difficulty in take down
 

I took my VH 16 gauge 0 Frame out on the sporting range today and there were a few times where the safety was off but the gun didn't fire or seemed to have a hard trigger pull - all in the forward trigger for the right barrel. I opened and closed the gun a few times, slide the safety back and forth and finished a few more stations.
When I got home to clean the guns I removed the for-end and slid open the lever
and the action would only partially open and would not separate from the barrels.
I then reassembled the gun, pulled the triggers on some snap caps, and then the gun disassembled fine for me with the gun uncocked and pins visible. I went through the routine again and it still would not come apart unless the forward trigger was pulled. There was no need to pull the left to disassemble the gun.
Definitely at this point a trip to the gunsmith seems in order as I am not one to get deep into it but Im curious if anyone has some insight or has had a similar experience.
Thank you.

A crushed lead pellet, probably from a reload, that was fouling up the mechanism.

A forum search on the topic will result in Many previous discussions on the subject.

“Unhooking” is a good keyword to use.

Got it. Thank you Brian.

There was a wealth of info in these discussions and a real education for me. Dan Morgan got right to the problem before I finished my description. He had disassembled, cleaned and boiled this action for me two years back and the lead seems to be the culprit. All works well and he said to keep it clean and bring it back if it repeats and he will dig deeper.
Weather permitting I hope to take some Pheasant with it on Monday.
Thanks

Eric I'm not sure what you are referring to, a lead pellet, where? I'm confused but for me that's normal..........

There was a single lead shot pellet (probably from a reloaded shell) that was flattened and jammed between some parts in the gun. I am not sure just where they were lodged. When removed all worked well and the problem was gone.
I shoot mostly reloads in the gun at clays so occasionally I get a not so perfect crimp that I shoot anyway. Got to watch that more in the future.

My crimps are usually "not so perfect" and I light a candle and drip two drops of wax in the center of the crimp to seal them tight.

No - I don't do this at my reloading table.





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Good idea Dean!

:biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh:

That's funny