Tightening barrels to frame
 

How do gunsmiths "tighten" the barrels up with the frame? I have a gun that is on face and closes tight, however when the gun is open there is a very slight wiggle between the barrels and action. Never really paid any attention to it since when it closes, it's tight on the breech, but just annoying.

peen a little metal here or there. or use a welder depending on how bad. The oft mentioned brass shim stock is another option

John,
just my experience. If the gun is on face and no wiggle when closed with the forearm off, the hinge pin is fine.

If you have excessive play when the gun is open only, this is a case of the tension of forearm which keeps tension between the forearm lug on the barrels and the knuckle of the frame, not being correct.

I hope that made sense:eek:, but that is the way my gunsmith explained a similar problem I had to what I believe you're experiencing.

Stan

Really, dont worry about it. Some moment on the hook when open is normal for any gun that has been shot much. If it is tight and on face when closed, that is what is important.

Loosness on the hook is primarily caused by forend lug wear.

Thanks Brian.

For what its worth, I had a GH 16 that I had Turnbull restore for me 20 years ago, and while he did a magnificent job, the barrels wiggled on the hook when the gun was open. Prior to the restoration the frame would scrape oil off the sides of the hook without touching metal, and there was zero wobble. I figured the frame must have spread a little in the quench. Didnt hurt the shootability of the gun, but as you said, it bothered me. Nobody hard fits anymore, not even Turnbull.