seeing if can get movement by twisting them.

Yep. The best way I've found is snap barrels on receiver without the forearm. Then grab the muzzle in your left hand, with your right hand below the receiver. Now wave it and twist it around. If there is any movement whatsoever between barrel and receiver, you will feel it right away.

This covers a third problem with locking up an over under.
The locking block wears a step into the barrels lockup notch. The step causes the locking block to stop, stop short of full lock up, further wear and the barrels are very loose.

Al