Assistance
 

Have an older Parker (#63020) that's been on the rack for many years. It was sleeved and completely rebuilt probably 20 years ago. It has always had a problem with the forend latch seating flush.

I pulled it out this morning to look it over and opened it to check the breach and shut it, took the forend off and it will not break open. The top lever moves 1/4-3/8 inch, but all else stays shut like a vault.

I'd appreciate any ideas you all have.

Push the lever harder.

Bolt sounds like it is sticking.

Whew! Held my breath the whole time pushing with both thumbs, that top lever isn't exactly an I-beam! It seemed to be some semi congealed grease/oil in the extractor guide that made it stick the first 1/4" of its movement.

I still have the problem of the fore end latch closing flush when on the barrels. The gun opens beautifully unless one 'smartly' closes the action. Is it possible these two problems are related? Like with all mechanical problems, it's not a matter of how to fix it, but rather what to fix!

Thank you very kindly!

Check that the screws are tight on the fore-end.

I had the same problem recently. It was just a little trash that caused it to stick. I recognized the trash it came from my vest pocket while shooting clays.

'Smoked' the back of the lug and ever so slowly kissed the back of the lug with a file and brought the lever down to the latch position. Guess its a mystery of the north woods why this developed... but it's cured!

Brian Dudley is a Master on a Parker, I think he speaks to the soul of them.