top lever is left of center

[Rick Riddell]

The action is tight but the top lever is left of center, Am I looking at a costly repair or is this just part of owning a 90 yr old gun. Is there anything I should be concerned with?

[Autumn Daze]

Rick, If the action is tight no need to worry. Keep the bolt and hinge lubed with something like Super -Lube and she will last another 100 years.

[B. Dudley]

The lever position means little on Parkers. There is little room for movement.

The position of the top lever was set at the factory and every one is a little different.

What is important to look at is the "dish" in the top lever and frame that is formed by the rib contour carrying back into the frame. If all filed contours line up, and the gun is tight, then no issue.

[Tim Wells]

The "bite" just needs adjusting if it bothers you. You can watch a video on this procedure on youtube if you search for "Gunsmithing - British Side-by-Side Shotguns How to Tighten the Bite" (sponsored by midway USA.) There's a link in the video description to the full length video. Simple procedure.

[B. Dudley]

then the frame filing will not line up properly.

With a Parker, trying to remedy a Left of Center position on a tight gun is trying to fix a non issue.

[Tim Wells]

I agree, just posted it for educational purposes so the OP would know what was involved in the job. I wouldn't fool with it either, if it's tight and on face, leave it be.

[J.B. Books]

Originally Posted by Tim Wells

The "bite" just needs adjusting if it bothers you. You can watch a video on this procedure on youtube if you search for "Gunsmithing - British Side-by-Side Shotguns How to Tighten the Bite" (sponsored by midway USA.) There's a link in the video description to the full length video. Simple procedure.

Here is the video.

[Mark Beasland]

I would not try that on a gun with a hard insert.

[Roundsworth]

I have disassembled only four toplever Parkers and made an observation that was similar on all of them. After scrupulously cleaning the receivers and all components, I carefully assembled various pieces (except barrels) and came to the conclusion, that, in order for any of these four guns' toplevers to be to the left of center, material would have to be removed/peened on the receiver and/or locking parts.