Bill, would it be possible to open your 8 gauge hammer gun with the right hammer cocked if the gun had a straight lever?

With my 5 frame 10 hammer I can not open the straight top lever with the hammers back even with a big the receiver. I wish I could. De-cocking the hammers on a big gun like that can be a little "hairy".

dean the mill s silent auction 8 ga is a fishtail...it would open with hammer cocked if it were a straight lever... its on a 7 frame... charlie

If I remember right, the silent auction 8 gauge is mid 1890's. The latest one I own now is an NH from 1891

mills the 8 ga was made 1891 from the letter you gave me... charlie

Ok. I wonder what is the last fishtail Parker?

Dean, I believe it would open cocked. I think I checked it, but you know what happens to your "thinker" when you get on in years.

I don't know about you Bill but I tend to lose small parts. A magnetized steel mechanic's parts bowl would work really well but it's too late for the last one I worked on... :crying:

I have a GHE damascuss 16ga with the fishtail top lever as well as a couple of hammer guns.

I'm guessin that the 16 is on a #1 frame Rich ?