Hammer Gun Top Action Levers
 

While interesting, a curved top lever does not necessarily allow the breech to be opened with the right hammer cocked.

Wonder why then that the fishtail toplever was devised if not to allow opening with the right hammer cocked? They sure do add a lot of character though, eh?

It was demonstrated to me one day that the fishtail lever was easier to operate if you are left handed than the traditional straight lever. The person who demonstrated this was of the opinion that was the reason for the fishtail lever, because not all Parkers will open with the right hammer cocked.

I myself think that my fishtail guns are classier.

Try cocking the hammers after opening the action. I tried several and all the fishtails allowed cocking after opening. The straight levers would not cock.

Brad

Brad
My fishtail hammer 10 is in your outbox- try it!!!

already shipped, but I did when we tested it. It worked.

Brad

What is the frame size of the gun that you have pictured not opening? TPS mentions that No. 1 frame guns seem to not want to open when cocked.

2 Frame

My #3 frame 10 ga will not open after being cocked. It will cock after opening though. Gotta love that fishtail!

Jack Kuzepski

All of my 16 ga. 0-frames will open with the right hammer fully cocked.

My big girl opens, 3 frame 10.

My grade 2, 1 frame, will cock when open and can be opened when cocked. I agree that the fishtail is classy and wish I could have them on all my guns- hammer or hammerless.

Brought back to the top for the new people.

My 12ga 1 1/2" fishtail will open with the hammer cocked. My 10ga 3 frame streight lever will not open with the hammer cocked.

Uh Huh
 

Yep, it's threads like this one that keep an LC Smith guy comin back here to check in with friends. (misguided as they may be!) seems we never have discussions about Fishtail Top Levers over in my neighborhood! Learn something new every day, and never say never!
Thanks Bruce!
John

Are they all fishtail top lever guns?

I have heard that L C Smith had to glue all the top leavers on their guns because they kept falling off.

Yes they are all fishtail guns.

Thanks John, and my best to LCSCA leaders and my friends Frank Finch and Jim Stubendienk. Many PGCA members are also LCSCA members with both makes of fine American doubles.