VHE- sounds like something is loose in action - normal?

[B. Dudley]

Yup. Auto safety rod is what it is. Or at least most likely based on your recent findings.
As jerry suggests, it may have been replaced with something that is not the right size.

Or it could just have a little more play than normal. Usually those rods are a little snug fitting in the hole. But that can so be made tight by dirt and such over the years.

[jsd245]

So on the technical drawing- what part is the auto safety rod? Yes I do need to disassemble and clean anyhow, so I'll have to look at it. The back end of the trigger guard (where the serial number is)stands ever so slightly proud of the wood as well- I'm wondering if I can fix that.