Single Barrel Trap

[Bob Suber]

I recently purchased a Parker, grade SB, SBT. I noticed the round portion of the top lever is slightly above the receiver. You can see it and feel it with your finger. I can tap it down with a dead blow hammer or rawhide mallet. However, with opening and closing, it returns to a slightly raised position. I tightened the set screw on the left inside rear of the receiver. I do not find any screw or nut to tighten to keep this head of the top lever level to the receiver. Top lever is centered and remains to the right upon opening. The round portion of the toplever is flush to the receiver if I remove the trigger plate. How do I fix this or is this normal? The gun has not been abused or damaged. Everything looks like someone took care of this gun. I have more experience with Ithaca, LC Smith and Fox shotguns than with Parker.

[Pa SxS]

It would help if you listed the S/N. The design changed from the early to later SBT's.

[Bob Suber]

It was made in 1930, S/N 235738.

[B. Dudley]

It is not normal. The only thing that prevents the top lever on a parker from working out is a small set screw about 1/2" in length in the left side of the tang. The frame needs to be removed from the wood to accress it. Now, the screw cannot back out since the wood prevents this, so the issue is not the screw being loose. The end of it is either damaged or worn, allowing slack in the lever.

[Bob Suber]

Thanks for the feedback. I thought that was the only thing holding the top lever tight. I did tighten that screw earlier but noticed the top lever still inched upward when firing with snap caps and opening the top lever several times. I then took the gun apart again and the set screw had backed out a little. Now the magic question, 'where can one find such replacement screws? ' Or must I make one?

[B. Dudley]

I would still remove the lever and the screw in order to inspect both parts and see what the root cause is.

I have a number of the set screws. Both used and new old stock.