Slightly Loose

[Shelldrake]

Hello,

I am examining an A Grade Philadelphia 12 Ga for purchase that I like very much. It locks up tightly with the lever slightly to the right of center. With the action closed, and the forend off, there is no movement of the barrels and they appear to be on face. However, with the gun open, there is some side-to-side movement/looseness of the barrels on the frame. My Utica 20 ga Sterlingworth does not do this.

Is this looseness something to be concerned about?

Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

[Brian Dudley]

The forend lug area likely needs some attention. SW guns (similar to Parker Trojans) have a spring loaded plunger box which puts rear ward pressure on the frame knuckle. This maintains a tight on the hinge condition. Graded guns have nothing to maintain this other than just the wedging of the forend against the rear of the forend lug. As this point wears the tight fit becomes sloppy.

Realistically, it is not a problem and can be left as is if need be. As long as it is tight when closed and firing.

[Shelldrake]

Thanks for the reply Brian. That seems to be the consensus.

[Brian Dudley]

There is some very good conversation going on over on the Double Gun Shop BBS about what the meaning of "loose" actually IS.