Top lever position

[Austin W Hogan]

I have often wondered about the real purpose of the bolt plate. It served no purpose on lifter guns, as the lifter cam had huge leverage to open the bolt, and was completely clear of the bolt as it was going forward to lock. I have seen several lifters with brazed on bolt plates; these may be updates for square cut bolt slots.

Many of you have seen my 5 digit VH; I have put at least 15000 rounds through it at skeet and five stand in the last ten years. The lever is smooth and the gun locks tight. It does not have a bolt plate.

I have some higher and lower serial guns with and/or without hammers and with and/or without bolt plates. These have all been shot at least half as often as the 5 digit VH. Most of these operate smoothly and lock tightly. Some of those with bolt plates act a little loose until the forend is fitted.

I do know that I "repaired" two of my own guns that appeared to be "off face" by cleaning powder residue from the bolt bight, cleaning the boltway in the frame and cleaning the ejector/extractor slot.

Best, Austin