Barrels move horizontal when closed

[Eric Romanowski]

Hi
I have a 1909 GH 16ga with Damascus barrels and I’ve noticed that they have started to move slightly left to right or horizontal when the gun is closed. I’ve tried to research what’s causing this to happen but not having any luck. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Eric

[Brian Dudley]

It is off face. Side to side movement is usually hook wear and also forend lug wear. Likely there is excessive bolt wear too.

[Eric Romanowski]

Thank you Brian I appreciate your knowledge!! I recently bought the gun and it fits me perfectly! I’m disappointed that I’m not going to use it this year with the season just starting! Looks like I’m going to have to find a good gunsmith to fix it and maybe next year I’ll be able to get it back into the woods!
Again thank you very much for responding!
Eric

[Austin J Hawthorne Jr.]

You could put a thin shim on the hook as a temporary fix for the bird season and then have it fixed correctly after that.

[Eric Romanowski]

That’s exactly what I did. Thank you Austin for your input it is appreciated!!

[Chris Robenalt]

Degrease and coat the hook with the yellow Satellite glue, then hit with Accelerater. I've done this on a gun or two, still holding and on face tight. A cheap fix.

[Eric Romanowski]

Thank you Chris!!

[Stan Hillis]

I came up with another way to do this, several years ago, on my BSS duck gun that I've shot off face. A BSS's hook cannot be welded because of the way they were made, but a shim from aluminum HVAC adhesive tape works perfectly, and lasts for about 300 rounds before needing replacing. The aluminum measures .003" and has peel off backing that exposes a really good adhesive. I just clean the hook good with alcohol and a cotton swab, cut a small square of tape with scissors, peel the backing off, put it in place, then carefully cut away the excess on the sides of the hook with an Exacto knife.

I know I should have the pin replaced and expertly put the gun back on face but it only gets used to shoot ducks and it'll outlast me the way I'm doing it. This winter I will most likely Loctite a piece of .003" steel shim stock in place.

[Eric Romanowski]

That was my first attempt but it was a little too thick I believe. When I went to close the gun the lever wouldn’t go back it stayed to the open position. I used two pieces of aluminum foil with some hing grease and it seems to be good. I’m heading out to pheasant hunt and I’ll see how it goes. I’m bringing some foil and grease with me just in case.
Thank you Stan for your time and response!

[tom tutwiler]

Just for a quick and super easy fix, one can degrease the hook with solvent and then cut and apply one of the free address labels all the charities seem to send you to make a donation. They are about .010 in thickness and since they are peel and stick, they are easy to trim and apply. I actually did it one time on a very loose Fox Pin gun just to try it out. Shot a round a clays and it held up fine.

[Eric Romanowski]

Thank you Tom! The foil is working so far. Lots of great temporary solutions. I really appreciate everyone’s help!

[allen newell]

Eric, where in western Mass are you pheasant hunting? preserve shoot?

[Eric Romanowski]

Hi Allen,
Most of my pheasant hunting in Ma. is actually in central ma. High Ridge in Gardner and Westminster. It’s a WMA. I like it because it’s 5 minutes from my house and it’s a big area that they stock pheasant 3 times a week. The other thing I like about it is when the woodcock start to migrate it can offer some great woodcock hunting! I’ve met some really nice people from all over Ma. that hunt this area for that reason. If you’re interested in the area and you want to drive out this way drop me a line and I’d be more than glad to show you around. Either before the season or during it.

[Louis Rotelli]

Eric I'm in western CT. I can have a look at it for you and fix it the correct way.

[Eric Romanowski]

Hi Louis,
I’d be interested in talking to you. How can I get in contact with you?
Thank you for replying!
Eric

[Eric Romanowski]

Hi Louis
I found your contact info and would like to give you a call this weekend if that’s okay with you?
Again thank you!

[allen newell]

Hi Eric, happy to take you up on your offer. I have a very nice english setter that i've trained and she is just a joy to handle and shoot over. out this way we hunt 2 wma"s, myles standish and crane. they too are stocked 3x's a week. and we have woodcock flight birds in them as well. but I'll come out and hunt with you next Fall.

[Eric Romanowski]

Hey Allen, I’ve hunted Myles Standish a couple times my in laws are in Dartmouth. That sounds great! Look forward to hunting with you and your buddy! I have a 6year old golden retriever and loves to hunt!
I’ll keep in touch. We’d be better off to hunt during the week if that’s possible for you?
Talk to you later, cheers

[Louis Rotelli]

Sure, looking forward to it