Early VH question

[Eldon Goddard]

I have a 1903 VH and I noticed that the barrels can be lifted up off the action slightly when the gun is closed. Is this caused by wear and the locking bolt? I do not think the gun is off face as when the gun is fully disassembled the barrels fit tight to the frame. As I understand it in 1910 an improved locking system was implemented. What is the solution to the problem? I could only think of adding material to the bolt bite.

[Bill Murphy]

That's about what has to be done. A shim on the hook may help, but the locking lug is not in full contact, so that has to be addressed.

[B. Dudley]

Yes, the issue is wear to the bolt bite surface. A hardened bolt bite insert can be added. Or the bolt can be replaced with one that fits better.

That is your most expensive and also least expensive solution for a more permanant fix.

Peening the sides of the bolt bite some can tighten things up, but it is more of a temporary fix. Depends on how much shooting will be done with it.

[Bill Murphy]

Brian, is adding a thin shim to the bite something you do? Would it be soldered or attached by some other means?

[B. Dudley]

Yes, that can be done. Soldered would be best. It would need to be a VERY thin shim. I would personally recommend replacing the bolt.

[BRDHNTR]

Do the bolts have to be made or are they readily available? Brian could you explain the process of replacing a bolt in greater detail? thanks

[Eldon Goddard]

I just finished putting a gun back on face. This does not seem as bad. If oversize bolts are made I would also be interested to know. I could machine one but that also seems like a lot of work.

[B. Dudley]

Replacement bolts are not manufactured. I was mentioning that the bolt replacement is easier providing one has spare parts.

[Eldon Goddard]

Ill think of something. I have been planning on working on it but with temps in the 115+ range the past week I have given up working in the garage. This VH has some problems but the wood is much nicer than my 1912 VH. I am guessing the earlier VHs had nicer wood. I am going to post pictures when I get it all back together. I also find it interesting that the barrel appear to be uncut and measure 29 15/16''. The matting ends before the barrel. The guns are a lot of fun especially when you can pick them up at auction for $200.

[B. Dudley]

Well it sounds like you have a winner there at that price! Good find.

Grade of wood has ways been an interesting topic. Sometimes lower grade guns can be found with nicer wood than the grade above it would normally have. However, it has been generally mentioned that later VH grades had much nicer wood than earlier ones, especially when it came to meriden made guns under Remington ownership. The belief is that Remington was just using up stock and putting whatever they wanted on lower grades without as much thought to it. Some later VH guns have stunning wood.