I believe if you open the gun slightly, the fore end will come off more easily. Be sure you’re holding onto the barrels, so they don’t fall when the fore end comes off.

Well sir, that did the trick, thank you. Once opened slightly I was able to remove the forend.
Good news is all number match. Bad news the barrels won’t release. Probably the first time it’s been apart in well over 50 years.
Any other tricks? It feels like there is some spring tension.

Attachment 138756

The cocking slide is not going fully forward, so that the cocking hook, on the barrels can release from the crank. Close the gun and fire both barrels, and it should now come unhooked.

When Edgar said fire he means with out any amo in gun '

I assumed that thank you. Sadly it didn't work. It actually created more tension when initially opening the action. Still stuck. Is there a safe lube I can apply before trying again?

Shot it a couple times with snap caps then sprayed it up pretty good with WD. Will wait a few days to see if it frees up.
Anyone know of a gunsmith familiar with Parkers in the Update NY - Buffalo area?



Rob

:knowbetter: I guess I could have said 'drop the hammers'

You shouldn't have used WD40 as it will gum up, attract dirt and eventually harden.

Any suggestions as to a better product?

There are many, I like Clenzoil and/or Rem Oil.